2018 Toyota Yaris

Overview

Fancy-pants features and fiery performance be damned. The 2018 Toyota Yaris and its subcompact compatriots prioritize affordability and practicality. But other than being budget friendly, these economy cars are not all created equal. The Toyota has the best standard active safety features in its class but subpar highway fuel economy and cargo space. Its wimpy four-cylinder engine and outdated transmissions deliver lethargic acceleration. At least its compliant chassis provides a comfortable ride and nimble handling. While this not-hot hatch has few strengths and several flaws, there are worse things to drive.

What's New for 2018?

Following a mid-cycle refresh for 2015, Toyota tweaks the Yaris again for 2018. The front end receives new headlight and grille designs, L and LE trims wear chrome accents, and the sporty SE sports a piano-black mesh grille and trim-specific lighting elements. The revised rear end has wider taillights and a lower bumper, too. The interior is mostly unchanged, but L and LE models now feature an updated instrument panel with an LCD display that was previously exclusive to the SE. A backup camera and audio controls on the steering wheel are also newly standard.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• L: $16,565
• LE: $18,215
• SE: $19,190

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While subcompacts are expected to be affordable and not powerful, the Yaris sinks below the surface of acceptable powertrain operation. Its 106-hp 1.5-liter inline-four and standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic are older, slower, and louder than most classmates. Apart from its ability to transport people and property (a.k.a. being a car), the Yaris’s powertrains turn acceleration and refinement into afterthoughts. Our test car was equipped with the five-speed manual—one gear short of similar rivals. At least the stick-shift Yaris outgunned the last version we tested with the old-fashioned four-speed automatic, which needed 10.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. Thankfully, the Yaris was less raucous around town. The manual transmission was also easy to operate, despite long throws and uneven clutch takeup. A supple suspension and respectable agility help the Yaris escape the worst econobox stereotypes. Although its abysmally slow acceleration and lack of steering feedback will not satisfy hot-hatch enthusiasts, the Yaris can be pleasing to drive as long as speed is a low priority. The Yaris SE had impressive ride quality for its class. It isolated harsh bumps well and suppressed minor pavement imperfections. However, road and wind noise intruded into the cabin at higher speeds due to thin glass and minimal sound deadening.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

To cut costs, subcompacts such as the Yaris have minimalist interiors with few fancy features and an abundance of inexpensive materials. While this hatchback follows suit, its cabin is an ergonomic haven and surprisingly well built for the price. We’ve ragged on the interior quality of several more expensive Toyota models, but the mix of materials and sturdy build are above average here. Our Yaris SE test car spruces up the scene with trim-specific touches such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as fabric-trimmed front seats with contrast stitching. Still, none of the models offer any truly desirable options. While its cargo space is impressive compared with some two-seat sports cars, the Yaris disappoints even as a diminutive hatchback. Its rivals all held more carry-on luggage behind their back seats and had significantly more interior cubby space.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Yaris may not have the best infotainment features or quickest response times, but even the cheapest versions have an easy-to-operate touchscreen. A larger screen with more features is fitted on the top-tier SE. The Yaris offers two versions of Toyota’s Entune infotainment system: the standard 6.1-inch touchscreen on L and LE models and the 7.0-inch unit on the SE. The latter adds a three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, a phone-based navigation application, and real-time weather and traffic updates. Too bad it deletes the standard CD player (how are we supposed to listen to our Will Smith CD?). Also, none of the systems have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. See competitors such as the Kia Rio and the Honda Fit for these.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Toyota Yaris’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.