2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review

Name: 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $18,590 - $20,990

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback XLE 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback XLE 4dr Hatchback Exterior

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback XLE 4dr Hatchback Rear Badge

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.

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Toyota Yaris Hatchback model years

Toyota Yaris Hatchback for Sale

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

High fuel economy
Athletic handling
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Cons

Trails rivals in cargo space
Sluggish acceleration
Lacks advanced Toyota Safety Sense features

What's new

New hatchback variant for the third Yaris generation
Bigger than the last-generation hatchback
Now mechanically related to the Yaris sedan

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$108/mo

$158/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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.

Comfort

7/10

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.

Interior

7/10

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.

Technology

7.5/10

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.

Storage

6.5/10

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.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? 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.

Value

8/10

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

8/10

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.

Compare 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2020 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.

Standard Yaris LE features include 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, foglights, keyless entry and ignition, a 60/40-split rear seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. You also get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking at low speeds.

Upgrade to the XLE and you'll get automatic LED headlights, automatic wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic climate control and imitation leather upholstery.

There aren't really any stand-alone options, though buyers can purchase a map card that adds navigation to the infotainment system.

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Toyota Yaris Hatchback Reviews

Owner Reviews

5.0

4 reviews

5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

I call it the Silver Fox

J M, 12/15/2020

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback 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. …

Bluebelle was an excellent purchase!

Mary Beth, 04/03/2021

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback 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.

Everything we imagined

Bar, 11/19/2021

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A)

Couldn't be happier. We knew there'd be sacrifices such as trunk space, cabin noise and blind spots. We also knew there would be advantages. 6-speed transmission, good gas mileage, good handling and tight turning radius.

Reliability in a compact form factor

Frank Lutu, 05/20/2024

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A)

I just got mine with around 10k miles on it! So far, I absolutely love it. I drove it back from the dealership for about two hours through clear skies and rain, and it handled very well. The gas mileage is great, and although the horsepower is lower compared to my old V6, it easily reaches speeds of 70+ MPH without any issues and can stay there without any struggle or engine hissing. …

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2020 Yaris Hatchback Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$17,750
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	35 MPG
Cost to Drive	$108/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Yaris Hatchback models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover13%

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review

Price & Payment

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Toyota Certified Program Overview

2020 Toyota Yaris HatchbackLE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Toyota Yaris HatchbackLE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Certified 2020 Toyota Yaris HatchbackXLE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Yaris Hatchback does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback models

Toyota Yaris Hatchback Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

I call it the Silver Fox

Bluebelle was an excellent purchase!

Everything we imagined

Reliability in a compact form factor

2020 Yaris Hatchback Highlights

Safety

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2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
LE 4dr Hatchback

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
LE 4dr Hatchback

Certified 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
XLE 4dr Hatchback

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}