Summary
The Toyota Yaris is a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. This is the third-generation model, which was originally launched back in 2011 and saw major updates in both 2014 and 2017. It was replaced by an all-new model in summer 2020.
The third-gen Yaris was unique in the supermini class during its lifespan for being available with a hybrid power option, which became the most popular version of the model. A diesel was originally part of the engine line-up, but Toyota dropped it due to falling demand in later years.
This generation of Toyota Yaris generally received average to good scores from most UK media sources, with the hybrid power unit being better regarded than the regular petrol versions.
In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the third-generation Yaris Hybrid ranked an outstanding 4th place. Interestingly, the regular petrol versions didn’t make the top 50. In its 2021 survey, What Car? rated the Yaris (all engines) ninth in its list of the most reliable small cars.
Key specifications
Body style: Small five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, hybrid
Price: From £12,995 on-road
Launched: Summer 2011
Last updated: Spring 2017
Replaced: Summer 2020
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Yaris Y20
“The Toyota Yaris Y20 Hybrid offers a relaxed nature and low running costs. However, its flaws include a low-rent interior and disappointing CVT gearbox.”
Read review
Model reviewed: GR Sport
“Toyota has introduced GR Sport to the Yaris in an effort to capture some of the GRMN hot hatch magic, but it leaves a lot to be desired.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Yaris Hybrid
“As a second car or town runabout, the Yaris Hybrid makes sense – but it’s too compromised to recommend elsewhere.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Rivals beat the Toyota Yaris for fun driving and quality feel, but the Toyota is a practical and reliable supermini.”
Read review
Model reviewed: GR Sport
Score: 4 / 10
“It gets the styling, suspension and steering from a hot hatch, but the powertrain from an eco-focused small car. No matter which you want, there are more convincing ways to spend £20,000.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: GR Sport
Score: 5 / 10
“Here is a city-friendly hybrid supermini that has been done up in sporting finery inspired by Toyota’s motorsport team. Hmm. Sounds very much like a case of confused identity.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Value for money, spaciousness and build quality will earn the Yaris the same willing audience as before, but given its huge resources, Toyota could have been expected to do better than that.”
Read review
Car
Score: 6 / 10
“This revised Yaris does enough to hold its position in the B-segment’s highly-competitive pecking order without shining in any particular department.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Toyota Yaris supermini is a reliable and efficient car, which is more stylish than ever and even comes as a hybrid.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Yaris Hybrid
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Toyota Yaris Hybrid can be very economical and boasts a spacious interior, but it can’t offer the driving fun of a Ford Fiesta.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“The Toyota Yaris is a roomy, cheap-to-run family car but it isn’t as well built as a VW Polo or as comfortable as a Vauxhall Corsa”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Bi-Tone
“Updated, smarter new looks and decent upgrades breathe new life into Toyota’s supermini, but plenty of competent and more efficient competitors mean the Yaris has a tough job ahead of it.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Toyota Yaris keeps up Toyota traditions of durability, reliability and build quality.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
“I’m going to be recommending the Toyota Yaris Hybrid to a lot of my readers.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Toyota Yaris is unique in offering the option of a hybrid powertrain”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Despite revisions for 2017 there remain better small hatchbacks than the Toyota Yaris. That said, having the only hybrid in this part of the market does mean the Yaris holds some appeal for company car drivers and those who regularly commute into the capital.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“A far-reaching facelift has improved it, but it’s still not a match for the class best. At least you can now justify it.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Although it’s well equipped and has a hybrid option, the Toyota Yaris doesn’t excel in enough areas to stand out in the tough small car class.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 83%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 63%
Safety assist: 57%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Toyota Yaris was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 25
Average repair cost: £231.03
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2022, the Toyota Yaris has a good reliability rating of 69%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both this generation Yaris as well as both newer (2020 onwards) and previous (pre-2011) generations, which is good news if you are considering a used Toyota Yaris.
Although we don’t have a huge number of data points yet, the repair bills claimed under warranty to date have been very inexpensive. All in all, the Yaris looks like being a reliable choice as a used car.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Toyota Yaris has received
2020
- WhatCar? Awards – Best Hybrid Car under £20,000
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Toyota Yaris, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | Mini hatch | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
Buy a used Toyota Yaris
If you’re looking to buy a Toyota Yaris, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Buy a car online from your sofa. We’ll deliver it. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Toyota Yaris on car subscriptions
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)