The Toyota Yaris gets more sophisticated in this updated fourth generation form - and features a superior self-charging hybrid engine. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the 2025 version.

Ten Second Review

Toyota's fourth generation Yaris supermini continues to evolve with its digitalised interior and strong safety standards. As usual though, it's biggest draw is its frugal segment-leading 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine, which is also available in an uprated 129bhp form. What was already a class act has just become genuinely hard to overlook.

Background

If you were asked to name the cars vying for the title of best supermini, it would be a reasonable wager that the Toyota Yaris wouldn't be amongst your top three. If, on the other hand, you had to name a small car that would be trouble-free, cheap to run and easy to use, it would be right up there. The thing is, those criteria are exactly what many supermini buyers are looking for. They don't care if the car can't take the Esses at Donington flat without lapsing into understeer. It's an irrelevance for most but car magazines still put a huge priority on handling and award their 'best of' titles predominantly on which cars are most fun to drive at the limit. The Yaris has always been a supermini that works well in the real world and this fourth generation 'XP210'-series design, first introduced back in 2020, then updated in 2024, is no exception. In recent times, it's gained a bit more flair - and a smarter, more digitalised cabin, along with a perkier 129bhp version of the existing 1.5-litre self-charging Hybrid engine. And for 2025, there are further subtle improvements.

Driving Experience

As before, the core engine on offer in the mainstream range is a 1.5-litre self-charging full-Hybrid petrol unit, but you can at least get it with a choice of output. The original version of this MK4 model featured this powerplant in 114hp form - and that continues with lower-order variants. Pricier Yaris models though, get this engine in a perkier 129bhp state of tune, with torque increased by 30% from 141Nm to 185Nm. That improves the 0-62mph sprint time from the base version's 9.7s to 9.2s. All Yaris models continue with the same e-CVT auto gearbox. And the Hybrid engine continues with its pleasing preference for reverting to battery power in urban driving whenever possible. As a result, the company expects that over 80% of urban journeys in this car will be able to be completed under electric power alone. As before, there are three provided driving modes. You won't be bothering much with the electric-only 'EV' option because, due to the tiny 0.76kWh size of the powertrain's lithium-ion battery, it's only good for around 4 miles. Most of the time, you'll be content to leave the car in 'Eco', despite the fact that throttle response and climate control performance will be a touch restricted. For out of town use, there's the option of selecting 'Power' if you want to buffet your fuel figures but motivate a little more petrol engine involvement to get where you're going a little faster. But going faster isn't really what driving a Yaris is all about. Unless the version in question happens to be the uber-powerful flagship hot hatch GR Yaris variant. This shopping rocket derivative gets its own 257bhp 1.6-litre three cylinder turbo engine and 6-speed 'iMT' manual gearbox mated to the compact 'AWD-i' 4x4 system that also features as an option on the SUV version of this Toyota supermini, the Yaris Cross.

Design and Build

Few changes have been made over the years to the muscular 'condensed agile' visual look of the original version of this MK4 Yaris - and Toyota hasn't made many. The overall height and length are compact - the car measures in at 3,940mm: most supermini rivals are over 4 metres long. But the wheelbase and front and rear tracks are generous, giving a planted look. Pronounced blisters feature over the wheel arches, plus there's complex surfacing over the rear doors. As usual, of more importance is the stuff you can't see - namely the stiff, sophisticated 'GA-B' platform this car sits upon. Inside, the cabin's been designed for a 'digital experience'. This takes in both a customisable driver's instrument display, a combimeter that will be either 7.0 or 12.3-inches depending on trim and is customisable with up to four selectable layout options: 'Smart', 'Casual', 'Sporty' and 'Tough'. As for the cabin's central infotainment monitor (which comes with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'), well that comes either in a base 9.0-inch guise, or, if you stretch to the pricier 'Toyota Smart Connect' multimedia system, is 10.5-inches in size. That ritzier set-up provides cloud-based navigation, with an 'always connected' system ensuring journey planning benefits from up-to-the-moment information on routes, traffic and delays. This display also now incorporates an intuitive "Hey Toyota" voice recognition system. For example, simply state 'Hey Toyota, I'm cold' and the system will automatically raise the climate control temperature. The driver's seat positions you a little lower than you might expect and there are plenty of soft-touch materials around the interior. The rear part of the cabin isn't especially spacious - it's really only ideal for kids. The boot area isn't that big either, rated at 286-litres, though if that's an issue, your dealer will point you to the slightly larger Yaris Cross SUV model.

