Toyota Yaris Hybrid review

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a supermini that no longer looks and feels like it was put through the blander somewhere between concept and production. This latest model looks sporty, is great to drive and offers fuel economy that’s as good as ever. It’s fair to say if you’re looking at a Yaris you’ll also consider a Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208 and VW Polo, but remember that none of these offers a petrol-electric hybrid power.

That’s why it’s the Best Small Hybrid Car in our 2021 carwow Car of the Year Awards.

The front of the Yaris Hybrid is genuinely aggressive-looking and gives you the impression it’s the spawn of the Toyota Supra sports car – especially versions further up the range, which sit on larger-diameter alloy wheels. And as for the fizzy Toyota GR Yaris, the company has gone all Popeye and fed the Yaris a tin of spinach.

The interior isn’t as stylish as the exterior, although it isn’t what you’d call dull. Mind you, that of a Peugeot 208 is much funkier. A VW Polo shades the Yaris for interior quality, too. Still, at least Toyota has had the good sense to keep the climate controls separate from the touchscreen; it makes the system much easier to work out.

Every Yaris Hybrid gets a touchscreen; it’s 7-inch in the entry-level model or 8-inch from Design trim and up. Either system caters for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is what most people will use most of the time, at least partly because the native Toyota system is a bit complex and tricky to use. The optional Tech pack does bring a brilliant head-up display, mind you.

Space isn’t huge, either. Okay, space in the front is pretty good, and you shouldn’t feel the need to complain, while the driving position is adjustable enough for people of all shapes and sizes to get comfortable.

Everything behind is a little disappointing. Rear space is average at best, and anyone taller than average will struggle for knee room. The boot is pretty small, too. Basically, if you need to carry people and stuff, a VW Polo makes a better choice.

There's just one engine, but mid-level Design trim offers good looks and great equipment. Head to our deals page for the best price!

The sole engine choice is a 116hp petrol-electric hybrid system made up of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The Yaris will return around 60mpg if you drive carefully around town, and emits as little as 92g/km of CO2.

In town is where the Yaris excels, for a couple of reasons; it has a good turning circle and although its rear screen is relatively small, it’s easy to park thanks to a reversing camera coming as standard across the range.

Out of town, the Yaris Hybrid is a bit of a hoot. Its engine does get a bit noisy when pushed hard due to the nature of its CVT automatic gearbox which holds onto revs rather than swapping physical gears, but it also steers sweetly and does a tidy job of cornering. One caveat, adding the 17-inch wheels might make the car feel nimbler, but they also make the ride significantly firmer.

The Yaris’s motorway ride is pretty bouncy, too, but otherwise the Yaris cruises along well; it’s punchy enough not to feel overwhelmed, and there’s not too much wind or road noise.

So, a Ford Fiesta is still the more fun car to drive, but this Yaris puts on a very impressive showing. A Polo is more spacious, too, but if that’s not your primary concern, then the Yaris Hybrid offers lower running costs, higher levels of standard equipment and Toyota’s legendary reliability record.

If that’s convinced you, head to our deals page for the best prices.