2020 Toyota Yaris

The 2020 Yaris carries Toyota’s badge indeed, but truth be told, most of the mechanical components are manufactured by Mazda. Furthermore, the interior of the vehicle borrows major design cues from Mazda as well. That said, the Yaris is well equipped when it comes to features. Along with its own in-house equipment, it borrows some of them from Mazda too. Nourished by two of the most reliable brands, the 2020 Yaris is now stronger than ever. Let's move ahead and find out how does it stack up against the rivals such as Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic.

The Toyota Yaris Sedan is available in two trim configuration only. It is available in S trim which offers features like 5-inch touchscreen infotainment, cloth upholstery and four-speaker audio system as standard. The S trim brings a bigger 7-inch infotainment system as standard feature. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are available as standard features for the S trim.

Safety will be a definite upside for all the trims, the features like collision mitigation system but if you are looking for adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, then you have to look elsewhere

Trims	L	LX	XLE
MSRP (FWD)	$15,450	$16,450	$18,550
Features	Halogen Headlights With Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	Adds or replaces features from L:	Adds or replaces features from LX:
	15-In. Styled Steel Wheels	16-In. Dark Gray Alloy Wheels	Automatic Climate Control With Dust and Pollen Filter
	60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seats	Integrated Fog Lights	Smart Key System With Push Button Start
	Fabric-Trimmed Sport Front Bucket Seats		Leatherette Sport Front Bucket Seats
	Rear Window Defogger
	Air Conditioning With Dust and Pollen Filter

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There is an optional Technology package that costs $800 and brings in much needed safety features like Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assistance and a 3.5-inch cluster display for the driver. Toyota Yaris with its 5-year basic warranty and 10-year powertrain warranty is a serious contender for both new and used cars.

We Recommend

Toyota Yaris Sedan is available in two trims. We would suggest most buyers to go for the top-spec S trim for the additional creature comforts that will make your long term ownership a drama-free affair. We would recommend buyers to add the optional Technology Package which brings in LED headlights and safety features.

“Like most subcompacts, the Yaris doesn't put much emphasis on performance. Its Mazda roots offer decent performance, though the Yaris' acceleration is a touch slower than the best in the segment.”-Edmunds

Around town, the 106 horsepower output from the 1.5-liter DOHC mill offers plenty of power. It is easy to work your way in the stop and go traffic. Transmission duties are taken care by a 6-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is also available.

The four-cylinder motor is better suited for in-town driving but it struggles at highway speed. As the revs increase, the engine noise can become unpleasant. This little motor produces peak power at 6000 rpm. If you are in for fun driving then you would often need to push this motor to its limit to extract whatever little power it has.

Models	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
MSRP	$16,370	$16,400	$15,880	$19,420	$15,135	$15,650
Engine	1.5L I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4	1.4L Turbocharged I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	5-Speed manual	CVT
Horsepower	106 @ 6000	130@6300	130@6300	138@4900	120 @ 6350	109 @ 6,000
Torque	103@ 4000	119@4850	119@4850	148@1850	112 @ 5000	107 @ 4,400

The Yaris sedan is fairly equipped to handle city driving conditions and when compared to the competition it comes off as underpowered. Its Korean rivals produce 130 horsepower while the turbocharged Chevy Sonic greatly benefits from its class leading torque output (148 lb.-ft.).

Acceleration

2020 Toyota Yaris runs the coveted 60mph marker in 9 seconds The Yaris has been designed with high fuel efficiency on the top of the list. The Yaris sticks to fulfill its duty as an efficient commuter. If you are looking for something fun to drive, then your money would be used better elsewhere.

Models	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
0-60 MPH	9.0 seconds	8.5 seconds	9.6 seconds	8.2 seconds*	9.4 sec	9.9 seconds*
Quarter mile	N/A	16.7 seconds	17.2 seconds	N/A	N/A	17.6 seconds*
Engine	1.5L I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4	1.4L I4	1.6L i4	1.6L I4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.1	5.5			5.5

Few cars in this comparison achieve their zero to sixty mph run in the sub 8-second window. Toyota Yaris achieves this feat in 9 seconds. The Yaris isn’t the slowest of the lot. Majority of the cars position in this segment are positioned in the sub 9-second window.

