The Yaris is offered in two body styles: 3-door and 5-door liftback. All 2017 Toyota Yaris models come with a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine making 106 hp and 103 ft-lb of torque. With variable valve timing, the engine is quite flexible and responsive and works quite well with the available 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy ratings are 30 mpg city, 36 mpg highway with the automatic, or 30 mpg city / 37 mpg highway with the manual.
Standard features on all Yaris models include daytime running lights, intermittent wipers, a 4-speaker CD/MP3 player with iPod input, tilt steering wheel, power locks, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes and stability control. Nine air bags, including front-seat, side-curtain and a driver's knee airbag, are also included. An efficiency-enhancing trip computer is included in the instrumentation that will show instant fuel economy and an "ECO driving indicator" to show the driver how well they're doing. The 5-door model gets a rear wiper standard as well.
The Yaris may be diminutive, but it doesn't sacrifice comfort or interior space. Its 85 cubic-feet of passenger volume and 15 cubic-feet of cargo space mean it's comfortable enough for up to 5 passengers and their stuff. The short 99-inch wheelbase means a tight turning circle of just 31 feet. Suspension is a MacPherson strut-type front suspension and torsion-beam rear setup tuned for good ride comfort, while electric-assist power steering maximizes efficiency as well as improving parking-lot maneuverability.
In addition to the standard equipment, the LE model adds on power-adjustable mirrors, an upgraded 6-speaker stereo with HD radio and Bluetooth. Upgraded front seats, a split-folding rear seat, and steering wheel audio controls are also included, as is remote keyless.
The SE model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lamps, a mesh grille, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
At first glance, the 2017 Yaris appears essentially unchanged from the 2016 version. However, this year the Yaris gets a full electronic safety suite dubbed "Sense-C" as standard equipment. The Sense-C kit includes a lane departure warning system, a pre-collision system and automatic high beams. These improvements should make the diminutive Yaris one of the safest small-cars on the road today.
The Yaris has a lot of appeal for those who value practicality, fuel efficiency and reliability. The Toyota Yaris is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models available in the U.S., as well as one of the lowest-priced new cars. With the Yaris' enviable reputation for resale value, reliability and longevity, it's a great pick for those who want to buy new and keep their vehicle for a long time.
