Toyota Yaris vs Honda Jazz: Which Small Car Should You Buy?

When it comes to small cars, two names that often pop up are the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Jazz.

Both vehicles are popular choices for urban drivers, offering practicality, reliability, and an enjoyable driving experience.

But which one is the better buy for you?

In this article, we’ll compare these two contenders, looking at their specifications, performance, practicality, and value for money to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Toyota Yaris

Key Specifications

The Toyota Yaris has built a solid reputation for being a compact car that doesn’t skimp on performance.

With a choice of petrol and hybrid engines, the Yaris caters to a variety of driving preferences.

The 1.5-litre petrol engine offers a peppy drive, while the hybrid version provides excellent fuel efficiency—ideal for city driving.

In terms of dimensions, the Yaris measures around 3,940 mm in length, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

It boasts a turning circle of just 10.4 metres, ensuring you can navigate those tricky urban corners with ease.

Design and Interior Features

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Yaris sports a modern design that stands out on the road.

Its bold front grille and sleek lines give it a sporty look.

Inside, the cabin is thoughtfully designed, with quality materials and a layout that’s easy to navigate.

The Yaris also features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected while on the go.

Overview of the Honda Jazz

Key Specifications

The Honda Jazz is another excellent choice in the small car segment, renowned for its practicality and versatility.

The Jazz comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency.

It also features a hybrid variant, which promises impressive fuel economy, especially in urban environments.

Measuring about 4,000 mm in length, the Jazz is slightly longer than the Yaris.

This extra length translates into more interior space, making it a favourite among those who prioritise comfort and roominess.

Design and Interior Features

The Jazz’s design might not be as sporty as the Yaris, but it has a distinctive charm of its own.

Its upright stance and wide body give it a spacious feel.

Inside, the Jazz is all about practicality, featuring Honda’s innovative Magic Seat system, which allows for multiple seating and cargo configurations.

The central touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly, and it also supports smartphone connectivity.

Performance Comparison

Driving Experience

When it comes to driving dynamics, both cars offer a pleasant experience, but they have their unique characteristics.

The Yaris delivers a nimble performance, with responsive steering that makes it fun to drive, especially on winding roads.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps well while maintaining stability.

On the other hand, the Honda Jazz shines in providing a smooth ride, particularly for longer journeys.

It feels more refined on the motorway, making it a great option for those who frequently travel longer distances.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both manufacturers.

The Yaris comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking.

This focus on safety earned it high ratings in crash tests.

Similarly, the Honda Jazz doesn’t disappoint.

It features Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety technologies, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Both vehicles have received excellent ratings from safety organisations, making them trustworthy options for families.

Practicality and Space

Boot Space and Storage Solutions

When it comes to boot space, the Jazz takes the lead.

With a capacity of around 354 litres, it offers more room for your shopping bags or luggage compared to the Yaris, which has a boot space of about 286 litres.

Additionally, the Magic Seat in the Jazz allows you to fold the rear seats down in various ways, further enhancing its practicality.

In terms of interior storage, both cars provide ample cubby holes and compartments to keep your belongings organised.

However, the Jazz’s clever storage solutions make it slightly more versatile for those who often carry larger items.

Passenger Comfort

Comfort is crucial in any car, and both the Yaris and Jazz excel in this area.

The Yaris provides a cosy atmosphere, with supportive seats and adequate legroom for front and rear passengers.

However, taller passengers might find the rear legroom a bit tighter compared to the Jazz.

The Jazz, with its longer dimensions, offers generous headroom and legroom, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The rear seats are spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably, which is a significant advantage for those needing extra space.

Pricing and Value for Money

Base Prices and Trim Levels

In terms of pricing, the Toyota Yaris typically starts at a competitive price point, making it accessible for many buyers.

The Yaris offers several trim levels, allowing you to choose the features that best suit your needs without breaking the bank.

The Honda Jazz is similarly priced, with its base model offering excellent value for the features it includes.

Both vehicles come well-equipped, but it’s worth considering the optional extras available, as these can influence the overall cost.

Cost of Ownership

When considering the cost of ownership, both the Yaris and Jazz have a reputation for reliability and low running costs.

Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for both models, especially the hybrid variants, which can significantly reduce fuel expenses.

Insurance costs are also generally reasonable for both cars, making them appealing options for first-time buyers.

For a deeper understanding of insurance options, you might want to check out our page on what insurance group is a hybrid.

Customer Reviews and Expert Opinions

Owner Experiences

Owner feedback often highlights the comfort and reliability of both vehicles.

Many Yaris owners appreciate its fun driving dynamics and practicality for city driving.

Conversely, Jazz owners frequently praise its spacious interior and versatility, particularly with the Magic Seat feature.

Expert Reviews

Experts in the automotive field have given both vehicles high marks for safety, practicality, and value for money.

The Yaris is often lauded for its sporty handling, while the Jazz is commended for its impressive interior space and family-friendly features.

Conclusion: Which Small Car Should You Buy?

So, which small car should you choose: the Toyota Yaris or the Honda Jazz?

If you’re looking for a sporty, fun-to-drive vehicle with a modern design, the Yaris might be your best bet.

However, if practicality and interior space are your top priorities, the Honda Jazz stands out as an excellent choice.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal needs and preferences.

Both cars are reliable, efficient, and well-equipped, making them strong contenders in the small car segment.

We encourage you to take both for a test drive to see which one feels right for you.

For tips on what to do if you encounter issues after purchasing, check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car.

Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you!