Ride and Handling

To say Yaris has a sporty handling would be unfair but Yaris benefits from use of high-tensile steel in the body and frame. Yaris sits upon a pairing upon MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear. To make things more interesting Toyota has also offered a Sport mode which improves torque feel.

The electronic power steering offers adequate response, it is designed for smooth and effortless operation. The driving position is comfortable and all around visibility is good. Maneuvering the Yaris is no task, it is nimble and responds well to your inputs. Ride quality is acceptable for a subcompact and your passengers will be comfortable.

Braking

The Toyota Yaris is equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The brakes are decent and offer good bite. In the corners, the brake pedals offer a cushioned feel. The brakes have been tuned to offer more rigid feel as G forces rise. With a curb weight of 2385 lbs., Yaris sedan is expected to offer decent stopping power.

Model	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Brake Front (in.)	10.2	11	11	10.8	10.2	10
Brake Rear (in.)	7.9	8	-	9	7.9	8
	2385	2714	2502	2714	2578	2,395
70-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	182	173*	N/A	N/A	188*

2020 Yaris hasn’t been rated by EPA, yet. Toyota claims the segment best combined mpg of 35 when paired with the automatic transmission. Yaris uses high compression in the engine department to achieve higher mpg numbers. The mpg numbers drop a little when the Yaris is paired with the six-speed manual transmission.

Model	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
MPG (city)	30	28	28	26	27	31
MPG (highway)	39	37	37	34	35	39
MPG (combined)	34	32	31	29	30	34

Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa sacrifice power in favor of returning better mpg numbers. Both of these sedans do a segment leading – 34 mpg of combined mpg. Being the only turbo-four in the comparison, the Chevy Sonic doesn’t live up as a frugal choice in this class.

“The Yaris sedan's interior features a few hard plastics, but for the most part, it consists of soft-touch surfaces and a well-constructed layout. Some reviewers claim that the Yaris sedan's cabin looks richer than its price tag suggests. However, the Yaris hatchback’s cabin suffers from poor fit and finish despite also featuring many soft-touch materials.”- Cars.USnews

Seating and Comfort

Previously the Yaris was available in a single well-appointed trim. 2020 Yaris sedan offers three trim levels with well distributed features. The Yaris sedan shares it platform with the Mazda 2 sedan that isn’t available in the US. Essentially, the interiors of the Yaris sedan are identical to the Mazda 2 and that isn’t a bad thing at all.

The Yaris like its competitors can accommodate five people. The Yaris offers a 7.0 inch touchscreen display standard across all trims. The instrument cluster offers an analog speedometer and digital tachometer. The dashboard layout is neat and logical and the toggles and dials fall naturally to the hand.

The six-way adjustable driver seat for the higher trim make it very easy to find your favorite driving position. The seats offer good support and would be a good companion for longer trips. The interior with its stitched leather look is definitely a step above the rest of the subcompacts. Don’t worry the Yaris has its share of plastics to keep the price in check.

Models	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5	5	5
Front	Head room	38.2	38.9	38.9	38.7	39.1
Shoulder room	53.1	54.1	54.2	53.4	53.4	51.7
Leg room	41.9	42.1	42.1	41.8	41.8	41.8
Rear	Head room	36.8	37.4	37.3	38.1	37.8
Shoulder room	50.0	53.3	53.7	53.0	53.0	51.9
Leg room	34.4	33.5	33.5	34.6	34.6	37.0

Toyota has used good quality materials in the frequent touch zones. The steering wheel gets a leather trim in the top trim and the upper part of the dashboard has nice soft touch material. This time, Toyota has paid special attention to the interiors.

Infotainment

The Yaris offers Mazda’s infotainment system. This system works as a touchscreen only when the car is stationary. On the move, you can control the infotainment system using the dials. The 7.0 inch screen also doubles as the display for the rearview camera.

