2020 Toyota Yaris

Yaris hatchback has been reshaped and offers upgraded safety features. Who doesn' t like a small, safe and exciting car? It' s good in the cities and it's good on the highway too. The car looks as if it has been beefed up, but doesn't take much space than its predecessor. It looks like a car would be as serious as you'd want it to be, and as ridiculous as you'd want it. It is a serious blend of funny and serious. 

Subcompact car segment has always been hot as these cars invite a new audience to motoring. While manufacturers try to woo buyers primarily by aggressive pricing, high-end features are also becoming a growing trend in this segment.

Toyota is offering two trim levels for the Yaris hatchback, LE and XLE. The Yaris hatchback has done away with the value-oriented L trim, leaving it for the sedan only. The gives you better safety in terms of seats, brakes and better running headlights. The SE has some features that add to the comfort and convenience of the daily driver.

The only powertrain carried over from the Yaris sedan pumps 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque mated with 6-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive comes standard.

Trims	LE Hatchback	XLE Hatchback
MSRP (1.5L 4 cyl Engine FWD)	$17,750	$18,750
Key Features	Fog Light	Add/Upgrade from previous trim
	Heated power outside mirrors with LED turn indicator	LED auto on/off headlights
	Rear Spoiler	LED Daytime Running lights
	16-inch Alloy wheels	Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers
	Smart Key System with Push Button start	Automatic Climate Control
	Android Auto and Apple Carplay	Leatherette-trimmed sport front bucket seats
		Leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio, cruise and phone controls

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Although the base LE trim is well equipped for the price, the XLE trim gets plenty of upmarket features like the leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, better upholstery, larger wheels, and tires and most importantly – rear wheel disc brakes.

Although this Toyota Subcompact lacks pure grunt, the tractable naturally aspirated 1.5L I4 makes it feel peppy around town. While the six-speed manual is decently smooth. But once you hit the highway, you' ll soon find out that the engine is not in its comfort zone any longer.

The Yaris' s engine produces 106 HP and a mere 103 lb/ft of torque which is the least of its rivals. Much to the surprise in this class, availability of the Sport Mode altogether changes the car’s personality with increased acceleration response.

Models	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
MSRP	$17,750	$16,190	$17,490	$19,095
Engine	1.5L Inline-4	1.5 L Inline-4	2.0L DOHC Inline 4-cylinder	2.0L Flat-4
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual	6-speed manual	5-Speed Manual
Power	106 hp @ 6000 rpm	130 hp @ 6600 rpm	147 hp @ 6,200 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	103 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm	114 ft-lbs. @ 4600 rpm	132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm	145 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

Some of its rivals such as the Subaru Impreza and the Kia Soul come with a slightly larger engine. Both cars rivals have more power and more torque which will be convenient when travelling in or out of the city. When it comes to horsepower the Subaru Impreza has a sheer advantage and produces the highest among its competition.

Acceleration

The Yaris is a subcompact car with more focus on efficiency and less on gut-wrenching acceleration. Its 0-60 time of 8.0 seconds may seem yawningly slow but other competitors here are not much better either.

The fastest competitor here is the Kia Soul with 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds – a result of its 147 hp engine that pulls its larger mass comparatively faster.

Models	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
0-60 MPH	8.0	8.4	6.5	9.2
Quarter mile	14.0	16.3	15.0	17.1
Engine	1.5L Inline-4	1.5 L Inline-4	2.0L	2.0L Flat-4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.1	5.3	5.9	5.9

The optimal acceleration and transmission make Yaris Hatchback an excellent car for amateurs to exhibit their ability to manipulate the engine rpm at any speed. Also, the standard front-wheel drive with all the trims is common with the segment excluding the Subaru.

Braking Performnace

The Yaris is built to a price and hence all Yaris except the Yaris SE gets drum brakes at the rear wheels. Still, these brakes are enough to stop this 2396 pounds Toyota subcompact from 60 mph within 120 feet – average among the competition. 

What’s impressive is that the brakes do not fade even after repeated stops – something that cannot be said for other subcompacts. 

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Brake Front(in)	10.2	10.3	11	11.6
Brake Rear(in)	9	7.9	10.3	10.8
Curb weight(lbs.)	2396	2522	2844	2985
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	126	114	121

 Yaris is the lightest car amongst its rivals. The long stopping distance can be ascribed to its poor braking performance when compared to some of its rivals.

