Toyota Yaris - TopCarNews

Toyota Yaris (2020 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Toyota Yaris is a five-door supermini-class hatchback. This model is the all-new fourth generation, which was launched in the UK in summer 2020. While the previous model included a hybrid model, the new version is hybrid-only at launch.

Unusually for a new model, the new Yaris is actually shorter than the old model, although beter packaging means it’s roomier inside. There is also a high-performance model on the way called the GR Yaris, however this is an almost completely different car and won’t be included here.

As yet, we don’t have a complete set of reviews for the new Toyota Yaris, and we will keep updating this page as new reviews are published. Based on 25 reviews as of December 2021, the Yaris has an Expert Rating of 70% on our unique Expert Rating Index, which puts it right in the middle of the supermini class.

The Toyota Yaris has been praised for its packaging and refined hybrid powertrain, which makes good use of its electric power in urban driving. It also scored very highly in the latest Euro NCAP crash testing programme. However, the starting price is quite high and interior lacks the flair of some rivals.

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatchEngines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £19,915 on-road

Launched: Summer 2020Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

autos, cars, toyota, toyota yaris, toyota yaris

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid Dynamic“Practicality levels may be down ever so slightly, but the new Toyota Yaris remains a truly attractive proposition in the small car segment.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“With sharper styling and frugal hybrid-petrol engines, the Toyota Yaris is ready to compete with the best in the supermini class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic DynamicScore: 8 / 10“The latest Toyota Yaris is right in the mix, and should be on the shortlist of any supermini buyer – especially those who do most of their driving around town. We’d suggest steering clear of high-end editions, though – on grounds of both value and ride quality.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.8 / 10“Packing a hybrid powertrain into a supermini-sized car is no mean feat, Toyota’s electrified expertise very much in evidence in this all-new Yaris. A new platform, a greater emphasis on handling and bold styling add up to an appealing package which is expensive but should be fuss-free to own and drive.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“There are sweeter superminis to drive, and few will argue that several rivals are not easier on the eye. But in hybrid-only form, the fourth-generation Yaris is potentially more frugal than them all and it is better to drive, is more interesting to look at and has a more distinctive cabin than its predecessor.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota Yaris, then, is now better than before in the areas that matter and probably more characterful than at any time since its inception.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic IconScore: 8 / 10“The new Toyota Yaris isn’t class-leading when it comes to its interior, but it is good enough. It is also competitively priced and tax-friendly, it drives well and should provide excellent real-world economy, with 60mpg easily achievable.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Toyota’s Fiesta-rival is newer, more economical, and just possibly a little bit smarter than the Blue Oval’s iconic supermini.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Toyota has taken the efficiency and generous standard kit levels of the previous Yaris and made it a lot more desirable thanks to its stunning looks and enjoyable driving experience. “
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“More economical, comfortable and stylish than ever, the latest Toyota Yaris is the best small Toyota yet”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Toyota Yaris has a sporty look and is fun to drive yet it also doesn’t use much fuel. That engine isn’t the quietest, though, and don’t expect the finest cabin quality.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid DesignScore: 8.2 / 10“Good looks, great emissions figures and a decent level of standard specification are all major plus points, although it doesn’t always feel the most premium of superminis.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid Dynamic“Other superminis may beat the Yaris in specific areas, but overall the newest Toyota is a bit of a winner.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: Range overview“Striking new Toyota Yaris has dramatic styling and bold looks, and better fuel economy.”
Read review

Driving Electric

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The latest Yaris Hybrid is a major step forward from its predecessor and should be more of a worry for its rivals.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: Range overview“All in all, the new Yaris has moved on to take Toyota into fresh territory in the small car market and it is genuinely a little model with big car features.”
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic DesignScore: 6 / 10“More of the refinement, practicality and efficiency that the Toyota Yaris is known for, with a welcome dollop of neat design and driver appeal. If you can live with the limitations of the hybrid drivetrain.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Toyota Yaris promises sharp styling, great manoeuvrability, excellent cost-of-ownership, comfort, quality and the clever application of new technologies, including multimedia functions and a new hybrid engine.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Toyota Yaris has been transformed from dull to dynamic. Bold styling is combined with a quality interior and efficient hybrid tech.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Toyota’s self-charging hybrid Yaris makes more sense than ever”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“All in all, the Toyota Yaris is miles better than before. Younger, fresher, nicer to drive, full of kit, and decent value. Definitely worth a look.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid DynamicScore: 8 / 10“This new Toyota Yaris is better to drive than any that has gone before and is probably better than a cooking Yaris needs to be. If you drive in urban conditions you should see the sort of mid-sixties miles per gallon as claimed and the interior is of high quality and pleasing to live with.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Efficient, interesting looking and updated inside, but the Toyota Yaris remains forgettable to drive.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Fourth-generation Toyota Yaris has a frugal hybrid system that’s punchy enough even out of town while the interior is solidly constructed. It’s decent to drive, but rear-seat space is average and its boot is a bit on the small side.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The hybrid-only Yaris is priced higher than many of its rivals, but it should provide very low-cost motoring thanks to very good fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. Safety and equipment are strong suits, too, and it’s a very easy car to drive. It’s a deserved Which? Best Buy.”
Read review

Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019

93%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

85%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

77%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Note on safety

The new Yaris was the first car to be put through Euro NCAP’s tougher 2020 crash testing regime, and it performed exceptionally well. A very good set of scores on a much tougher testing protocol makes this one of the safest cars on the road – regardless of size.

Eco rating

Three-and-a-half stars

The Toyota Yaris received a 3.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. We are currently updating our Euro NCAP database, as the organisation changed its rating system and we need to change our database accordingly to be able to display the new scores.

Green NCAP said: “The new Yaris comes in hybrid form, a 1.5-litre petrol engine being supplemented by an electric motor. Together, they deliver some impressive results. On-road emissions of NO_x and CO are very low, and particulate number is well controlled.

“The car scores well in energy efficiency and its emissions of greenhouse gases are, in the case of CH₄ and N₂O, vanishingly small. All in all, the Yaris achieves a well-deserved 3½ star rating.”

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Toyota Yaris has received

2021

European Car of the Year
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
Auto Express Awards – Best Affordable Hybrid Car
carwow Awards – Best Small Hybrid
What Car? Awards – True MPG Award
Business Car Awards – Best Small Car

2020

Auto Express Awards – Best Affordable Hybrid Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Toyota Yaris, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy or lease a Toyota Yaris

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Yaris, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Lings Cars.

Personal contract hire deals from Ready2Lease.

Keyword: Toyota Yaris