2015 Toyota Yaris

Toyota decided it needed a boost in sales for its slow-selling Yaris model, so for 2015, the diminutive three- or five-door subcompact has been refurbished. 

 

For the most part, it’s an attractive, surprisingly roomy, comfy little car that responds nimbly from behind the wheel and is more fun to drive than expected.

 

For 2015, Toyota will offer Yaris in three different trim levels: L, LE (tested here), and SE. All are front-wheel drive and come with a choice of automatic or manual transmission. 

 

The makeover for 2015 includes a new, oversized, X-shaped, piano-black front grille with a pencil-thin mustache of chrome that extends into the new headlamps and turn signals. Changes to the rear include new tail lamps, a contoured bumper, and backup lamps below the bumper’s lower lip. I especially liked the polished spoke alloy wheels that complement the “blue streak metallic” LE model. 

 

Comfortable Ride

Inside, Toyota tweaked the styling with metallic and chrome accents along the resculptured soft-touch dash. The dashboard controls feature large knobs that are simple to use. Power windows, door locks, air conditioning, 15-inch wheels, and HD radio with auxiliary jacks for USB and Bluetooth are standard across the board. 

 

The LE model adds cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, remote keyless entry, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The SE adds sport-trimmed upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 16-inch wheels.

 

My test Yaris was a five-door hatchback with a 4-speed automatic transmission and 1.5-liter, 106-horsepower 4-cylinder, a reliable engine and transmission combination that Toyota has been using for more than a decade. 

 

Seats are comfortable and there was enough front-seat room to accommodate my 6-foot-6-inch frame, but I would have appreciated a telescoping steering wheel in addition to the tilt to achieve a more comfortable driving position. Acceleration is adequate, but more horsepower would be welcome. Ride and handling are both acceptable, but a bit unsettled at higher speeds. The cabin is noisy and the engine buzzy at highway speeds. Disc brakes felt safe and sure. 

 

Standard safety features include nine airbags, but at the time of printing, Yaris had not yet been crash tested by either the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

 

Overall, the Yaris doesn’t break any new ground in terms of innovation, style, or standard equipment. It probably isn’t the pick of the litter when it comes to subcompact transportation, but it drives nicely enough, is inexpensive enough, and has good enough fuel economy that it deserves consideration.