Toyota Yaris (2011 – 2019) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Toyota Yaris is a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. This is the third-generation model, which was originally launched back in 2011 and saw major updates in both 2014 and 2017. It was replaced by an all-new model in summer 2020.
The third-gen Yaris was unique in the supermini class during its lifespan for being available with a hybrid power option, which became the most popular version of the model. A diesel was originally part of the engine line-up, but Toyota dropped it due to falling demand in later years.
This generation of Toyota Yaris generally received average to good scores from most UK media sources, with the hybrid power unit being better regarded than the regular petrol versions.
In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the third-generation Yaris Hybrid ranked an outstanding 4th place. Interestingly, the regular petrol versions didn’t make the top 50. In its 2021 survey, What Car? rated the Yaris (all engines) ninth in its list of the most reliable small cars.
Key specifications
Body style: Small five-door hatchEngines: petrol, hybrid
Price: From £12,995 on-road
Launched: Summer 2011Last updated: Spring 2017
Replaced: Summer 2020
Image gallery
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: Yaris Y20“The Toyota Yaris Y20 Hybrid offers a relaxed nature and low running costs. However, its flaws include a low-rent interior and disappointing CVT gearbox.”
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Model reviewed: GR Sport“Toyota has introduced GR Sport to the Yaris in an effort to capture some of the GRMN hot hatch magic, but it leaves a lot to be desired.”
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Model reviewed: Yaris Hybrid“As a second car or town runabout, the Yaris Hybrid makes sense – but it’s too compromised to recommend elsewhere.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Rivals beat the Toyota Yaris for fun driving and quality feel, but the Toyota is a practical and reliable supermini.”
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Model reviewed: GR SportScore: 4 / 10“It gets the styling, suspension and steering from a hot hatch, but the powertrain from an eco-focused small car. No matter which you want, there are more convincing ways to spend £20,000.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: GR SportScore: 5 / 10“Here is a city-friendly hybrid supermini that has been done up in sporting finery inspired by Toyota’s motorsport team. Hmm. Sounds very much like a case of confused identity.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“Value for money, spaciousness and build quality will earn the Yaris the same willing audience as before, but given its huge resources, Toyota could have been expected to do better than that.”
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Car
Score: 6 / 10“This revised Yaris does enough to hold its position in the B-segment’s highly-competitive pecking order without shining in any particular department.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.6 / 10“The Toyota Yaris supermini is a reliable and efficient car, which is more stylish than ever and even comes as a hybrid.”
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Model reviewed: Yaris HybridScore: 7.6 / 10“The Toyota Yaris Hybrid can be very economical and boasts a spacious interior, but it can’t offer the driving fun of a Ford Fiesta.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 5 / 10“The Toyota Yaris is a roomy, cheap-to-run family car but it isn’t as well built as a VW Polo or as comfortable as a Vauxhall Corsa”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Bi-Tone“Updated, smarter new looks and decent upgrades breathe new life into Toyota’s supermini, but plenty of competent and more efficient competitors mean the Yaris has a tough job ahead of it.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota Yaris keeps up Toyota traditions of durability, reliability and build quality.”
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Model reviewed: Range review“I’m going to be recommending the Toyota Yaris Hybrid to a lot of my readers.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.8 / 10“The Toyota Yaris is unique in offering the option of a hybrid powertrain”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Despite revisions for 2017 there remain better small hatchbacks than the Toyota Yaris. That said, having the only hybrid in this part of the market does mean the Yaris holds some appeal for company car drivers and those who regularly commute into the capital.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“A far-reaching facelift has improved it, but it’s still not a match for the class best. At least you can now justify it.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Although it’s well equipped and has a hybrid option, the Toyota Yaris doesn’t excel in enough areas to stand out in the tough small car class.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Hybrid“Hi-tech, Best Buy supermini.” Rated BEST BUY.
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2017
83%
ADULT OCCUPANT
80%
CHILD OCCUPANT
63%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
57%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Toyota Yaris was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Toyota Yaris has received
2020
- WhatCar? Awards – Best Hybrid Car under £20,000
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Toyota Yaris, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | Mini hatch | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
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Keyword: Toyota Yaris (2011 – 2019)