The Toyota Yaris Hatchback has below average curb weight and the brakes are in perfect sync with its construction. In terms of rear brake size, the Yaris hatchback only trails from the Subaru Impreza The Yaris hatchback will not disobey and performs as expected.

Ride and Handling

The Yaris is a tiny subcompact and the concrete jungle is its natural habitat. The quick steering, diminutive dimensions, and excellent outward visibility mean you can annoy other drivers by scooching through spaces others thought were unusable.

Ride quality is more grown-up though and the Yaris gobbles up rough road effortlessly. However, the steering does not provide much feedback and if you are looking for a real fun-to-drive car at this price range, check out the Ford Fiesta.

Not only thick tires and firm suspension help in making it entertaining to drive but the electric power steering system contributes a direct yet light feel aided by a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel.

Owing to their feather-light curb weight and powertrain tuned more for efficiency than performance, the subcompacts are the most efficient automobiles among the class. With this in mind, Yaris MPG figures of 32 in the city and 40 on the highway is impressive.

Besides the greatest mileage and range within the division, Toyota Yaris demonstrates to be the most suitable choice for a youth-oriented, pocket-friendly hatchback.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
MPG (city)	32	29	25	24
MPG (highway)	40	36	31	31
MPG (combined)	35	31	27	26
Fuel Capacity (gal.)	11.6	10.6	14.3	13.2
Range (Cty/Hwy) (miles)	371.2/464	307/382	386.1/471.9	317/409

The extraordinary fuel economy ratings of Toyota Yaris brings respect as it is easier to own a car than to manage the fuel budget. This myth has been smashed by the automaker, making sure Yaris be the first pick of the young automobile owners.

The five-door subcompact Yaris seats five people. The Yaris cabin inherits its thoughtful ergonomics and attractive styling from Mazda. The front seats are comfortable and provide a decent amount of space but the rear feels a bit cramped for taller passengers.

There are two LATCH car-seat connectors on the rear seats. The tether anchors are easy to identify and locate but the lower anchors are mounted deep into the seat cushion, making it a bit difficult to access. Also, outward visibility is supplemented by the 

The Yaris hatchback’s interior is a well-constructed layout. The standard interior features a few hard plastics and use of cloth upholstery, but most parts comprise of soft-touch surfaces. For the price tag that the Yaris carries, the interior is much richer than it may seem.

Synthetic leather-trimmed front seats and a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel are available. Stepping up to the XLE brings a taste of luxury with the use of upscale equipment like leatherette seating surfaces, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic LED headlamps, and leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft. cube)	87	95.7*	102.2	112.1
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.2/53.2/41.9	39.5/54.8/41.4	39.4/55.5/41.1	39.8/56.7/43.1
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.2/50.0/34.4	37.5/52.6/39.3	39.5/54.7/38.8	37.2/55.6/36.5

Also, the Yaris hatchback employes extensive sound-absorbing measures, including a noise-insulating windshield along with sound-absorbing material inside the tailgate, parcel shelf, and spare wheel.

This helps to reduce high-frequency noise entering the cabin from the rear. The standard instrumentation system is comprehensive with digital and analog display.

Interior Features:

• Chrome/metal-look interior accents
• Rear 60-40 bench seat
• Leatherette instrument panel insert
• Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter and push-button controls
• Integrated backup camera
• Normal and Sport driving modes
• Smart Key System
• One 12V auxiliary power outlet

Infotainment System

The Yaris hatchback is equipped with a standard 7-inch Touchscreen display atop its dashboard. The logically placed and convenient rotary knob in the center console makes it easier to use the infotainment system.

The Toyota has maximized the connectivity and control with the integration of Android Auto and Apple Carplay as well as voice recognition and Bluetooth wireless technology.

USB ports and an auxiliary input ensure connectivity for all types of devices, and the sporty steering wheel integrates control switches for the audio and phone.

However, the audio system offers low fidelity opposite to the claim of the automaker for the audio system ready to rock or hip-hop with clear, powerful sound played through six speakers. There is another surprise from the 2020 Yaris Hatchback, the integration of standard navigation hardware.

Infotainment Features:

• SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite with seek-scan
• 6 speakers audio system
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Speed sensitive volume
• AM/FM radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity

Cargo Capacity

Similar to its sedan sibling, the Toyota Yaris hatchback flaunts a longer wheelbase of about 101 inches. The Yaris hatchback can swallow about 16 cubic feet of cargo, greater than its predecessor as well as three cubes more than the sedan can handle.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	15.9	16.6	24.2	20.8
Cargo Volume with Rear Seat Down (ft³)	N/A	52.7	62.1	N/A

The packaging of the interior is amazing. Granting space for five passengers and a wide, easy to use cargo area. Though the Kia Soul tops the list with maximum cargo offering with Subaru Impreza and Honda FIt trailing.

