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

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Rear auto power windows with anti jam protection

Front auto power windows with anti jam protection

Auto windscreen wipers

Acoustic windscreen glass

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rear privacy glass

Brakes

Emergency brake light system (EBS)

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Electronic parking brake

Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake assist

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Voice recognition

Bluetooth connectivity

E-call

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Adaptive cruise control

Pre-collision system (PCS)

Reversing camera

Adjustable speed limit with speed warning

Lane trace assist

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Driver Information

Multi information display switches on steering wheel

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Hybrid energy display

Colour binocular inspired displays with digital speedometer

7" Digital Combimeter

Driving Mirrors

Turning signal integrated indicators in door mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Body coloured door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Soft touch instrument panel

Entertainment

9" Multimedia touch display

4 speakers

Toyota Touch 3 system with DAB radio

USB connection

Exterior Body Features

Painted chequered front grille

Rear roof spoiler

Rear side wing doors

Shark fin antenna

Exterior Lights

LED rear light guide

LED front light guide

LED High mounted stop lamp

Manual headlight levelling

Follow me home headlights

Automatic headlights

LED Indicators

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

Auto high beam assist

LED Headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Auto air conditioning

Interior Features

Tilt/telescopic steering column

Fabric upholstery

3 spoke leather steering wheel

Front armrest

Data Communication Module (DCM) connected services

Leather gearshift

Adjustable boot height

Glovebox

Coat hooks in rear grab handles

Cup holders (2 front & door)

Shopping bag hooks

Grey roof lining

Packs

Safety pack - Yaris

Safety

Tyre pressure warning system

Rear seat belt reminder

Toyota Safety Sense 3 with over the air updates

Front passenger airbag on/off switch

Rear child proof door locks

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Front seatbelt reminder

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 8 airbags: Driver & passenger's airbags, dual side curtain airbags, side impact airbags, front centre airbag

Seats

Active headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 adjustable rear headrests

Height adjustable driver's seat

Isofix seat fixing

Security

Alarm/immobiliser

2x Master key

Remote powered central double locking doors

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Capacity in kWh: 0.7

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

NOx: 0.01

HC: 0.025

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 91

CO: 0.149

Noise Level dB(A): 70

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Engine Code: M15A-FXE

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 97.6

CC: 1490

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 3.1

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 91.1

General

NCAP Safety Assist %: 85

Generation Mark: 4

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Badge Power: 116

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

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

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 78

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 86

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 14E

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Coin Series: Design [Safety Pack]

Coin Description: Hybrid

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Performance

Engine Power - BHP: 116

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - MKG: 12.2

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

Engine Torque - NM: 120

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 89

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Power - KW: 85

Top Speed: 109

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Space Saver?: No

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 195/55 R16

Tyre Size Front: 195/55 R16

Tyre Size Spare: SPACE SAVER

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE

Vehicle Dimensions

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1500

Width (including mirrors): N

Wheelbase: 2560

Width: 1745

Length: 3940

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1090

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1615

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 36

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 450

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 450

Max. Loading Weight: 525

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 286

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 947

Max. Roof Load: N

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Premium paint

Packs

Chrome pack - Yaris

Chrome plus pack - Yaris

Protection plus pack with rubber floor mats - Yaris

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Silver

Metallic - Eclipse Black

Metallic - Forest green

Metallic - Decuma Grey

Metallic - Juniper blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pure white

Paint - Special

Premium - Platinum white pearl

Premium - Scarlet flare

Trim - Cloth

Fabric - Black with grey stitching

Wheels - Alloy

16" Anthracite machined alloy wheels