2018 Toyota Yaris Review: Anime Eyes and MPGs
Performance
All Yaris hatchbacks feature the same powertrain: a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine which produces 106 horsepower, and 103 lb-ft of torque. This power figure trails the competition, which offer between 120-135 horsepower from similar-sized engines. However, the Yaris is the lightest of the pack at just 2,335 pounds. So, in terms of power-to-weight, the performance should be adequate.
However, the Yaris again trails the competition in another, much more crucial number: Gears. For reasons unknown, the Yaris hatchback still has a 4-speed automatic transmission. Yes, a four speed auto, in 2018. All of it’s competitors feature much more modern, and efficient 6-speed, or continuously variable transmissions. Even more curiously, the Yaris iA sedan, formerly the Scion iA, features a 6-speed auto, for the same money. The impact of this choice on the little Yaris is massive.
The overwhelmingly predominant trait of the Yaris on the road is the transmission. Around town the Yaris most always stays in a lower gear, simply because it only has four cogs to choose from. This results in slightly jerky low speed driving and poor fuel economy.
0-60 MPH happens in 10.5 seconds, which is quite leisurely, but quick enough to flow with traffic on the open road. A more modern transmission would sharply improve acceleration.
At speed, things aren’t much better. And, again, the four-speed box is the problem. The EPA rates the Yaris hatchback at 30 MPG city, 35 MPG freeway, and 32 combined. Over the course of my 440.7 miles with the car, I averaged just 30.2 MPG, which is on the low side of the EPA estimates. For reference, the Yaris sedan, again, formerly the Scion iA sedan, with it’s 6-speed automatic, is rated at 32 MPG city and 40 MPG freeway with the same engine. That is a large penalty to pay for the hatchback.
Passenger comfort
During my weekend road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara there was a lot of time to really poke all of the Yaris’ buttons and learn about the car. First off, the Yaris hatchback is pretty good about making the most of it’s interior space. With four people in the car, it didn’t feel cramped at all. Though, that said, both of my rear seat passengers were 5’10″+ and mentioned having to slouch a bit to get enough head room to be comfortable.
From a driver’s standpoint, Toyota’s Entune infotainment system is a positive for me. The interface may be simple, but it’s responsive and easy to use. The stereo and sound quality is mid-pack in the subcompact segment. An 18-year old looking to rattle the door cards with bass will be disappointed, but for everyone else, it’s fine. Though, a warning to buyers: There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the 2018 Yaris hatch, no matter what trim level you choose.
That 7-inch screen also doubles as the rear view camera, which offers an easy to interpret system of dashes to show proximity. Combine that with the Yaris’ diminutive footprint and this is a very easy car to park in congested urban areas.
That said, shooting the images above was a bit of a task. For whatever reason, the plastic covers used on the Entune screen, and the gauge cluster are susceptible to terrible glare, even when it’s not that bright outside. I’m not sure if it’s the type of plastic used, or the coating on it, but this made using Entune, and other trivial things such as seeing the speedometer nearly impossible at certain times of the day. Much like the steering wheel predicament and odd seating position, I can’t remember the last time this was an issue on any car I have driven.
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