2009 Toyota Yaris

Beneath the Yaris hood sits a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and "intelligence" (VVT-i), developing 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. The optional four-speed automatic includes uphill/downhill shift logic, to reduce gear "hunting" in hilly terrain.


Fuel economy is a hot selling point. With a manual gearbox, the Yaris earns a fuel-economy estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 29 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway. An automatic transmission yields the same city estimates, and knocks just one mpg off the highway figure.

Yaris Cargo Capacity

Toyota promotes the tight turning circle of the Yaris: 32.6 feet for the sedan, and 30.8 feet for Liftbacks, promising easy agility. Standard tires are 14-inch, but S models get 15-inch rubber on steel or aluminum wheels. Eliminating outer moldings from the windshield and door glass was intended to enhance aerodynamics and, as a result, reduce wind noise.


Cargo volume totals nearly 12.9 cubic in the sedan's trunk, while Liftbacks have a modest 9.3 cubic feet behind the backseat–growing to 25.7 cubic feet with that seatback folded. Cupholders are installed in front and rear, and the center console includes storage space. Cargo space behind the hatchback's rear seat is minuscule–not exactly a surprise after noting the stubby profile of the two-door hatchback, in particular. Upholstery is attractive enough, but hardly premium-level.


Toyota calls the S models "sport-themed." They feature newly designed color-keyed under-bumper spoilers at front and rear, an amber-lit tachometer, sport seat fabric, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Also included are a rear-window defroster and wipers, and an MP3/WMA/CD audio system.