2018 Toyota Yaris

Toyota mostly fulfills its reputation for building efficient and exceptionally reliable vehicles. Most of their models do well in our testing, thanks to their impressive fuel economy, comfortable rides, quiet cabins, and ease of getting in and out. All of this makes Toyotas among the best options for used vehicles. The brand was a hybrid pioneer, starting with the original Prius. Toyota has evolved and expanded that technology, and most vehicles in its lineup are available as a hybrid. Toyota also sells a number of plug-in hybrids, which were once called Prime but are now simply referred to as Plug-in. The company also knows how to add a dose of excitement into its lineup. The GR86, GR Corolla, and Supra are legit, fun-to-drive sports cars. However, some models we’ve tested have been disappointing. The company’s EV, the bZ4X SUV, is mediocre.

While other subcompacts have become more pleasant and rewarding, the Toyota Yaris remains spartan and humdrum. Efficient fuel economy of 32 mpg overall keeps operating costs low, but that's the end of the good news. Acceleration is slow, partly due to an antiquated four-speed automatic transmission. Tidy dimensions make it easy to park, but handling suffers from numb steering and excess body lean. Quick abrupt pitches disturb the ride and engine and road noise permeates the cabin. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel forces you to stretch out your arms to drive, and space for your left foot is meager. Two adults fit in the rear seat, but the basic front seats prove uncomfortable. 2017 models came with standard low-speed automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. For 2019 the Yaris only comes in a sedan, the previous Yaris iA. The hatchback returned in 2020.