The 2020 Toyota Yaris delivers much of what you\u2019d expect at this point in its lifecycle. Four skinny wheels, turned by a low-powered 4-cylinder engine. Encased in a simply designed, budget friendly package. Though the looks won\u2019t turn heads, the Yaris is at least somewhat elevated with 16\u201d alloy wheels and four doors for easy access to every part of the cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once inside, you\u2019ll notice that Toyota has done a commendable job of making the most of the many low-end materials in use. It was a\u00a0 smart move to keep SofTex leatherettes and plastics all matching black on black. With handsome dark blue stitching. The result creates a premium look beyond what\u2019s actually there. Especially if you\u2019re only looking. Some of the illusion dissipates the more you touch and handle the cheap dials and control knobs. Fortunately, a leather parking brake, shift knob and steering wheel offer a tactile treat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weakest link of the interior are the low quality seats. Narrow and uncomfortable. I don\u2019t imagine the 2020 Toyota Yaris being the first pick for any long road-trip. With little legroom in the back, uncomfortable seats all around and a leaky cabin with too much wind and road noise. You would quickly feel drained of any desire to explore the open road with no map or particular destination in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A 7.0\u201d touch display is tacked onto the dashboard. Like a last-minute decision. It\u2019s oversized control knob awkwardly placed deep at your side, behind the handbrake. Same with the volume knob. Neither are very easy to reach, or naturally positioned. Usually requiring that I took my eyes off the road to make simple adjustments. Graphics are simple and unremarkable as well. A useful back-up camera is a nice touch. Even if the image is low res and way too over-exposed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2020 Toyota Yaris isn\u2019t all boring and stripped down to the basics though. There are power windows and locks. Bluetooth, and other voice-activated connected services. USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The hatchback design gives it that sporty compact feel and allows easy access to a moderate amount of cargo space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 1.5L 4-cylinder winds like an asthmatic lawnmower. Sport mode seemed to offer little redemption with its performance. The 6-speed automatic transmission always seemed to struggle to know which gear it should be in as well. At least the 2020 Yaris was able to manage 35 combined mpg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, the Toyota Yaris is a bit of a question mark for me. I\u2019m not sure who exactly it\u2019s designed for. It could be the perfect \u2018starter car.\u2019 Ideal for a teenagers first set of wheels. If it wasn\u2019t for its small size, which naturally makes it less safe on a road more and more full of trucks and big SUV\u2019s. As a father myself, it\u2019s not what I\u2019d be buying my daughter when she turned 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe for a more experienced driver in search of something completely practical. With no frills or expensive extras. Strictly a point A to point B mode of transportation. About town. Never cross-country. I don\u2019t know, maybe a Postmates delivery driver. Definitely not Uber or Lyft, as the back seat wouldn\u2019t be accommodating enough. I love the idea of a reliable, economical option, but remain unconvinced that the Toyota Yaris is the best option, or even a good option for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Price as tested: $19,680.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Brandon Randall
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