The small car segment may be shrinking but Toyota isn’t giving up on it. The 2025 Yaris proves that compact doesn’t have to mean compromised, bringing everything you want in a city-friendly ride without the bulk of today’s SUV-obsessed market.
Design That Makes Sense
The refreshed Yaris keeps it clean and simple. No chrome or fake air vents here – just honest lines that work in tight parking spots and busy streets. The hatchback gets a sportier front end with sharper headlights, while the sedan (where it’s available) stays with the classic three-box look some people still prefer.
What’s clever is how Toyota made this small car look confident not apologetic. The proportions are spot on and those sculpted sides catch the light nicely without trying too hard. It’s the kind of design that ages well because it doesn’t chase every trend.
Interior Space That Surprises
Step inside and you’ll be surprised by how much room Toyota packed into these dimensions. The dashboard stretches wide to make everything feel more open and those thin pillars mean you can actually see what’s around you – something that’s getting rare these days.
The materials hit the mark for this price range. Sure there’s hard plastics in places but the stuff you touch regularly feels decent. The seats are comfortable enough for longer drives and even the back seats work for adults on shorter trips. The hatchback gives you 270-286 liters of cargo space that expands to 768 liters when you fold the seats down.
Technology That Works
The infotainment is straightforward. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is all most people need. The screen is 7 to 10.1 inches depending on your trim and it’s in a spot where you can reach it.
Higher trims add nice touches like wireless charging, multiple USB ports and even a head-up display. The climate controls still use actual buttons and knobs – thank goodness – so you’re not fumbling through menus just to adjust the temperature.
Hybrid Power That Works
This is where the Yaris delivers. The 1.5-liter hybrid system combines a three-cylinder engine with an electric motor for about 114-130 horsepower total. It’s not going to win any drag races but it’s smooth and quiet and perfect for daily driving.
The real magic happens at the pump. This hybrid gets 3.8-4.3 L/100km combined – that’s really good for a non-plug-in car. The regular petrol engine gets 5.9-6.5 L/100km which is better than many bigger cars.
No Extra Cost Safety
Toyota has thrown in safety features that used to be premium only. The pre-collision system can see pedestrians and cyclists, lane departure alert keeps you on track and adaptive cruise control handles stop and go traffic.
TNGA-B platform has a strong safety cage and there’s airbags everywhere – front, side, curtain and even a knee airbag for the driver in some markets. The kind of protection you want but hope you’ll never need.
What Matters
- Engine: 1.5L 3-cylinder (petrol) or 1.5L hybrid
- Power: 118-120 hp (petrol) / 114-130 hp (hybrid)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT or e-CVT
- Fuel Economy: 3.8-4.3 L/100km (hybrid)
- Safety Rating: 5-star Euro NCAP
- Warranty: 5-year/unlimited km (varies by market)
Complete Specifications Table
| Specification | Hatchback | Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,940-3,995 mm | 4,425-4,570 mm |
| Width | 1,695-1,745 mm | 1,730-1,740 mm |
| Height | 1,500-1,510 mm | 1,475-1,490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,550-2,560 mm | 2,550-2,650 mm |
| Boot Space | 270-286 L (768 L folded) | 470-510 L |
| Fuel Tank | 36-42 L | 42-45 L |
| Weight | 1,090-1,280 kg | 1,100-1,305 kg |
| Seating | 5 passengers | 5 passengers |
What It’s Really Like to Drive
The Yaris feels light and agile around town, which is exactly what you want in a city car. The steering is on the lighter side, making parking a cinch and the suspension soaks up most bumps without getting bouncy.
Highway driving is comfortable enough, but you’ll notice some wind noise at higher speeds. The hybrid is particularly smooth in traffic, switching between electric and petrol power so seamlessly you barely notice it happening.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Toyota Yaris makes a strong case for sticking with smaller cars. It’s efficient, practical, safe and surprisingly well equipped. Sure it’s not as big as an SUV but for many people it’s more car than they actually need.
With Toyota’s reputation for reliability backing it up the Yaris is smart buying for anyone who values efficiency over image. In a world of bigger-is-better sometimes the right size is exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How’s the fuel economy on the hybrid Yaris?
The hybrid gets 3.8-4.3 L/100km combined, one of the best non-plug-in fuel economy of any car.
Does the Yaris have advanced safety features?
Yes, standard features include pre-collision system, lane departure alert, auto high beams and adaptive cruise control across most trims.
How much cargo space in the hatchback?
270-286 liters with seats up, 768 liters with seats folded down – plenty for most daily needs.
Is the Yaris good for highway driving?
Absolutely. It’s optimized for city use but the Yaris cruises comfortably at highway speeds and the hybrid system provides smooth power for overtaking.
What’s the warranty on the 2025 Yaris?
Warranty varies by market but typically 5 years unlimited km plus extended coverage on hybrid components up to 8 years/160,000 km.
