What Are the Disadvantages of Toyota Yaris?

The Toyota Yaris has long been celebrated as a reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable option for drivers seeking a practical vehicle.

With Toyota’s solid reputation backing it, the Yaris has earned its spot as a popular choice among city drivers.

But no car is perfect, and the Yaris is no exception.

While it offers plenty of positives, there are some drawbacks that potential buyers should consider before committing to this compact car.

In this article, we’ll explore the disadvantages of the Toyota Yaris, shedding light on aspects that could affect your driving experience.

1. Limited Engine Performance

One of the most significant drawbacks of the Toyota Yaris is its engine performance, which can feel a bit underwhelming, particularly for those who often find themselves on the motorway.

The Yaris comes with a small engine that is perfectly adequate for urban driving, but when it comes to high-speed performance, it can struggle.

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Many drivers report that overtaking on the motorway requires a bit of patience, as the engine lacks the punch needed for quick acceleration.

Additionally, the Yaris does not offer a turbocharged engine option, unlike some of its competitors, which would help deliver more power without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency.

For those who do a lot of motorway driving, this could be a significant concern, especially if you’re used to a car with a bit more get-up-and-go.

2. Cramped Interior Space

While the Yaris is compact and easy to manoeuvre, this comes at the cost of interior space.

Passengers in the rear seats might find the legroom to be rather tight, especially if they’re on the taller side.

This could make long journeys uncomfortable for those sitting in the back.

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Moreover, the Yaris has less cargo space compared to some of its rivals.

If you’re someone who frequently carries a lot of luggage or equipment, you might find yourself struggling to fit everything into the boot.

It’s certainly not the car for those who prioritise space and comfort for both passengers and storage.

3. Basic Interior Features

The Yaris is designed to be a budget-friendly vehicle, and this shows in its interior features.

While the overall design is functional, the materials used in the cabin leave much to be desired.

You’ll notice a lot of hard plastics and simple finishes, which don’t exactly scream premium.

Additionally, the technology inside the Yaris isn’t as advanced as what you might find in other cars within the same price range.

The infotainment system is fairly basic, and some may find the screen too small or lacking in features like smartphone connectivity or high-quality sound systems.

If you’re looking for a car with all the bells and whistles, you may need to look elsewhere.

4. Limited Safety Features in Base Models

Toyota is known for producing safe vehicles, but the Yaris, particularly in its base model, does not come with as many advanced safety features as some drivers might hope.

While higher trims do offer more options, the standard model lacks some of the modern safety technologies you’d expect in today’s market.

For example, features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking are often missing in the lower trims.

Other manufacturers are increasingly including these as standard, which makes the Yaris feel a bit outdated in comparison.

If safety is a top priority for you, opting for a higher trim will likely be necessary, or you may want to consider another vehicle with better standard safety equipment.

For more information on what to do if you encounter car-related issues, you can read our guide on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car.

5. Higher Road Noise Levels

One aspect that becomes more apparent when driving the Yaris at higher speeds is the amount of road noise that seeps into the cabin.

The car’s compact design, while excellent for city driving, means that it doesn’t provide the best insulation against noise.

On motorways, you might notice a significant amount of wind and road noise, which can make long drives less pleasant.

This lack of soundproofing could be a dealbreaker for those who value a quiet, smooth ride.

If you’re planning to use the Yaris primarily for city driving, this may not be an issue, but for those clocking up motorway miles, it’s worth considering.

6. Lower Resale Value

While Toyota vehicles generally hold their value well, the Yaris tends to depreciate faster than some of its more premium counterparts.

This could be due to its position as an entry-level vehicle, meaning there is a larger supply of used Yaris cars on the market, which drives down prices.

Compared to other Toyota models, the Yaris doesn’t command as high a resale value.

If you’re someone who likes to trade in or sell your car after a few years, this is an important factor to keep in mind.

The lower demand in the second-hand market might mean you’ll get less money back when you’re ready to move on to your next car.

7. Small Fuel Tank Capacity

Despite the Yaris’s impressive fuel efficiency, it does have a rather small fuel tank.

This means that even though you won’t be spending much on fuel, you may find yourself making more frequent stops to refuel during long trips.

For city driving, this isn’t much of a problem, but if you regularly drive longer distances, it could become a bit inconvenient.

The fuel tank size, coupled with the car’s motorway performance, might make it less ideal for frequent long-distance drivers.

Conclusion

The Toyota Yaris is undeniably a solid, reliable car that excels in urban environments with its compact size and fuel efficiency.

However, for drivers who need more power, space, or premium features, the Yaris might fall short of expectations.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.

While the Yaris offers affordability and reliability, its limitations in performance, interior space, and features could impact your driving experience, especially if you spend a lot of time on the motorway.

For city drivers and those looking for an economical car, the Yaris might still be a great fit.

But if you need more space, power, or advanced technology, there are other options worth considering.

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