Interior Features

• The Toyota Yaris is offered with a substantial list of features that make commuting a relatively hassle free affair. Few of these features are:
• Voice Recognition
• Engine Immobilizer
• Digital Clock
• Analog Speedometer
• Tachometer
• Trip Meter
• 7-In. Touch-Screen Display Audio
• Integrated AM/FM/SAT HD Radio
• Auxiliary Port
• Hands-Free Phone Capability and Music Streaming Via Bluetooth Wireless Technology
• Six Speakers
• Steering Wheel Controls

Cargo Capacity

The Yaris sedan offers 13.5 cu-ft. of rear cargo space which can be increased with the help of 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The absence of center console and lack of cubby holes for small items is a downer for the Yaris. Considering the segment norms, the Yaris offers good utility for a subcompact.

Model	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.)	13.5	13.7	13.7	14.9	12.8	14.9

“The Yaris does feature Toyota’s massive grille, a trapezoidal maw up front that is updated with a honeycomb insert for 2020. Your eyes will know if they like it or not. Base L and mid-trim LE models have halogen headlights, while the top-line XLE has brighter LEDs with automatic on/off. Base Yaris L trims have 15-inch steel wheels, while the LE and XLE wear nicer 16-inch alloys.”-KelleyBlueBook

Dimensions and Weight

The Yaris sedan wears a sporty look. The new grille contributes a lot to that look. The grille comes with honeycomb inserts and piano black treatment. The higher trims get the fog lights embedded in the front grille. Roof mounted shark fin antenna adds to the premium look of Yaris. The rear fascia comes with a newly designed lip spoiler.

Model	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Curb weight (lbs.)	2385	2714	2502	2796	2578	2,395
Length(in)	171.2	172.6	172.6	173.9	173.5	163.7
Width(in)	66.7	67.9	68.1	68.3	67.8	66.7
Height(in)	58.5	57.1	57.1	59.7	58.1	60.5
Ground clearance (in)	5.5	5.5	5.5	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	101.2	101.6	101.6	99.4	98.0	102.4
Track width (in) F/R	58.9/59.5	59.8/60.0	59.3/59.5	59.4/ 59.4	57.7/57.7	58.3/ 58.5

Dimensionally, the Yaris offers average proportions but it weighs lesser than most of its competitors. 2020 Yaris sedan offers a wheelbase of 101.2-inch which translates to good in cabin space. This results in lesser headroom for rear passengers.

The Toyota Yaris is offered with safety features like 4-wheel antilock brakes. A rearview camera is offered as standard equipment.

• Backup Camera
• Active Safety System
• Six Airbags
• 3-Point Seatbelts for All Seating Positions
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
• Low-Speed Pre-Collision System (PCS)
• First Aid Kit

Toyota Yaris vs Kia Rio

Kia Rio is powered by a 130 hp inline-four engine. The Rio Sedan is available in two easy to choose trim levels. The prices for the 2020 Kia Rio start at $16,400. Kia Rio is a well-known nameplate in the subcompact segment. The Rio has enough power for city driving but it struggles on the highway.

For a budget car, the Rio checks most of the correct boxes. It has well laid out cabin, a generous cargo space, relatively better handling and an easy to use infotainment system. Not everyone would be happy to be in a Rio but considering the things on offer, actually a lot on offer for the price. Kia Rio should be high on your list if you are looking for a budget car.

Toyota Yaris vs Chevrolet Sonic

The Chevrolet Sonic is equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 138 horsepower. Chevy Sonic is easier to drive because of its turbocharged engine. This makes the Sonic a more fun to drive car in a segment where most cars have normally aspirated engines. Chevy Sonic can be had with a six-speed manual or automatic at all trim levels. Sonic loses to the Yaris when it comes to interior quality, Yaris uses better plastics and premium materials. The Yaris’s powertrain is more refined than the Sonic.

Toyota Yaris vs Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa sedan is powered by a 109 hp inline-four engine. The pricing for the Versa Note start at $15,650. The Versa is underpowered so be prepared for lackluster acceleration. On the upside, Versa offers excellent mpg numbers. The interior is roomy but lacks the fit and finish which is seen on the Toyota Yaris. We would recommend you to spend a little more to get something more powerful than the Versa sedan.

The Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter engine that produces 106 horsepower. The power figure might seem too low even for a subcompact sedan. The Yaris has one of the lightest curb weight in this segment. So, the lack of power is duly compensated by