Market and Model

Pricing is much as before, which means you'll be looking at prices starting from just under £23,000. There's a choice of 'Icon', 'Design', 'Excel' and 'GR Sport' trim levels. The 'GR Sport' variant has been improved for the 2025 model year and gets freshly-designed 18-inch matt-finish alloy wheels. Across the range, there's a new 'Forest Green' paint shade option. Available big-car features include Toyota's 'smart digital key', which will allow you (and up to five other users) to unlock and start the car via a smartphone app. Most models get features like dual-zone air conditioning, rear privacy glass, push-button start, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control and auto-folding mirrors. Plus leather steering wheel trim, air conditioning and a smartphone-mirroring-compatible multimedia system. As before, safety remains a design priority: Toyota says that this fourth generation Yaris was designed to be the world's safest compact car. Hence the inclusion of radar and camera scanning systems that can scan far and wide as you drive. The brand has also calibrated its 'Lane keep assist' system for a 'neutral' feeling; and includes an extra 'Overtake Prevention Support' feature to stop unintentional undertaking manouevres. As before, standard advanced driver assistance systems include full speed-range intelligent adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist. In addition to these systems, the Yaris has been developed to provide the best possible occupant protection, in line with the stricter testing standards now applied. For example, to provide protection in the event of a side impact, the Yaris was the first car in its segment to be fitted with a centre airbag.

Cost of Ownership

The Yaris' residual values have always held up better than, say, a Corsa and have stacked up even more competitively with this fourth generation model with its redesigned Hybrid engine. For the 114bhp base version, Toyota quotes a CO2 figure as low as 91g/km. And a WLTP combined cycle fuel reading of up to 70.6mpg. For the 129bhp model, those readings take a slight hit, the CO2 figure falling to 96g/km and the mpg stat to 67.3mpg. The Yaris is covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and buyers also get five years of pan-European roadside breakdown assistance, a three year paint warranty and twelve years of anti-perforation cover. And extended warranty can be bought at extra price as part of a package that includes free MOTs and extended roadside assistance cover. There's a dedicated 'MyT' app that allows you to book a service online using your 'phone. And Toyota has a 'Fixed Price Servicing' plan, so you'll know in advance exactly how much any work will cost before you check into a dealer.

Summary

The Toyota Yaris always used to be one of those cars that grew on you - it didn't have the force of personality to impress you with sheer showroom wow factor. But this MK4 model upped its game quite markedly in that regard - and is more appealing still in this updated form. Don't for one moment think that Toyota has given into superficiality, favouring style over substance. This is a fundamentally strong product, with a smart interior and a perkier Hybrid engine option if you need it. Electrified technology makes a lot of sense for a supermini buyer and this car still leads its field in that regard. None of this will impress the enthusiast magazines or interest those who pore over 0-62mph times or wax lyrical about handling adjustability. But what the Yaris lacks at the ragged edge on a Welsh mountain road, it more than makes up for in everyday use. Put down the car magazines, ask yourself what you really need a supermini for and then see if this Yaris doesn't tick every single box.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Dusk and rain sensors

Anti-jam protection on power windows

Rear window defogger

Auto windscreen wipers

Privacy glass on rear windows

Windscreen washer nozzle

Brakes

Anti lock brake system with Brake Assist

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Emergency brake light system (EBS)

Red sport front and rear brake pads

Carpets/Rugs

Driver and front passenger fabric floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

