New 2015 Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is the Toyota brand's smallest and least expensive U.S. offering. In its current generation, the Yaris is offered in two hatchback configurations, with either three doors or five. A four-door Yaris sedan was offered previously, but it was phased out after one year of simultaneous sales with the newer hatchback models. Toyota also offered a two-door version of the Yaris's predecessor, the Echo.

For more on the Yaris, see our full review of the 2014 Toyota Yaris, which includes prices, options, specifications, and gas-mileage ratings. You can also see the Yaris vs. its competitors.

 

In the expanding market of subcompact cars--what we used to call "economy cars"--the Yaris faces off against an all-new 2015 Honda Fit, as well as the hatchback models of the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, and the Nissan Versa model known as the Note. Few of them offer the simpler three-door body style, which is less expensive but also somewhat less practical--even if it's only ever driven by a single person who may want to toss her backpack into the rear seat via a rear door.

In Toyota showrooms, the Yaris also competes with the Toyota Prius C, which offers an entirely different five-door subcompact design and the famous Prius 50-mpg gas-mileage rating. But the Yaris is several thousand dollars less expensive than the Prius C, meaning that drivers who cover relatively few miles each year will come out ahead with the Yaris.

The Yaris remains one of the lightest vehicles in this class, at around 2,300 pounds, yet in an extended drive we found its performance to be underwhelming--although sporty SE models get a stiffer suspension for a more responsive feel (plus four-wheel discs). Engine noise remains an issue at highway cruising speeds, and we've found the current Yaris to be fuel-efficient in the city but no standout for mileage on the highway. The new Yaris is strong on safety, with nine standard airbags, but lacking options like heated seats and touch-screen navigation. Bluetooth hands-free features are delightfully simple, though, and USB ports and aux plugs are standard for all.

With all-new styling, the current Toyota Yaris Liftback goes in a somewhat sporty but also somewhat more ubiquitous direction, losing some of the Euro-chic charm of the previous hatchback but gaining a few inches of length, for better cargo capacity especially. Engines and transmissions essentially carry over unchanged from the previous generation, but interior design and ergonomics are quite different, with gauges moved back directly in front of the driver and seats getting more generous bolstering.

For 2013, Toyota made the former Tech Audio Package (Bluetooth, USB, iPod connectivity, HD Radio, satellite radio compatibility, and six speakers) standard on all models.

The Yaris received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2015 model year, with even more aggressive styling. Changes included more soft-touch materials inside, a retuned suspension, and some added feature content. The sporty SE model returns, available only on the five-door body style.

A new Yaris is expected in a few years. It will be built in Mexico and will also form the basis for the next Mazda 2 subcompact.

Toyota Yaris History

The first-generation Yaris, sold in the U.S. from 2006 through 2011, supplanted the homely Echo in Toyota's lineup and was lauded—especially in hatchback form—for a more stylish, urban-chic appearance. Initially, the Yaris was offered either as a three-door hatchback or a four-door sedan, and it had two different sets of design details inside and out depending on which one. While the hatchback had more overtly styled instrument panel, with a thin center stack and central speedometer, the sedan came with a more conventional look. Likewise, the Yaris hatchback got different front-end details that made it look cuter, in the opinion of many, whereas the sedan's front end and proportions were closely cropped from the Camry and Corolla.

Both models came with the same engine—a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In either version, this worked out to be plenty to move the lightweight Yaris quickly—though the automatic version was a little sluggish with a full load. The Yaris is sprightly and maneuverable around town—and capable of fitting into some of the tightest parking spaces—with light, responsive steering and compact dimensions, but its soft suspension calibration means that it won't feel sporty on a country road. Ride quality is soft and absorbent, with a bounciness that comes out on some road surfaces.

While the interior of the 2006-2011 Yaris is stylish, it makes clear concessions to cost in the materials and trims that are used. There are hard, scratch-prone plastics throughout, and upholstery feels bargain-basement. Sedans are more than a foot longer than hatchbacks; they don't have that much more legroom, but getting in is a lot easier, and they do have a surprisingly roomy trunk. For 2009, Toyota introduced a five-door hatchback body style, which some might find the best compromise between the hatchback's stylish appearance and the sedan's practicality.

Equipment on base-model Yaris hatchbacks is basic. Air conditioning and keyless entry are included in all models, but nearly all other commonly included features—like power windows—are optional and cruise control is only offered on top models. Safety hasn't been a strong point for the Yaris, with crash-test scores unimpressive and many cars leaving the factory without anti-lock brakes. ABS are now standard as well as electronic stability control for 2010.

The Yaris is closely related to the Scion xA and somewhat related to the Scion xD; the xD in particular has more appealing interior materials, as well as a stronger 1.8-liter engine from the Corolla, but it burns more fuel as a result. The Yaris has proven to be one of the most reliable vehicles on Consumer Reports' annual survey, has good resale value, and has been rated as being among the cheapest to own, considering aspects like insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.

The subcompact Toyota Yaris is the smallest car sold by the big Japanese brand in the U.S. In 2006, it replaced the homely Echo model, and an entirely redesigned Yaris arrived for 2012. The first generation was offered as a sedan or hatchback; the latest generation has three- and five-door hatchbacks only. The Yaris is sprightly around town, but interior materials show that it’s an economy car—and first-generation hatchbacks had an awkward central speedometer.