2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Other years
2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review
- High fuel economy
- Athletic handling
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Trails rivals in cargo space
- Sluggish acceleration
- Lacks advanced Toyota Safety Sense features
- New hatchback variant for the third Yaris generation
- Bigger than the last-generation hatchback
- Now mechanically related to the Yaris sedan
The 2020 Toyota Yaris hatchback is one of the smallest and least expensive vehicles in Toyota's lineup, though it doesn't look or feel like anything else in the automaker's stable. That's mostly because it's based on a Mazda design, taking on the engine, tech, and most of the interior and exterior design from the Mazda 2, a car that's no longer sold in America.
2020 is the first year the Yaris hatchback and sedan share common Mazda DNA. Previously, only the sedan had it. Hatchback buyers will now finally experience the impressive fuel economy, attractive interior and sharp driving dynamics that sedan owners have enjoyed for years. This model represents a huge improvement over the previous Yaris hatch, which never really rose above its bargain-basement price tag.
Our verdict | |
The new Yaris hatchback is a pleasing urban runabout that should work out well for people on a budget. It has surprisingly good handling chops, a nice-looking interior and usable cargo hatch. But it compromises a bit of comfort for those performance gains, and it doesn't have the available features you can find in some competitors. | |
How does the Yaris Hatchback drive? | |
Can you have fun driving a slow, tiny hatchback? If it's the Yaris hatchback, then yes. Its main strengths rest in its superbly playful handling and quick-shifting transmission. We also really enjoy the response and quickness of the steering during spirited driving stints. There's not a whole lot of grip from the tires, but the Yaris is nevertheless fun to fling around corners. What the Yaris doesn't deliver is much straight-line speed. Its 1.5-liter engine makes a meager 106 horsepower, which will have you flooring the gas pedal frequently to get up to highway speeds. We measured its run from 0 to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds. That's slow even for the economy class. | |
How comfortable is the Yaris Hatchback? | |
While the front seats offer surprisingly above-average lateral support for steadying you through turns, they lack lumbar support and breathability. As a result, longer drives can get uncomfortable. Toyota also doesn't offer the optional inboard armrest that it does on the sedan. Ride comfort has taken a back seat to handling performance, which means you'll feel bumps and road texture more than you probably want to. We found the single-zone climate control system easy to use and fairly effective at keeping the cabin cool despite the lack of rear vents. There's a steady stream of wind and road noise inside the Yaris' cabin, but that's common for the class. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Simplicity has its benefits. All of the Yaris' controls are quite easy to learn and use. There's good adjustability in the driver's seat to accommodate a wide range of body types. Overall space, however, is at a premium. Wider front occupants might feel cramped, and the small rear seat is best for kids only. Getting in and out of the front is mostly easy, but the back seat requires a degree of limberness that most wouldn't want to deal with every day. Visibility is no better or worse in the Yaris than other vehicles in this class, which is to say there aren't any significant issues. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The standard audio system produces a surprisingly clean sound that doesn't distort even at a higher volume. Bluetooth pairs quickly and works pretty well, and this year the Yaris gains standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, which eliminates the need to spring for the optional onboard nav system. There are two USBs and a 12-volt outlet for charging your devices. The main issue in this category is that the Yaris lacks most of today's advanced driver aids. You won't find lane keeping assist or blind-spot monitoring, for instance. There's just a low-speed frontal collision warning and mitigation system that only works below 18 mph. | |
How’s the storage? | |
For such a tiny car, the 15.9-cubic-foot trunk space is pretty decent and a bit roomier than the sedan. The 60/40-split rear seats fold down but don't quite lie flat, creating about a 5-inch ledge between the cargo area and the folded seatbacks. There's also a lack of storage space for items in the cabin. The cupholders are where a center armrest would normally be, so the glovebox is the only covered space to hide valuables. The Yaris will not easily accommodate a rear-facing child safety seat. You'll have to scoot up the front passenger seat quite a bit in order to fit one. The car seat anchors are also a bit buried in the seat upholstery. Otherwise, installation is straightforward. | |
How economical is the Yaris Hatchback? | |
The Yaris with the six-speed automatic has an EPA estimate of 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving, a good showing for a subcompact car. On our 115-mile evaluation route, which blends a mix of city and highway driving, our test car posted an impressive 41 mpg. That's approaching hybrid efficiency. | |
Is the Yaris Hatchback a good value? | |
The diminutive subcompact class continues to get more and more competitive, a plus if you're looking for a high-value buy. The Yaris feels like a good deal at this price because of its solid build quality and relatively upscale appearance even if it's lacking some features its competitors offer. Ownership benefits include two years or 25,000 miles of no-cost maintenance (oil and filter changes, tire rotation, multipoint inspection, fluid replenish) at factory-recommended intervals. No one else offers this in the class. You also get 24/7 roadside assistance (battery jump, emergency fuel delivery, tire service, etc.), which is also included for two years, though most competitors cover it for five years. | |
Wildcard | |
The Yaris' styling is polarizing. Some dig it, while others think it looks like an angry fish. That aside, no one can deny how much fun this car is to drive at a spirited pace. Some engineers spent a lot of time developing and dialing this car in, and it's a shame that most buyers won't appreciate the brilliance behind its handling capabilities. | |
Which Yaris Hatchback does Edmunds recommend?
