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
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
4.8
Practicality
3.9
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 a small car that’s reliable, economical, and surprisingly refined? The Toyota Yaris could be exactly what you need. This compact supermini has built a reputation for exceptional fuel economy and rock-solid reliability, wrapped up in a modern and well-equipped package. It’s the car for drivers who want proven dependability without sacrificing modern features or driving enjoyment.
From first glance, the current Yaris shows Toyota’s commitment to bold design. The angular styling and distinctive grille give it a confident road presence that stands out from rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. The hybrid powertrain is standard across the range, making it one of the most efficient cars in its class. Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious cabin with quality materials and Toyota’s latest infotainment technology.
The Yaris excels at making everyday driving effortless and economical. The hybrid system delivers impressive fuel returns in real world conditions, while the ride quality remains comfortable on both city streets and longer journeys. It handles predictably and safely, inspiring confidence in all driving situations. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it prioritises the things that matter most to many buyers. Toyota’s legendary reliability record and comprehensive warranty make it an easy choice for anyone seeking dependable, affordable motoring.
What's the Toyota Yaris Like to Drive?
The Toyota Yaris is designed around efficiency rather than excitement. Every model comes with Toyota’s proven hybrid system that combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for around 116 horsepower total. This setup feels responsive around town where the electric motor provides instant torque for quick getaways from traffic lights. The 0-60 time of around 9.5 seconds is adequate for most driving situations, though it’s not as punchy as some turbocharged rivals.
Where the Yaris truly impresses is in its refined driving experience. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making urban manoeuvring simple and stress free. The suspension soaks up most road bumps effectively while remaining controlled through corners. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, creating a calm cabin environment. The CVT automatic gearbox operates smoothly, though it can feel sluggish when you need rapid acceleration. This compact hatchback prioritises comfort and efficiency over sporty driving dynamics, making it ideal for relaxed daily driving.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.5L Hybrid (Petrol + Electric)
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Power Output
116 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
68 mpg
- Boot Space
- 286 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Toyota Yaris: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Yaris and you’re greeted by a well designed cabin that feels more premium than you might expect. The dashboard layout is clean and logical, with physical buttons for climate control alongside a crisp touchscreen for infotainment duties. Material quality is good throughout, with soft touch surfaces where they matter most. The driving position is comfortable with adequate seat adjustment, and visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and slim pillars.
Front passengers get plenty of space and supportive seats that work well on longer journeys. Standard equipment includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, smartphone connectivity, and automatic air conditioning even on entry level models. The cabin remains impressively quiet at cruising speeds, adding to the premium feel. Higher trim levels bring heated seats, wireless phone charging, and a larger infotainment screen. While rear passenger space is more limited, as expected in this class, the overall interior experience punches above the Yaris’s price point.
The Toyota Yaris succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: provide economical, reliable, and refined small car motoring. The hybrid powertrain delivers genuinely impressive fuel economy without the complexity of plug-in charging, while Toyota’s reputation for dependability offers real peace of mind. The interior feels well built and thoughtfully designed, creating a more premium experience than the price suggests.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Toyota Yaris?
The Yaris sets the standard for affordable running costs in the supermini class. The hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional fuel economy, with real world figures often exceeding 60 MPG in mixed driving conditions. This translates to significant savings at the fuel pump compared to conventional petrol rivals. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling in groups 11-15 depending on trim level, keeping premiums manageable for most drivers.
The initial purchase price sits at the higher end of the small car market, but this premium pays dividends in long term ownership costs. Toyota’s reputation for reliability is legendary, and the Yaris comes with a generous five year warranty for added peace of mind. Hybrid components are covered for eight years, demonstrating Toyota’s confidence in the technology. Service intervals are reasonable, and parts availability is excellent thanks to Toyota’s extensive dealer network. While you’ll pay more upfront than for some rivals, the combination of low fuel consumption, minimal maintenance needs, and strong resale values makes the Yaris excellent value with car finance options available to spread the cost.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Toyota Yaris
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Honda Jazz
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Hyundai i20
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £22,000 | £21,500 | £19,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.5L Hybrid 116hp | 1.5L Hybrid 109hp | 1.0L Turbo 100hp |
| Power | 116 bhp | 109 bhp | 100 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 seconds | 9.4 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 68 mpg | 62 mpg | 53 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 286 litres | 304 litres | 352 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Toyota Safety Sense, 5-year warranty, Excellent reliability | Magic Seats, Spacious interior, Hybrid efficiency | Value pricing, Good equipment, 5-year warranty |
Toyota Yaris Practicality & Boot Space
For a compact supermini, the Yaris offers decent practicality where it counts most. The 286-litre boot is reasonable for the class and can accommodate a typical weekly shopping trip or a couple of weekend bags. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split configuration, extending cargo space for longer items when needed. Inside the cabin, storage solutions include door pockets, cup holders, and a useful centre console compartment for everyday items.
The Yaris works well for singles, couples, or small families who primarily need front seat space. While rear passenger room is adequate for children or short trips with adults, taller passengers may find legroom tight on longer journeys. The high driving position and excellent all round visibility make it particularly appealing for nervous drivers or those who spend time navigating busy urban areas. For anyone considering used Toyota cars, the Yaris represents one of the most dependable choices available. Its compact footprint makes parking effortless while still providing enough space for most daily tasks.
We’ve had our Yaris hybrid for two years now and it’s been absolutely faultless. The fuel economy is incredible and it’s so easy to drive around town. The only minor niggle is the CVT gearbox can be a bit slow to respond, but overall we’re delighted with it.
The Toyota Yaris stands out in the competitive supermini market by delivering exceptional efficiency and reliability in a well-crafted package. It combines Toyota’s proven hybrid technology with practical design and strong build quality to create a car that excels at everyday motoring. While it may not offer the most spacious interior or exciting driving experience, it succeeds where many buyers need it most: low running costs, dependable operation, and long term value.
You choose the Yaris because you want a small car that won’t let you down. Its outstanding fuel economy, comprehensive warranty, and reputation for longevity make it ideal for high mileage drivers or anyone prioritising cost-effective motoring. The refined ride quality and well-equipped cabin ensure daily comfort, while the compact dimensions make urban driving stress-free. For buyers seeking a sensible, efficient supermini that will serve them reliably for years to come, the Yaris deserves serious consideration, especially with Best Used Cars Under £5000 options available for budget-conscious buyers.
