2021 Toyota Yaris Hybrid in-depth review - can a hybrid be fun to drive?

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is well known for its reliability and low running costs. Now, the new model gets a sportier design, improved technology and is even cheaper to run thanks to an improved hybrid powertrain. But can it outclass rivals like the Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz? Carbuyer Editor Richard Ingram puts it to the test in our video review.

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[oddities-whatnot]

Great car but as per usual, too much emphasis on 0-60 times. My car is fast but when I join motorways etc, I dont need to floor it. I gradually get up to speed in my own time without holding anyone up. Why is the assumption that everyone needs to drive full throttle all the time ? This is why the roads are full of impatient bell ends with no self control and no ability to handle a cars power in a mature fashion.

[toninocars]

This car is the best small auto in its class, no better automatic transmission then Toyota hybrid, it’s not a conventional cvt but completely different, don’t know why auto journalists never mentioned it, I know it’s sounds like an advert but it’s true. 👍

[georgarak]

Don't forget that with the hybrid you get the full Toyota Safety Sense System which includes Lane Trace Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System, and most importantly, the Full Range Adaptive Cruise Control, which works even in slow moving traffic. This is a big plus in my book, as more basic models do not have the entire suite, and other manufacturers offer fewer safety and assistance systems. The climate control as basic is also something that is seen only in the Peugeot 208, which costs around the same.

[rossstevens]

had my excel about 4 months now and am very pleased with it, am still finding new gadgets to play with and nearly 50 mpg during winter is nice, only cons is the heater is not as good as in my previous jazz and there are no rear vanity lights, beautiful little car and quite nippy for a auto.

[DreamCarGarage]

This is a really cool looking small car, and with the new halo car, the GR, lending some of its 'shine', this car should do very well.

[SOMEONE-ME]

It's not CVT. It's e-CVT which is very different. Idea is similar, but actual design (and reliability) is very different. You can't use those names as if they meant the same gearbox, yet most reviews keep swapping it.

[ulugbeksaipov]

Professional review. You answered almost all questions. Honest review. Thank you for your job.

[oliverstemp]

I think it's one of the best looking cars in the class. Welcome back CarBuyer, I like the presentation but this review was oddly laid out

[EdgarRenje]

Finally the Yaris looks good again. The only thing I don't like so much are the front door handles inside.

[dickschuurman]

And today... Car of the Year 2021: 💐 Toyota Yaris !!! 💐

[emlynjay]

Have a 2015 Iconic Model: really looking forward to picking up a new Dynamic Model in, hopefully, a Month's time.

[jamieful]

Most automatics will start around the £20k mark, this is a great all rounder as it has a hybrid where as a polo does not and that will set you back around 20k

[jatxemo]

What is the length of the boot with rear seats folded down?

[myma]

There's something really wrong with boot spaces still compared in liters; I know it is volume, but realistically, who fills the boot to the ceiling🙄? Boot AREA and regularity give a much better idea instead of counting those liters up in the air, which mostly VW cars exploit to make 'class leading' models. The Polo you mention is slowly vanishing because of how unreliable it has been the last 10-15 years...it's a shame to call that car 'class leading' .

[maisiesummerfield]

Have to add, this is a lot more zippy than my last Yaris (2017). The engine noise is much reduced when accelerating so sounds a lot less than trying to get to Warpdrive 4 as was the case. Very clear dashboard especially the speedometer and importantly, the time is now on the screen and not obscured by the steering wheel. Excellent arm rest in the front with secret chamber. What is not the like? Really good stuff and the dogs very happy

[thewaywardgrape]

The difference between the cars in this segment is the badge. The reason you buy a Toyota is for the build quality (not really the stuff you see, the important stuff). The only reason you buy a German car is for the badge.

[DoubleDeckerAnton]

I'd most definitely have the GR version.

[dinjai]

Just wanted to say thank you for your review after all this time from Germany. This review was a major impact for me to buy the Yaris in the same blue color :)

[koysurrahman]

It will out live his rivals by a decade

[rakeshsethi]

An excellent option for Hybrid Yaris with sporty and safety features besides exhilarating driving