2017 Toyota Yaris Review

Name: 2017 Toyota Yaris Review
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $13,998 - $15,998

2017 Toyota Yaris L 2dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

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6 cars

$13,838 avg. price

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Toyota Yaris model years

Toyota Yaris for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers^{Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Appealing roster of standard convenience and safety features
Rear legroom is surprisingly generous

Cons

Less cargo capacity than some rivals
Tilt-only steering wheel makes it hard to get an ideal driving position
Outdated four-speed automatic transmission
Rearview camera isn't offered

What’s new

Standard on all 2017 Yaris models is Toyota's new Safety Sense suite of safety features. It includes automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Vehicle overview

Buying a 2017 Toyota Yaris could be a smart move if you're looking for a vehicle with easy-to-park dimensions and a very affordable price. This is Toyota's entry-level car, and it will certainly meet your needs if size and price are all you're after. But the Yaris doesn't offer much more than that, making it difficult to recommend in light of rivals with more of an upscale presence.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Columbus, OH

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2017 Toyota Yaris
L 4dr Hatchback
$15,998
- 79,170 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, rental vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Southwest Freeway (1,010 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Lane Departure Warni...
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Houston, TX
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
32 Combined MPG (30 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: VNKKTUD38HA073190
Stock: 27011333
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2017 Toyota Yaris
LE 4dr Hatchback
$15,998
- 46,001 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Tampa (827 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Lane Departure Warni...
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Tampa, FL
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
32 Combined MPG (30 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: VNKKTUD30HA071742
Stock: 26893930
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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We do like the Yaris' standard features, which include a touchscreen with a user-friendly tech interface, lane departure warning, and a system that can detect if a forward crash is imminent and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't take suitable action. Those last two features are new additions for the 2017 model. But the Yaris is not as practical or up-to-date as its rivals. Its 106-horsepower engine isn't as powerful as the engines of most competitors, and its four-speed automatic transmission is an automotive relic. (Most subcompacts have a six-speed transmission for better fuel economy.) Cabin materials also look a little low-rent in contrast to the high-quality trim in the Honda Fit. The Yaris is a decent subcompact, but you'll find better choices in the class if you want something more than basic transportation.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.0 / 5

The 2017 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact hatchback that might be right up your alley if you want a car that's easy to park, gets good fuel economy, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. But shoppers looking for all that plus some personality and a nicely appointed interior won't find it here.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Toyota Yaris SE Four-Door Hatchback (1.5L 4-cyl.; 5-speed manual).

Scorecard

Overall	3.0 / 5
Driving	3.5
Comfort	3.0
Interior	3.0
Utility	2.0

Driving

3.5

Although the Toyota Yaris may not deliver class-leading driving engagement, it doesn't disappoint, either, and is indeed competent. Note that this rating applies to the five-speed manual. The four-speed automatic hampers acceleration and drivability, and we don't recommend it.

Acceleration

2.5

The 1.5-liter inline-four's 106 hp is quite low for the segment, yet its 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds (with the manual transmission) is close to average. That said, the engine's lack of guts makes it feel slower than rivals out on the road.

Braking

3.5

The Yaris needed 123 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is average for subcompact cars. However, its stopping distances were more consistent than those of most rivals, showing a resistance to fade that is rare for the segment.

Steering

4.0

The steering is responsive, direct and precise. It's still not as good as the spot-on feedback and effort provided by the Ford Fiesta, but it has elevated itself above mere appliance expectations.

Handling

4.0

Above and beyond the Yaris' inherent nimbleness of its diminutive dimensions and light weight, its excellent steering and reasonable grip make it a confident and adept handler.

Drivability

4.0

The five-speed manual transmission features a light effort with easy-to-find gears and an intuitive clutch takeup. This is a much better choice than the outdated, optional four-speed automatic that is ill-suited to the modestly powered engine.

Comfort

3.0

As an urban runabout, the Toyota Yaris is acceptable. But if frequent highway travel is in the cards, the uncomfortable seats and ride quality become liabilities.

Seat comfort

2.0

Several Edmunds drivers found it difficult to get comfortable in the Yaris' driver seat, particularly on long drives. The non-telescoping steering wheel causes tall drivers to hunch over. The Yaris also lacks a center armrest.

Ride comfort

3.0

The Yaris lacks the suppleness provided by the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit, and that's why it is a less agreeable choice for highway driving.

Noise & vibration

3.0

The Yaris is a subcompact, so there is considerable wind, road and engine noise. But the amount of noise is about what's typical for the segment.

Interior

3.0

The Yaris' interior build quality and generally unappealing interior design are its primary detriments. We don't expect Lexus-like materials in this price class, but the Yaris is particularly melancholy. Passenger space and interior controls are acceptable, and the cabin is reasonably roomy.

Ease of use

3.0

The Entune touchscreen interface works reasonably well, though some of its icons are difficult to press. The climate controls couldn't be simpler.

Getting in/getting out

4.0

Big front doors, a tallish roof and a relatively high hip point make getting into the Yaris easy. Rear doors are decently sized as well, and relatively generous legroom means you shouldn't have to squeeze yourself in.

Roominess

3.0

Backseat headroom is restricted by the sloping headliner that meets the hatchback, but rear legroom is above average. Two adults should fit quite comfortably. The driver seat adjusts sufficiently even for tall drivers.

Visibility

3.0

There's excellent forward visibility thanks to the expansive windshield and tall front side windows. Big rear head restraints and chunky rear quarter pillars impede rearward vision. Unlike in most competitors, there's no rearview camera available.

Quality

2.5

The Yaris' cabin is a rather dreary place with plastic bits seemingly everywhere. Most competitors provide a more premium look and feel for similar money.

Utility

2.0

Cargo space isn't exactly abundant in the subcompact hatch class, but even the Yaris stumbles. Most competitors offer more cubic feet, and even the Ford Fiesta (which has less space on paper) is more useful because the tall rear seatbacks are more effective at concealing luggage.

Compare 2017 Toyota Yaris trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Toyota Yaris models

The 2017 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact two- or four-door hatchback that slots below the Corolla as Toyota's smallest, least expensive car. The Yaris L and LE are offered with two or four doors, while the SE trim is offered only as a four-door. The two-door L and four-door SE are offered with a five-speed manual transmission, while a totally antiquated four-speed automatic is optional on those trims and standard on everything else. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (106 horsepower, 103 pound-feet of torque) is standard across all trims and body styles.

Standard features on the L includes 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights and high-beam control, power door locks and windows, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB port. Lane departure warning and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking are also standard.

The LE adds or substitutes 15-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, enhanced interior trim and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

For a more premium Yaris, go with the SE trim. You'll get 16-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights, LED running lights, foglights, special exterior styling elements, four-wheel disc brakes, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and upgraded cloth upholstery.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 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 $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$114/mo

$159/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#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

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

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

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.}

Toyota Yaris Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

27 reviews

5(33%)

4(41%)

3(4%)

2(7%)

1(15%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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 …

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 …

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 …

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!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Toyota Yaris, so we've included reviews for other years of the Yaris since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the Toyota Yaris

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2017 Yaris Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$15,250
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$114/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Yaris models:

Pre-Collision System: This standard feature detects if a forward collision is imminent and, if so, automatically applies the brakes to lessen or avoid the impact.
Lane Departure Alert: Sensors read lane lines and sound an alert if the Yaris is moving outside its lane. This feature is also standard.
Auto High Beams: Standard automatic headlights illuminate in low light situations. High beams automatically turn on when other vehicles are not present.