2016 Toyota Yaris Review
2016 Toyota Yaris Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Long list of standard equipment
- generous rear legroom
- user-friendly tech interface.
Cons
- Less cargo capacity than some rivals
- outdated four-speed automatic transmission
- no telescoping steering wheel
- only available as a hatchback.
What’s new
The Yaris is unchanged for 2016.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Toyota Yaris is what you'd expect from the Toyota of subcompact cars: economical and well-built. But with so many impressive models competing in this segment, Toyota's entry gets lost in the crowd.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Toyota Yaris L 2dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 5M) 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$132/mo for Yaris L
Yaris L
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The 2016 Toyota Yaris is a Japanese subcompact hatchback with European roots. Originally designed to excel on the tight streets and crowded cities in France and Germany, it prioritizes maneuverability and efficiency above all else. That doesn't mean it's a no-frills car, however, as it comes with plenty of modern features that make it a solid competitor in the entry-level class.
All Yaris models come standard with Toyota's Entune digital interface, which includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen, HD radio, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a USB connection. It also packs nine standard airbags into the Yaris' cabin along with other typical safety features like traction and stability control. A small exterior means a small interior, but the Yaris still has ample rear legroom. Unfortunately, cargo capacity isn't as strong as some others in the segment. The standard 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine doesn't produce a prodigious amount of power, but it doesn't use a lot of fuel either. It might do even better if it wasn't saddled with an older four-speed automatic transmission, but there is a five-speed manual available if you're willing to shift yourself.
The Yaris also packs an ownership perk others don't: namely, two years and 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance, which is a rarity for a non-luxury car.
Competitors in the segment include the versatile 2016 Honda Fit which provides great fuel economy and tremendous cargo capacity. The 2016 Ford Fiesta has a much more engaging driving experience while the 2016 Hyundai Accent and 2016 Kia Rio offer strong warranties but fall behind on fuel economy and driving experience. The Yaris, with its "B" rating, isn't the strongest option amongst these, but a solid one.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive 2016 Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The manual is standard on the two-door L and the four-door SE; the four-speed automatic is optional. The automatic is the only transmission choice on the four-door L hatchback and all LE models.
In Edmunds testing, a four-door Yaris with the five-speed manual went from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, while an automatic-equipped four-door took 10.7 seconds. Both times are decent times for the class, but rivals like the Honda Fit or Hyundai Accent are quicker.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the manual-equipped Yaris are 33 mpg combined (30 city/37 highway). With the automatic, these numbers dip to 32 mpg combined (30 city/36 highway). These numbers are solid, but not class-leading.
Safety
Standard safety features include antilock brakes (rear drums for all models except the SE, which gets four-wheel discs), traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front-seat cushion airbags and a driver knee airbag.
In Edmunds brake testing, a four-door Yaris LE with rear drum brakes stopped from 60 mph in 126 feet, which is a bit longer than average for this segment. A four-door Yaris with the optional rear disc brakes was about average and stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet.
In government crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the four-door hatchback Yaris received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the four-door Yaris hatchback its top rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. In that agency's small-overlap frontal offset test, the Yaris scored a second-lowest (out of four) "Marginal" rating.
Driving
There's nothing sporty about the Yaris. The 106 hp and marginal acceleration provided by the four-cylinder engine is sufficient at best. There's enough punch to deal with the cut-and-thrust of low-speed suburban traffic flow, and the Yaris has no problem keeping up on the highway, That said, most competitors to the Yaris are more muscular.
The four-speed automatic transmission doesn't help. It feels ancient given the range of transmission offerings from competitors. They allow competitors to make better use of the power available from their small-displacement engines. If you don't mind dealing with a manual transmission, it's the better bet on the Yaris from the standpoint of acceleration and fuel economy.
The Yaris is steady around turns and has a reasonably smooth ride. The SE's rear disc brakes and larger wheel and tire package help handling and braking performance, but we wouldn't go so far as to actually call it sporty.
Interior
The Yaris' interior couldn't be simpler or easier to use. There are just a couple of gauges to read, and the large speedometer is mounted directly in front of the driver. Those worried about sitting low in a subcompact will find the high-mounted front seats help provide good outward visibility. However, the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and firmly padded seats can make long journeys uncomfortable for some body types. In back, there's a refreshing amount of rear-seat legroom, but the sloping headliner restricts rear headroom a bit. Two average-size adults will fit in the backseat just fine.
Materials within the 2016 Toyota Yaris remain an improvement from previous models, but the prevalence of hard plastics make it feel a step below some of its competitors. The Yaris comes standard with basic tech features, including a user-friendly touchscreen interface, Bluetooth with streaming audio capability and a USB input, but you won't find support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The four-door Yaris has 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space (15.3 in the two-door) behind its rear seat. You'll find more room for your carry-ons in the hatchback versions of the Chevrolet Sonic (19 cubic feet) and the Hyundai Accent (21.2 cubic feet). The Yaris' split-folding rear seat helps make the most of the available space, but even then, it still trails most competitors, especially the ultra-practical Honda Fit.
2016 Toyota Yaris models
The 2016 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact economy car available as either a two- or four-door hatchback. The L and LE trims are offered with two or four doors, while the SE trim is offered only as a four-door.