MacPherson front suspension

Double wishbone rear suspension

Communication

Voice recognition

eCall emergency call system

Bluetooth handsfree system

Wireless smartphone integration

Driver Aids

Power Steering

Rear view camera

Front and rear parking sensors

Blind spot monitoring

Rear cross traffic alert

Road sign assist - RSA

Lane trace assist

Intelligent adaptive cruise control

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) switch on steering wheel

Safe exit assist

Emergency steering assist on pre-collision system (day)

Rovanpera drive modes

Driver Convenience

Smart voice assist

Driver Information

Navigation system

Fuel level gauge

12.3" TFT screen

Digital speedometer (mph)

Toyota smart connect+

Driving Mirrors

Electrochromatic rear view mirror

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Automatically retractable door mirrors

Turning signal integrated indicators in door mirrors

Engine

Noise insulation

Gasoline particulate filter

Entertainment

8 Speakers

DAB Digital radio

JBL Premium Sound System

USB connector

8" Multimedia display

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Black rear spoiler

Dual exhaust pipes

Black door mirrors and handles

Shark fin antenna

Body coloured rear bumper

Paint protection film

Black front bumper

Carbon fibre roof wrap

Air intakes for brake cooling

GR lower front grille

Door scuff plates

Piano black side air vents

Rocker and door lower moulding

Red wheel caliper

GRMN rear wing

GR functional matrix bumper

Lower back and back door garnish

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Rear fog lamps

License plate lamp

Manual headlight levelling

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

LED rear combination lights

LED rear brake lights

3rd brake light

Automatic high beam

Automatic headlights cut-off with reminder

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Clean air filter

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Cloth upholstery

Front console box

3 spoke leather sports steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Aluminium pedals

Silver interior door handles

12v power outlet - front

Gear shift indicator

Leather gearshift knob

Front overhead assist grips

Multimedia switches on steering wheel

Front cup holders

Slow opening on lower glovebox

Soft tonneau cover

Front bottle holders

GR logo on steering wheel

Rear console box

Ticket holder on driver sun visor

Manual telescopic and tilting steering wheel

Suede front door trim

Black surround on gear shift console

Red interior stitching

Rovanpera special design

Luggage tray

Electric luggage and back door release

1 step hard deck board

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system

Safety

2 rear seatbelts

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Front passenger airbag on/off switch

Tyre pressure warning system

Occupant detection

Rear passenger side airbag

Driver and passenger front side airbags

Seats

Front sports seats

Front headrests

Isofix seat fixing

Manually height adjustable driver seat

Single front passenger seat

2 seat bench in 2nd row

60:40 Split folding rear seats

Driver and front passenger active headrests

2 rear headrests

Security

Immobiliser

Intrusion alarm

Smart digital key

Smart entry and start system

Anti-theft label

Transmission

Torsen limited slip differential

GR-Four AWD switch

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sun visor with mirror

Wheels

Wheel caps

Wheels - Alloy

18" 10 spoke forged alloy wheels with Michelin pilot sport

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 68

CO: 0.311

HC: 0.02

NOx: 0.01

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0005

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 260

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 189

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 203

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 198

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 260

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 261

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 189

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 190

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 171

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 203

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 203

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 198

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 198

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 87.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 89.7

CC: 1618

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Code: G16E-GTS

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 24.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 32.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 24.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 24.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 37.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 31.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 32.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 32.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 11.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 11.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 11.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.8

General

Coin Series: Rovanpera

Coin Description: AWD

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: 105567

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 44A

Badge Power: 280

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 4

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

Top Speed: 143

Engine Power - BHP: 280

Engine Power - PS: 0

Engine Power - KW: 209

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 288

Engine Torque - NM: 390

Engine Torque - RPM: 4600

Engine Torque - MKG: 39.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE FORGED

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 3995

Width: 1805

Wheelbase: 2560

Height: 1455

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1645

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

No. of Seats: 4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Rovanpera

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Black