2019 Toyota Yaris NH
The 2019 Toyota Yaris is actually a vehicle we’ve seen before. It used to be manufactured under Scion, and was introduced under the Toyota name after the 2017 model year.
However, this year’s Yaris is something to talk about. Though a lot of the cars in Toyota’s arsenal have received facelifts, the model has gotten a facelift, yet remains at an affordable price point to allow buyers of any budget access to a new sedan.
The Yaris isn't the most fancy sedan, but it was ranked #1 in sub-compact cars by Car and Driver Online, is an IIHS top safety pick, and starts at just $15,590 MSRP.
Interior
The interior styling of the Yaris was created and carried by Mazda, which recently formed a partnership with Toyota to keep the affordable sedan in its line-up. But the interior features are all Toyota. It comes with a lot of standard options, as most Toyotas do. The 7-in touch audio display is nothing to gawk at, and allows you to access your music, the way you prefer to access it. If you’re not interested in using the touch screen, there is a knob that is located between the front seats.
There are also controls located on the steering wheel, including wheel-mounted audio controls, which allow you to control your music while keeping your eyes on the road. There are USB ports with iPod connectivity, allowing you to use your iPod or MP3 player and gain instant access to your musical library through USB or even to stream through Bluetooth connectivity. Not to mention there is a back up camera, six-speaker sound system, HD radio, and voice recognition all at your fingertips.
With 60/40 rear split seats, you have the option to pack whatever you want to bring with you. The remote keyless entry and push button start come standard. Standard. That’s something that you have to shell out for even in some of the more luxury vehicles. The key fob allows you to lock and unlock the doors with very clearly marked buttons, and the car can sense it once inside, so just push the start button and off you go.
Sometimes, the interior space can be an issue, with the backseat legroom behind the driver very limited, though the driver’s seat is adjustable by height and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, and 4-way adjustable passenger seat.
Safety
The Yaris has an extremely active safety system, offering dynamic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and brake override systems - just to name a few. It also offers a low speed pre-collision safety system which scans the road for potential collisions. If it detects any potential front collisions, both an audio and visual alerts are activated and brake assistance goes into effect.
And if you still don’t respond to that, it may automatically apply the brakes for you, depending on the situation. This feature is incredibly helpful, especially for those younger drivers that might get their hands on the keys to this little spitfire.
Another feature that is pretty impressive is the advanced tire pressure monitor system that the car offers. It was created specifically to monitor the tire pressure at all times and even alerts you when the pressure is critically low. For those itty-bitty ones in your life, it also offers a LATCH system for their car seats and boosters. There are lower anchors on the outboard rear seats, as well as tether anchors on ALL of the rear seats.
This helps keep those little ones safe and sound when you’re cruising around. The 5-star safety rating from NHTSA helps also. Pair that with 4-wheel ABS, daytime running lights, child lock doors and integrated turn signals in the side mirrors, and the Yaris sedan represents one of the safest rides out there.
Performance
This is where it is really going to get interesting. We’ve mentioned what’s inside the car, how it will protect you and your family, but now we are going to talk about what’s under the hood. It’s not like the Yaris sedan has a Ferrari motor under the hood (though that would be really fun), but for the price and size of the car, its sharp handling and accurate steering make it fun to drive.
It has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 106 horsepower. There are only two “trims” with the Yaris Manual or Automatic Transmission. Though it’s an option, the automatic transmission really is the best way to go, and you get an impressive 32 city/40 highway mpg, which you rarely see in this class. That being said, the acceleration is fairly sluggish, but this is really only noticeable when you’re on the highway or going up steep inclines.
The two transmissions make up for this, and the Manual option has swift and methodical shifting, and the Automatic option is just as adaptable. It even has a Sport mode, which offers a little better acceleration. With its 16-in alloy wheels and chrome tipped exhaust, the Yaris offer maximum style and performance. The tires are also all season tires which give you the grip on the road that you need, paired with an independent MacPhearson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar and torsion beam rear suspension.
Though it’s not a sports car, the Yaris still has some solid driving dynamics. It has incredibly responsive handling, without compromising any of the ride quality. The cabin is fairly quiet, and the steering is properly weighted. I would definitely consider it more “conservative” of a car versus some others, and it’s jump off the line kind of shows that.
When it was tested, it took 8.7 seconds to get from 0-60, which seems fast thinking about it, but when there are some full-sized cars that can go 0-60 in 6 seconds, you notice where it slows down. It takes about 16.8 seconds for the 2019 Yaris to go a quarter mile (at 84 mph), but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to drive. It’s quick because of the smooth handling and shifter knob. It has a supple ride and is an extremely well put together vehicle, which just doesn’t exist in any other vehicle in the Yaris's price range.
Irwin's NH Toyota Dealer Has a 2019 Yaris for You!
If you’re in the market for a subcompact car, the 2019Toyota Yaris sedan is a great one to take a look at and test drive. You’ll be pleased with the safety and reliability, as well as its incredible affordability and overall value!
View New Yaris Inventory