For 2015, 10 years after its introduction, the Toyota Yaris is getting its second restyling with revised looks inside and out, a quieter cabin, a fuel-efficient engine, and all the versatility that comes with the three- and five-door versions. The U.S.-spec Yaris debuted in 2005 with lots of spunk and clever packing wrapped in an inexpensive sub-compact. Offered in both the three-door and five-door hatchback styles, the Yaris filled a niche near at the bottom of Toyota’s lineup. Refreshed in 2011, the Yaris continued its mission largely unchanged, save for a more modern design. Now for 2015, Toyota->ke88 is improving the Yaris with more refinement and a better driving experience, while still retaining its superb value proposition. Starting at just $14,485, the Yaris makes a great city car or a sweet first car for a teenager. Its 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder will keep curious teens out of trouble with Johnny Law, while the expansive cargo area and decent back seat might land them in trouble with mom and dad.

Toyota has resolved a few of the complaints that plagued the previous-generation Yaris, namely the NHV levels inside the cabin. More sound insulation and more premium interior materials help push the Yaris’ feel upmarket, while it still keeps its low price point. With three trim models and two body lengths to chose from, the Yaris is a pretty customizable hatchback->ke304.

With the updated features and added benefits, Toyota may see the Yaris climb back up the sales charts to the level of its glory days in 2008 when sales of the hatch topped 100,000 units. Selling only 21,343 units in 2013, the Yaris was apparently in desperate need of a makeover. Let’s see what Toyota has done to turn up the heat.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Toyota Yaris.

2015 Toyota Yaris

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Toyota Yaris
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 106 @ 6000
  • Torque: 103 @ 4200
  • Transmission: five-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The most noticeable changes with the Yaris happen up front. A completely revised grille, lower fascia, and headlights are a welcomed sight. That front grille and lower fascia seem to take after the Lexus->ke47 Spindle Grille design. The hourglass shape is wide and low, giving the car a planted, aggressive look. Accent creases in the hood continue the X-type theme carried from the grille.

The Toyota emblem now has a swanky chrome bar bent under it. That bar then runs outward toward the new headlights, actually running into the headlight design itself. The bar helps create different sections inside the headlight for the projector headlight, the standard amber turn signal, and the upper LED daytime running lights.

Upper trim levels get black and silver, 16-inch alloy wheels that really look good. Mid-range cars come with 15-inch alloys and lower models are stuck with 15-inch steelies with wheel covers.

Interior

Things on the inside of the 2015 model are pretty similar to the current 2014 Yaris. The dashboard is still driver-centric with a low-mounted center console with dual cup holders and shifter location. The three HVAC control knobs return, as does the circle-next-to-a-rectangle radio design. A sharp eye will spot several differences that really clean up the interior’s appearance.

First, an updated, three-spoke steering wheel is present, along with an updated gauge cluster. Toyota also added a passenger-side shelf, much like on the Highlander. New seats are also present. They are somewhat reminiscent of a Volkswagen look with its horizontal ridges in the front part of the seat bottom and upper section of the seat back. The look is rather clean and seems to bring the interior up a notch because of it. Contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are found on the SE trim level’s Sport fabric.

All Yaris models get Toyota’s Entune audio system with a 6.1-inch touch screen complete with AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth, along with HD Radio, and a USB port with iPod connectivity. The system also features iTunes Tagging and Bluetooth hands-free phone capabilities with voice recognition. For the first time, navigation is now an option, but it must be purchased at the dealer.

In the rear, 60/40 folding seats open up the cargo area for loads of room. Whether its moving groceries or moving to college, the Yaris seems up to the task. That’s especially true for the 5-door model, which enjoys a commendable cargo area.

Drivetrain

Behind that revised front grille sits the familiar, 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder. It produces the same 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque that it did for 2014, and it comes with the same two transmission choices. A five-speed manual transmission is the standard fare, while a traditional four-speed automatic is optional. Toyota says the five-speed manual is a smooth-shifting unit, so it’ll likely be the choice for those looking for some extra driving fun.

Quick-ratio, electronic power steering is now included with all models. Upping to the SE trim package nets you a sport-tuned suspension with a stronger stabilizer bar and four-wheel disc brakes. Those front brake rotors have also grown by an inch over last year’s.

Though Toyota hasn’t released the fuel economy numbers for the 2015 Yaris, we don’t expect them to change from the 2014 numbers. Cars with the manual transmission are rated at 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, while the automatic knocks it down slightly to 30 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined.

2015 Toyota Yaris: Drivetrain Specification

Engine

1.5-Liter, 16-Valve, Four-Cylinder DOHC

Output

106 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque

103 LB-FT @ 4,200 RPM

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual


Prices

Pricing for the Yaris starts at $14,485 for the base L trim package in the three-door configuration with the manual transmission. That price grows to $17,620 for a top-trim SE five-door with the automatic transmission. Those prices don’t include delivery or destination charges, however. Expect those to average around $825.

Model#

Grade

Transmission

Body Style

2014 MSRP

2015 MSRP

MSRP change ($)

MSRP Change (%)

1421

L

5MT

3DR

$14,430

$14,845

$415

3%

1422

L

4AT

3DR

$15,155

$15,570

$415

3%

1424

LE

4AT

3DR

$16,015

$16,505

$490

3%

1463

SE

5MT

5DR

$16,540

$16,820

$280

2%

1462

L

4AT

5DR

$15,455

$15,945

$490

3%

1464

SE

4AT

5DR

$17,340

$17,620

$280

2%

1466

LE

4AT

5DR

$16,490

$16,880

$390

2%


Competition

2014 Nissan Versa Note

The Versa Note is a strong competitor in this category, especially when considering its $13,990 starting price. With a high roofline and loads of cargo room, the Versa Note is able to haul with the best crossovers->ke288 out there. An unrefined interior and uninspiring CVT does hamper the ownership experience, however.

Under the Versa Note’s hood lies a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder making 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. That CVT powers the front wheels on all except the S model, which has a five-speed manual transmission.

2014 Ford Fiesta

Perhaps the most competitive car in this segment is the Ford Fiesta. With its high-class interior, smooth engine, ample cargo room, and handsome European looks, the Fiesta is certainly where the party is.

Power comes from 1.6-liter four-cylinder making a respectable 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual and six-speed automatic are available and send power to the front wheels, regardless of choice. With its pricing starting at $14,000, the Fiesta makes a strong value proposition. Even for the Titanium trim, you’ll only be paying $18,800.

Conclusion

The Toyota Yaris has grown up just a touch for 2015 with some interesting interior additions and a revised exterior look. Better handling of NHV levels within the cabin, along with better materials should go a long way with discerning customers who crave such niceties, even at this price point.

A fuel-efficient engine with two transmission options help make the Yaris an economical choice for those looking for modest transportation. The option of having three or five doors is also a big plus for buyers in the price range.

Overall, the Yaris seems to be a solid competitor in the sub-compact category, offering a good bang-for-the-buck investment while making passengers happy with its updated audio and optional navigation systems.