The car' s exterior is sporty, with a redesigned front fascia and the X-shaped grille. It' s not the best looking car but it' s not an ugly shape by any measure. The Yaris does have less length which means it gives a bit less cargo room than its competition.

The Yaris is small even among the subcompact competitors here with an overall length of just 155.5 inches. This combined with its lowest in class curb weight of 2335 pounds means it’s the most manoeuvrable car you can buy currently. Simply put, if you struggle with tight parking spaces and want a more manageable car within the city, the Yaris will impress you.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Curb Weight(lbs.)	2396	2522	2844	2985
Length(in)	161.6	161.4	165.2	175.6
Width(in)	66.7	67	70.9	70
Height(in)	58.9	60	63	58.9
Ground clearance(in)	5.5	4.4*	6.7	5.1
Wheelbase(in)	101.2	99.6	102.4	105.1
Track width(in) F/R	58.8/58.4	58.1/57.7*	62.0/62.4	60.6/60.8

Toyota has stepped up its game with the sportier look of its hatchback. The amalgamation of big Toyota grille on to the Mazda skeleton turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Also, the Yaris hatchback design isn’t boxy or sedated but is modern and athletic.

Key Exterior Features:

• Rear Lip Spoiler
• Body-coloured door handles
• Turn signal indicator mirrors
• Liftgate rear cargo door
• Heated door mirrors

The structural rigidity and high tensile strength of Toyota Yaris along with standards active safety features make it safer than ever. The Yaris hatchback is equipped with a Low-speed Pre-collision Safety System which scans the road ahead for potential vehicle collisions and should the driver not respond, this system may automatically apply the brakes. However, this system isn’t responsive at higher speeds.

The Toyota Yaris for the 2020 model year manages an impressive five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Though the safety data from IIHS isn’t available yet for the 2020 model of Yaris. Based on last year, Yaris sedan was rated “Good” in terms of crashworthiness but scores a “poor” rating for headlights under crash avoidance and mitigation.

Key Safety Features:

• The array of six airbags
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), 
• Traction Control System (TCS), 
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), 
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), 
• Brake Assist (BA), and Brake Override System (BOS).

Toyota Yaris Hatchback Vs Honda Fit

The Honda Fit wins by the marks of the engine output. It beats the Yaris in the field of power and speed. And because it' s Honda, we can presume it has good build quality as well. It is as sporty-looking as the Ford or even the Yaris. However, the Spaceship looking front end looks like it will take off as soon as you put your foot on the pedal.

It is a futuristic-looking car and the consideration of aerodynamic laws in the body panel is obvious. So, it looks great, it goes fast, it has more seating space, more space for cargo, why wouldn' t you want to buy one?

Toyota Yaris Hatchback Vs Kia Soul

With a greater torque of Kia Soul, its engine does an outstanding job of sending power to the wheels than Yaris. The Kia Soul has a significantly larger turning radius than the Toyota Yaris, making it much more difficult to manoeuvre in and out of tight spots. Although the cargo capacity is similar for both, the Toyota Yaris leads in terms of better fuel economy.

Toyota Yaris Hatchback Vs Subaru Impreza

The Toyota Yaris hatchback is more efficient, handle and ride better because it weighs less than the Subaru Impreza. Also, the shorter Yaris beats the Subaru Impreza sedan in easier handling, making it maneuver and park in tight spaces quite easily.

 

Whether you are looking for your first car for lone commuting or are searching for a small city runabout to complement your large family car, the 2020 Toyota Yaris will impress you with its nimble character and good ride quality topped with Toyotas excellent reliability.

Moreover, the amount of features and advanced driver assistance technologies loaded in this tiny subcompact is unprecedented. That said, the tiny dimensions mean the interior can accommodate no more than two adults comfortably. Also, the rear seats are even tinier.

All in all, the Toyota Yaris is not a car to cart around 4 adults. If you are looking for a roomy and flexible subcompact car, spend little more and get the Honda Fit. It also brings exceptional fuel economy as a bonus. However, if you are alone commuter and a Toyota Loyalist, you won’t go wrong with a Yaris. Buy one and enjoy years of worry-free no-nonsense motoring.