Can the Toyota Yaris Handle Motorway Driving in the UK?

The Toyota Yaris is a popular choice among UK drivers, known for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and ease of manoeuvrability in busy urban areas.

But what happens when you take this city car beyond the high streets and onto the motorways?

Can the Yaris keep up with the demands of long-distance driving, or is it better suited for shorter, stop-and-go journeys?

In this article, we’ll explore whether the Toyota Yaris can handle motorway driving in the UK, looking at its performance, comfort, and safety features.

Understanding the Toyota Yaris: A Compact City Car

First things first, the Toyota Yaris is primarily designed as a city car.

Its small frame and agile handling make it perfect for navigating narrow streets, tight parking spots, and congested traffic.

It’s well-loved for its fuel economy, especially in its hybrid variant, and provides an eco-friendly option for daily commuting.

But don’t let its city-friendly label fool you.

The Yaris may be compact, but it’s far from limited to short trips.

While it’s ideally suited for urban driving, there’s more to this little car than meets the eye when it comes to motorway capability.

Performance of the Toyota Yaris on UK Motorways

When it comes to motorway driving, the Toyota Yaris delivers a surprisingly solid performance, despite its compact stature.

The current generation of Yaris comes with several engine options, including a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre hybrid, both of which offer enough punch to comfortably maintain motorway speeds.

Acceleration and Speed

One of the main concerns drivers have with smaller cars on the motorway is whether they can accelerate quickly enough to merge into fast-moving traffic.

The Yaris’ 1.5-litre engine produces up to 125bhp, which might not sound like much compared to larger vehicles, but it’s enough to get the job done.

The car accelerates smoothly, and while it won’t win any drag races, it can reach motorway speeds without much fuss.

Once up to speed, the Yaris feels stable and composed.

It’s more than capable of cruising at 70mph, and even has enough in reserve to overtake slower traffic when needed.

However, you may find it doesn’t have quite the same surge of power as a larger car when overtaking at higher speeds, so planning ahead is key.

Stability and Handling

One of the benefits of the Yaris is its lightweight design, which makes it incredibly nimble.

On motorways, this means the car is easy to manoeuvre, and changing lanes or navigating busy traffic is a breeze.

That said, its smaller size can make it feel a little light when strong crosswinds hit, but the car’s excellent aerodynamics help keep things under control.

The Yaris’ suspension is tuned more for comfort than sportiness, which means it handles motorway imperfections well, absorbing bumps and undulations without making the ride uncomfortable.

Overall, it feels well-planted on the road, even at higher speeds.

Fuel Efficiency on Motorway Journeys

One area where the Toyota Yaris really shines is fuel efficiency, and this holds true even on the motorway.

The hybrid model, in particular, is designed to sip fuel, and while hybrid cars are typically most efficient in urban stop-start traffic, the Yaris still delivers respectable figures on longer journeys.

On the motorway, you can expect fuel consumption to be around 55-60 mpg, depending on driving style and conditions.

This makes it one of the more economical choices for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road, especially compared to larger petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

If you’re taking long trips on the motorway regularly, the hybrid option will save you more at the pump compared to the standard petrol variant, though both are cost-effective options.

Comfort and Space for Long Motorway Drives

For long-distance travel, comfort is key, and the Yaris does a decent job here.

Despite its compact size, the cabin is surprisingly spacious for both the driver and passengers.

The seats are supportive enough for longer drives, though on very extended trips, you might find yourself wanting a little more cushioning.

Interior Technology and Features

The Yaris comes well-equipped with modern technology that can make motorway driving more comfortable.

Features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist come standard on many models, which can take the edge off long motorway drives by helping you maintain a steady speed and stay centred in your lane.

The infotainment system is easy to use and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily stay connected and entertained on your journey.

The combination of these driver aids and tech features makes motorway driving in the Yaris more enjoyable and less tiring.

Boot Space and Practicality

While the Yaris isn’t the most spacious car in its class, it does offer a decent amount of boot space for weekend trips or motorway commutes.

The boot can comfortably fit a couple of suitcases or shopping bags, and the rear seats can be folded down for additional storage if needed.

Safety Features for Motorway Driving

Safety is a top priority on motorways, where high speeds can make accidents more serious.

Fortunately, the Toyota Yaris comes packed with safety features that are particularly helpful for motorway driving.

The Yaris includes Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which comes with features like pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

These systems are designed to keep you safe on the motorway by helping you avoid accidents and maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

In terms of crash safety, the Yaris has earned high marks from safety regulators, and its suite of airbags and advanced driver-assistance features make it one of the safest cars in its class.

Comparing the Toyota Yaris to Larger Cars on the Motorway

It’s worth considering how the Toyota Yaris compares to larger vehicles that are more commonly seen on UK motorways.

While bigger cars like SUVs or sedans often have more power and interior space, they come with drawbacks such as higher fuel consumption and more expensive running costs.

The Yaris, being smaller and lighter, offers a more economical option without sacrificing too much in terms of comfort or capability.

However, for drivers who regularly carry a lot of luggage or passengers, a larger car may offer a bit more in terms of practicality.

Real-World Experiences: Yaris Owners on UK Motorways

Toyota Yaris drivers often report positive experiences when using their car on the motorway.

Many praise the car’s fuel efficiency and surprising stability at higher speeds.

While it’s not a performance car, most owners find the Yaris more than capable of handling motorway driving, especially for occasional long trips.

Some drivers do mention that overtaking can feel a little slower compared to more powerful cars, but with a bit of forward planning, this isn’t a major issue.

Conclusion: Is the Toyota Yaris Suitable for UK Motorway Driving?

So, can the Toyota Yaris handle motorway driving in the UK?

Absolutely.

While it may not have the brute power of larger cars, it’s more than capable of holding its own on the motorway.

With its excellent fuel efficiency, solid handling, and modern safety features, the Yaris is a great option for drivers who need a versatile car for both city commutes and longer journeys.

Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or just need to make the occasional motorway dash, the Toyota Yaris offers a balanced mix of economy, comfort, and reliability.

It’s not the biggest or the fastest, but for many UK drivers, it’s just right.

FAQs

Can the Toyota Yaris maintain motorway speeds comfortably?
Yes, the Yaris can comfortably maintain motorway speeds of 70mph and has enough power for overtaking slower traffic.

How does the hybrid version perform on motorways compared to the petrol version?
The hybrid Yaris performs well on motorways, offering better fuel efficiency than the petrol version, especially over longer distances.

Is the Toyota Yaris safe for long-distance motorway driving?
Yes, the Yaris comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, making it safe for long motorway journeys.

Does the Yaris struggle with overtaking on motorways?
While the Yaris may not have the same overtaking power as larger vehicles, it can still manage overtakes with a bit of forward planning.

How does the Yaris handle in adverse weather conditions on motorways?
The Yaris handles well in typical motorway conditions, though in strong crosswinds or heavy rain, its smaller size may make it feel more affected than larger cars.

However, its safety features and stability control help mitigate these effects.

If you want to learn more about what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK, check out our page on this topic.

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If you’re interested in how much a dealership will come down on the price of a new car in the UK, check out our informative page.

For more information on what insurance group a Toyota Yaris hybrid falls into, check out our detailed guide.

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