A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
4.3
Practicality
3.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for the ultimate city car that can squeeze into the tightest parking spaces? The Toyota IQ might be exactly what you need. This ultra compact three plus one seater was designed specifically for urban living, offering a surprisingly sophisticated package in the smallest footprint possible. It’s the car for people who prioritise manoeuvrability and efficiency above all else in busy city environments.
From the moment you see it, the IQ commands attention through sheer uniqueness. Its clever packaging allows four seats in a car barely longer than a Hyundai i20, while rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Up are significantly larger. But the real cleverness becomes apparent when you step inside. Despite its tiny exterior, the cabin feels surprisingly spacious up front, with quality materials and thoughtful design touches throughout. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, proving that small doesn’t have to mean compromised.
Driving the IQ reveals Toyota’s engineering expertise in miniaturisation. The engines are smooth and refined for such a small car, making city commutes effortless while remaining surprisingly comfortable on longer journeys. It handles with precision and agility that makes navigating tight streets a genuine pleasure. While it comes with a higher price tag than conventional small cars, you’re paying for unique engineering and Toyota’s renowned reliability in an exceptionally compact package.
What's the Toyota Iq Like to Drive?
The Toyota IQ is engineered for urban efficiency rather than outright speed. The standard 1.0 litre VVT-i engine produces 68 bhp, which feels adequate for city driving and light motorway use. It takes around 15 seconds to reach 60 mph, but acceleration feels more responsive than the figures suggest thanks to the car’s light weight. For those wanting more performance, the 1.33 litre engine offers 98 bhp, reducing the 0-60 time to a more respectable 11.8 seconds.
Where the IQ truly excels is in its driving dynamics around town. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making tight manoeuvres effortless. The compact hatchback dimensions mean you can fit into spaces that would challenge motorcycles. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sportiness, effectively smoothing out urban road surfaces while maintaining decent body control. The short wheelbase means it can feel a little bouncy on longer journeys, but for its intended city use, it strikes an excellent balance between comfort and agility.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.0L 3-cylinder VVT-i / 1.33L 4-cylinder VVT-i
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Power Output
68 - 98 bhp
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0-60 mph
15.0 - 11.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
55 - 65 mpg
- Boot Space
- 32 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Iq?
Step inside and you’ll be amazed at how Toyota’s designers have maximised space in such a compact footprint. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment to help drivers of different sizes find their ideal position. The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, featuring high quality plastics and intuitive controls. Air conditioning comes as standard, along with electric windows and remote central locking, proving that small doesn’t mean basic.
The real party trick is the rear seating arrangement. While marketed as a three plus one, the reality is that the fourth seat is really only suitable for small children or emergency use. The main rear seat offers reasonable space for an adult on shorter journeys, though tall passengers will find headroom limited. Road noise is well controlled for such a small car, and the ride quality is surprisingly refined. Higher specification models add touches like alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems and improved interior trim that enhance the premium feel further.
The Toyota IQ succeeds brilliantly at its intended mission of being the ultimate urban runabout. It offers a unique combination of compact dimensions, surprising interior space, and Toyota’s legendary build quality. The clever packaging and refined driving experience make it feel much more sophisticated than its tiny size suggests.
Is the Toyota Iq Expensive to Run?
The Toyota IQ excels when it comes to running costs, which is crucial for a city car. The efficient engines deliver excellent fuel economy, with real world figures of 55 to 65 MPG easily achievable. This means fewer fuel stops and lower monthly running costs. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling between groups 5 to 8, making it affordable for younger drivers or those seeking low cost motoring.
The main consideration is finding a good example, as Toyota stopped UK sales in 2014. Prices for decent used examples start around £4,000 to £6,000, representing good value given the unique packaging and Toyota reliability. When it comes to maintenance, the IQ benefits from Toyota’s reputation for dependability. Regular servicing costs are modest, and the simple mechanical layout means fewer things can go wrong. The strong residual values and car finance options available make it an attractive proposition for those prioritising low total ownership costs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Toyota IQ
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Smart ForTwo
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Citroen C1
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £5,000 | £4,500 | £3,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L VVT-i 68hp | 1.0L 71hp | 1.0L VTi 68hp |
| Power | 68 bhp | 71 bhp | 68 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 15.0 seconds | 14.5 seconds | 14.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 65 mpg | 68 mpg | 62 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 32 litres | 260 litres | 196 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Four seats, Premium interior, Toyota reliability | Two seats, Rear engine, City focused | Value pricing, Simple controls, Low running costs |
Toyota Iq Practicality & Boot Space
The Toyota IQ’s practicality is all about perspective and intended use. For pure city driving, it’s remarkably practical thanks to its tiny turning circle and ability to park virtually anywhere. The 32 litre boot is admittedly tiny, but it’s sufficient for a small weekly shop or a few bags. The rear seats fold to extend cargo space, though this transforms it into a strict two seater configuration.
Where the IQ shows its limitations is for families or those needing regular cargo space. The rear accommodation is best suited to children or occasional adult passengers on short trips. If you regularly need four proper seats or significant luggage capacity, larger alternatives like conventional superminis make more sense. However, for singles, couples, or city dwellers who prioritise parking convenience above all else, the IQ offers a unique proposition. Its compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to live with in urban environments, complementing other used Toyota cars in the range perfectly.
Absolutely perfect for London driving. I can park it anywhere and it sips fuel like nothing else. The build quality is typical Toyota and it’s been completely reliable for three years. The only downside is the tiny boot space.
The Toyota IQ stands out as a unique solution to urban motoring challenges. It packages Toyota’s renowned reliability, surprisingly refined driving dynamics, and clever space utilisation into the most compact four seat car available. While it may not offer the outright space or performance of larger alternatives, it excels in its specific role as the ultimate city car.
You choose the IQ because you want maximum manoeuvrability without sacrificing build quality or comfort. Its exceptional fuel economy, tiny parking footprint, and dependable nature make urban life significantly easier. It’s perfectly suited for city dwellers who need a car but don’t want the bulk of conventional alternatives. If you’re looking for a unique urban solution with Toyota reliability, the IQ deserves serious consideration, especially with cars under £10,000 offering excellent value in today’s market.
