Toyota Yaris vs Toyota Corolla: Which Compact Car is Better?

When it comes to reliable and affordable compact cars, Toyota stands out as a brand synonymous with quality and longevity.

Two of the most popular models in their lineup, the Toyota Yaris and Toyota Corolla, are often considered by those looking for efficiency, practicality, and value for money.

But with both models being solid choices, it can be tough to decide which one suits your needs best.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two compact cars to help you make an informed decision.

History and Overview of Toyota Yaris and Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Yaris has always been a favourite among urban drivers due to its compact size, agility, and efficiency.

Introduced in 1999, the Yaris has evolved over the years, gaining modern tech features while maintaining its reputation for being an affordable and economical city car.

On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla is a true legend in the automotive world.

Having been around since 1966, it has sold millions of units globally, cementing its place as one of the best-selling cars of all time.

Known for its reliability and slightly larger size compared to the Yaris, the Corolla has evolved into a more premium offering while staying true to its practical roots.

Both cars have undergone significant upgrades, but which one is better suited for you?

Exterior Design and Dimensions

When it comes to exterior design, the Toyota Yaris is designed with city driving in mind.

It’s compact, with sleek lines and a sporty feel, making it easy to navigate through tight streets and park in small spaces.

The 2024 model, for example, is around 3.94 metres long, making it the perfect choice for urban dwellers who prioritise convenience over size.

The Toyota Corolla, however, is the bigger sibling.

Its design is more mature and refined, with a length of approximately 4.37 metres, giving it a more substantial road presence.

The Corolla’s elegant, sophisticated look appeals to those who prefer a more traditional design with a premium feel.

Its larger size also means more interior space and greater practicality for families or long-distance drivers.

In summary, if you’re after a nimble, compact car that fits seamlessly into city life, the Yaris is the way to go.

If you need a little more space and a more premium feel, the Corolla might be more your style.

Interior Features and Comfort

Inside, the Toyota Yaris offers a surprising amount of comfort and features for its size.

Though it’s compact, the interior is well-designed, with high-quality materials, and the latest models come with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard.

It’s great for drivers who want modern tech in a small package, though rear-seat space can be a bit tight for taller passengers.

The Toyota Corolla, being larger, offers more in terms of comfort and roominess.

Its interior feels more spacious, particularly in the back, making it a better option for families or those who regularly carry passengers.

The Corolla also comes equipped with a larger 8-inch infotainment display and premium features like dual-zone climate control in higher trims, giving it a more luxurious feel compared to the Yaris.

If you’re looking for a compact car that’s comfortable for short commutes and doesn’t compromise on tech, the Yaris is a great choice.

However, if you value interior space and added comfort, especially for longer journeys, the Corolla edges ahead.

Performance and Engine Options

The Toyota Yaris is built with efficiency in mind.

Its 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers adequate power for city driving, while offering excellent fuel economy.

The hybrid version is particularly appealing, achieving up to 68.9mpg, which is perfect for those who do a lot of stop-start driving in cities.

The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, offers a more varied selection of engines.

The 1.8-litre hybrid version is the most popular, providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, with a combined fuel economy of up to 62.8mpg.

If you need more power, there’s also a 2.0-litre hybrid option, which provides a more dynamic driving experience without sacrificing too much on efficiency.

For those prioritising fuel economy and city performance, the Yaris is the ideal choice.

But if you want a bit more power and flexibility for longer trips, the Corolla’s more powerful engines give it an edge.

Driving Experience and Handling

As you’d expect from its size, the Toyota Yaris excels in city driving.

It’s agile, easy to manoeuvre, and ideal for navigating busy streets or squeezing into tight parking spots.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, making it a smooth ride on well-paved roads, but it might feel a little bumpy on rougher surfaces.

The Toyota Corolla offers a more refined driving experience, especially at higher speeds or on the motorway.

Its larger size and more powerful engines give it a more planted and stable feel on the road, and the suspension is better suited for handling bumps and uneven terrain.

If you do a lot of motorway driving, the Corolla’s superior ride comfort makes it the better option.

Safety Features and Ratings

Both the Toyota Yaris and Toyota Corolla come equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes a host of driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision systems.

These features are standard across both models, which is impressive for cars in this price range.

In terms of safety ratings, both cars have received top marks in crash tests.

The Toyota Yaris received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with particular praise for its protection of adult and child occupants.

Similarly, the Toyota Corolla also boasts a five-star safety rating, thanks to its advanced safety tech and solid build.

Whether you choose the Yaris or the Corolla, you can be assured that you’re driving one of the safest cars in its class.

Technology and Infotainment

In the tech department, both cars are well-equipped, but the Toyota Corolla does have a slight edge.

While the Toyota Yaris comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, the Corolla offers a larger 8-inch display, which makes navigation and media browsing more enjoyable.

Both systems are intuitive and easy to use, but the Corolla’s tech suite feels a bit more polished.

If having the latest tech features is high on your list, the Corolla’s slightly more advanced setup may appeal to you, though the Yaris still offers plenty of modern conveniences.

Pricing and Value for Money

One of the key differences between these two models is the price.

The Toyota Yaris starts at a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers or first-time car owners.

It’s a great value-for-money car, especially considering the level of standard equipment and its fuel efficiency.

The Toyota Corolla is slightly more expensive, but you do get more car for your money.

It’s larger, more powerful, and offers more in terms of comfort and tech.

While it costs more upfront, it may prove to be the better long-term investment, particularly for those who need a more versatile vehicle for family use or longer trips.

Which Car is Right for You?

Choosing between the Toyota Yaris and the Toyota Corolla ultimately comes down to your needs.

If you live in the city, need a compact, efficient car for commuting, and have a tighter budget, the Yaris is likely the better fit.

It’s small, agile, and economical, making it perfect for urban environments.

However, if you need more space, enjoy a more refined driving experience, or plan on doing longer journeys, the Toyota Corolla is the better choice.

It offers more power, comfort, and interior room, making it a more versatile option, especially for families.

Conclusion

Both the Toyota Yaris and the Toyota Corolla are excellent choices in the compact car segment.

The Yaris shines as a city car with its compact size, great fuel economy, and modern tech features.

The Corolla, on the other hand, offers more in terms of space, power, and a premium driving experience.

Whichever model you choose, you’re getting Toyota’s legendary reliability and a car that will serve you well for years to come.

If you want to know what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK, check out our page on that topic.

For those considering financing options, check out our page on how to pay for a car at a dealership for a comprehensive guide.

And if you’re curious about where the Toyota Yaris is made, we have a detailed look at Toyota’s global production.

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