2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review
2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Review
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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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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 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$123/mo for Yaris Hatchback LE
Yaris Hatchback LE
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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 VerdictThe 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
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.
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.
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
7.0/10
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.
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
7.0/10
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.
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.
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.
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
8.0/10
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.
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
8.0/10
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.
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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback.
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Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
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. … 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 out of 5 stars
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.
5 out of 5 stars
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.
2020 Yaris Hatchback Highlights
LE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $123/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13%
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