The XLE doesn't cost much more than the LE, so we'd go with that. It comes with LED headlights — which are much better than halogens at illuminating the road — and includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob to spruce up the interior. The faux leather upholstery is another upscale touch.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback models
The 2020 Toyota Yaris hatchback is a four-door subcompact sold in two trims. The LE is fairly lightly equipped but packs a few desirable features, among them Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLE adds a handful of convenience features and dresses the interior with leather and faux leather touches. Under the hood of every Yaris is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (106 horsepower, 103 lb-ft of torque) that drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Save as much as $1,542 with Edmunds
2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback pricing
in Ashburn, VA
LE
1.5L 4cyl 6A
Edmunds Suggested Price$17,767
XLE
1.5L 4cyl 6A
Edmunds Suggested Price$18,752
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback.
Trending topics in reviews
- fuel efficiency
- driving experience
- appearance
- interior
- engine
- infotainment system
- electrical system
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, I call it the Silver Fox
J M,
LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A)
I love this car! It’s my second Yaris. My first is a 2012 sedan and has over $150K miles. It will be my son’s whenever he gets his license. It just keeps going.
The 2020 is everything I loved about my 2012 but so much more! Upgraded design, entertainment system, safety systems, and it has this Sport button that kicks the engine up a notch and makes it that much more fun to drive. Same great MPG as my 2012 which for me is the best selling point. I don’t live in an area that fully supports electric vehicles yet. Charging stations are hard to find. So gas is still the way to go and I get 44 MPG so not to shabby. And I purchased brand new with a ton of options for well under $20K. I love this car. I hope they still this model when it’s time to buy again.
5/5 stars, Bluebelle was an excellent purchase!
Mary Beth,
XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A)
My Hatchback Yaris is roomy and comfortable. She is able to transport more than many larger cars while getting excellent gas mileage. This is my second Yaris Hatchback. Hank, my 2010 was totaled and saved my life when I was hit head on by another driver. He had 186,000 miles on him and was in perfect condition.
Helpful shopping links
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Yaris Hatchback safety features:
- Low-Speed Pre-Collision System
- Warns you of obstacles ahead and automatically brakes if necessary. Works only at lower speeds.
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Senses when the car is losing traction or control and uses various means to get you straight again.
- Brake Assist
- Recognizes when you're initiating a panic stop and fully engages the brakes to provide maximum stopping power.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback vs. the competition
2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
2020 Honda Fit
Toyota Yaris Hatchback vs. Honda Fit
The new Yaris hatchback finally has what it takes to battle with our favorite pint-sized hatch, the Honda Fit. Much of the credit goes to its improved handling abilities and nicer interior. The Fit, however, still has the edge in cargo-carrying versatility. The Fit also offers advanced safety features not found on the Yaris.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback vs. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
The Toyota Corolla hatchback is a size class larger than the Yaris and is predictably more expensive. But the price differential isn't very high, and the Corolla comes with many more features than the Yaris, including safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. If you can stretch your budget slightly, the Corolla hatch is a better buy.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback vs. Kia Rio
Like the Yaris, the Kia Rio hatchback is a nifty little hatchback with an eye on the bottom line. It comes in one lightly equipped trim, with an optional Technology package that approximates the Yaris LE's features. The Rio offers fewer creature comforts than the Yaris, but it also costs less.
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FAQ
Is the Toyota Yaris Hatchback a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Yaris Hatchback both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. You probably care about Toyota Yaris Hatchback fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Yaris Hatchback gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Yaris Hatchback has 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Yaris Hatchback. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback:
- New hatchback variant for the third Yaris generation
- Bigger than the last-generation hatchback
- Now mechanically related to the Yaris sedan
Is the Toyota Yaris Hatchback reliable?
To determine whether the Toyota Yaris Hatchback is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Yaris Hatchback. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Yaris Hatchback's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Yaris Hatchback and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Yaris Hatchback is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback?
The least-expensive 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $17,750.
Other versions include:
- LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $17,750
- XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $18,750
What are the different models of Toyota Yaris Hatchback?
If you're interested in the Toyota Yaris Hatchback, the next question is, which Yaris Hatchback model is right for you? Yaris Hatchback variants include LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A), and XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A). For a full list of Yaris Hatchback models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more