Standard features on the L includes 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, power door locks and windows, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a trip computer, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker Entune Audio sound system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.
The LE adds or substitutes 15-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, metallic interior accents, chrome interior door handles and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Those who opt for the SE trim get 16-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights, LED running lights, foglamps, special exterior styling elements, a rear spoiler (available as an option on L and LE trims), larger tires, four-wheel disc brakes, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, and upgraded cloth upholstery.
A navigation system is available on all Yaris models as a dealer-installed option.
Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Hybrid Sedan Head-to-Head
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#1 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Yaris from 2008-2022.$281/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.76x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).7.2%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Toyota Yaris.
5 star(33%)
4 star(41%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(15%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
An impressive small car
jscion, 02/11/2014
2013 Toyota Yaris L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
I just replaced my Scion xA with a Yaris L 5-door in Classic Silver and I have to say that I really like this car a lot.
I'm so glad that Toyota did away with the awful center mounted gauges.
I had those in my Scion xA and grew to hate the whole setup after a few years.
The interior in the Yaris is extremely well designed with easy to use controls, nice materials and very good fit and … finish.
It feels like a much larger, more expensive car than it actually is and drives great in the city, on the thruway, and even in the snow and ice.
Out the door with tax and everything, the Yaris was a very reasonable $17,700.
The Yaris is also one on the most reliable cars you can buy.
4 out of 5 stars
A lot of not so small car
Billy Stanley, 04/25/2018
2016 Toyota Yaris L 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
After about an hour test drive ( my dealer put a tag on it said enjoy yourself, so I did) I walked away and turned back looking for a slightly bigger car. The Yaris while a sub compact car doesn't leave you with the " point a to b " I'm here felling. My drive consisted of in town, and paved county back roads. The Yaris is what it is, a small 4 cyl 4 door car, BUT- It DOSENT … have the sub compact fell every bump in the road fell. Ride is actually good for a small car and steering is responsive as well is the small motor, of corse it dose get a bit loud if you get into it, but the response is actually a little more than you would expect, with small cars there's always trade offs. The Yaris has no problem getting out in traffic but with sprinted driving the trade off is going to be in gas mileage at some point, not that you would notice lol. The inside is actually what you would expect but Toyota found a way to bring it up a bit. Front seats are surprisingly comfortable with lower back side bolsters that kinda hug your lower sides, nice touch. The sound system in my car had the 6+" touch screen and even a pillar tweeters. Sound quality was actually SURPRISING with plenty of volume. Controls for everything were well laid out and easy to reach. So, over all Toyota has done a great job putting together a cute and enjoyable sub compact commuter car. Its not for everyone granted, but those looking into a sub compact for mainly commuting and running errands owe it to there selves to test drive a Yaris, the only thing I could ask for is cruse control, but I'm willing to do without because of the gas mileage, nice sound system, and surprisingly comfortable front seats. I bring my 2016 Yaris home today or tomorrow
5 out of 5 stars
Love at first sight
Rob G, 08/24/2019
2016 Toyota Yaris LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
It was fun to drive. I was looking for a subcompact car. I had a Nissan verse note before so this was similar, it’s really cute. Gas is pretty good , acceleration is a little slow but it’s good and zippy, overall I really like!
4 out of 5 stars
Excels?..no....But does all things very well!
T. Alexander , 07/05/2019
2013 Toyota Yaris LE 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
Have owned my 2013 LE 5-door since new. Only a couple of minor issues easily fixed. A bullet-proof little nugget of a car. I disagree with poor reviews. This little thing rides well, is quiet on the interstate with high rated after market tires, swallows a ton of gear with rear seats folded and you could drive it cross-country easily.....It is a happy cruiser. I have a bad lower … back, and these seats have never bothered me as they did in much more expensive vehicles I have owned (I got tired of their repairs and maintenance requirements). Yes, it has hard plastics here and there, but it is still a very respectable interior and layout. Tall passengers in the rear seat are stunned at the room behind my drivers seat (I'm 5'11). A great little primary or spare run-about car that I have recommended to many. The hidden gem in the Toyota line-up. Oh'', one more thing; that old school engine and four-speed automatic gets a lot of gripe for not being "new tech". But it has been around so long and proven, that there are many Toyota's/Scion's with this engine/trans that are still going strong with well into the 350,000 mile range with not a worry. I know of one like mine that already has 387,000 miles on it. Engine and Trans are still strong and car still holding up in general, quite nicely with typical wear items replaced...brakes, struts, water pump, the normal stuff. Not a glamorous ride, but it is a fun little bugger to drive. And so fun to pick your friends up at their dealership when their expensive, elite car is at the dealership broken down. A friend of mine with a BMW, caught a ride with me in my car to pick his car up after two weeks waiting on parts/repair at the dealer. He was so impressed after about 40 miles riding in all kinds of traffic (city and highway), he went and bought a twin to my car to get him to and from work (83 mile round trip from his house). The BMW is now his weekend/family vacation ride. The Yaris really is a very, very good all-around car! I cannot give an opinion though, on the new 2019 Yaris Hatch and IA Sedan that are re-named Mazda 2's, made in Mexico for Toyota.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Toyota Yaris, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yaris since its last redesign.
2016 Yaris Highlights
L
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,895 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 33 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $132/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Yaris include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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