2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review

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.

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.