The 2017 Toyota Yaris isn’t just Toyota’s most affordable model; it’s a statement in subcompact sophistication, blending European design with Toyota’s renowned reliability and now, standard advanced safety features. For drivers seeking a nimble, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly well-equipped car, the Toyota Yaris delivers in both three-door and five-door configurations.
One of the most significant updates for the 2017 model year is the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense™ C (TSS-C) as standard across all grades. This suite of driver-assist technologies elevates the Yaris above its class, making it the first entry subcompact to standardize these key safety features. TSS-C encompasses Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams, proactively working to enhance driver awareness and mitigate potential hazards. Toyota’s commitment to safety is further underscored by their decision to make Toyota Safety Sense standard on nearly all models by the end of 2017, significantly ahead of industry targets.
But the 2017 Toyota Yaris isn’t all about serious safety advancements; it also injects fun and personality into the subcompact segment. A new exterior color, Ruby Flare Pearl, adds a touch of premium flair, with large metallic flakes creating a vibrant and eye-catching finish. For those seeking an even more customized look, Ruby Flare Pearl can be combined with a Black Sand Pearl roof, offering a striking two-tone aesthetic.
European Design and Urban Agility of the Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris proudly wears its European origins on its sleeve. Born from Toyota’s ED2 design studio in France and assembled there as well, the Yaris embodies the stylish and agile character of European compacts. Its compact dimensions, measuring just 155.5 inches in length, make it ideally suited for navigating crowded city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces. Adding to its urban prowess is a class-leading 31.5-foot turning circle (three-door model), allowing for effortless maneuvering in even the most challenging urban environments.
Alt text: Side profile of a Ruby Flare Pearl 2017 Toyota Yaris showcasing its compact European design and five-door hatchback style.
Despite its small footprint, the Toyota Yaris maximizes interior space thanks to its clever design. Ultra-short overhangs and wheels positioned at the corners contribute to a surprisingly roomy cabin. The five-door model offers a generous 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, rivaling the trunk space of some midsize sedans. For larger items, the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks provide significantly expanded carrying capacity.
A Cabin of Quiet Comfort and Unexpected Amenities in the Toyota Yaris
Step inside the Toyota Yaris, and you’ll discover a cabin that prioritizes both comfort and quietness, defying typical subcompact expectations. The robust body structure of the Yaris not only contributes to its solid road feel but also serves as the foundation for a remarkably quiet ride. Aerodynamic efficiency is also a key consideration in the Yaris’ design. Its sculpted body lines, a low 0.30 coefficient of drag (Cd), and even meticulously shaped side mirrors all work together to minimize wind resistance and noise intrusion.
Further enhancing the serene cabin environment, the Toyota Yaris incorporates an acoustic glass windshield and foam-type sound insulation injected into structural cavities to effectively block outside noise. Rocker panel protectors, asphalt floor panel sheets, and floor tunnel silencers further dampen road noise, creating a tranquil driving experience.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2017 Toyota Yaris cabin highlighting the spacious front seats, dashboard layout, and user-friendly infotainment system.
The Toyota Yaris offers a comfortable ride thanks to its MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. The SE grade elevates the driving experience with a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels for enhanced agility. The Yaris SE rides on sporty 16-inch alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires, while other models feature 15-inch wheels (steel with wheel covers on L and alloy on LE). All Toyota Yaris models benefit from sport-tuned electric power steering, eliminating the need for hydraulic power steering fluid and contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
Economical Performance and Toyota Quality Throughout the Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is designed for efficient and enjoyable driving. Its 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC engine delivers a spirited 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures a broad torque curve, providing responsive performance in everyday driving situations.
For driving enthusiasts, the Toyota Yaris L three-door and SE models offer a slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission with a light hydraulic clutch. A four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is also available and comes standard on the LE grade. Fuel economy is a strong suit of the Yaris, with EPA-estimated ratings of 30/37/33 MPG (city/highway/combined) for manual transmission models and 30/36/32 MPG for automatic models.
Inside the cabin, the Toyota Yaris exudes a sense of quality that surpasses its subcompact classification. Soft-touch materials throughout the interior create a premium look and feel. Attention to detail is evident in features like the damped glovebox, which opens smoothly, a feature often found in luxury vehicles. Dual extendable sun visors with vanity mirrors are another thoughtful touch. The LE and SE grades further enhance the interior ambiance with bright trim accents around the instrument gauges and shifter bezel.
The instrument cluster is sporty and functional, featuring a large speedometer and an LCD multi-information display showing odometer, trip meter, clock, outside temperature, fuel economy, and average speed. Ample storage compartments, including numerous small pockets around the driver’s seat, provide convenient storage for personal items and digital devices.
Toyota Value Across Yaris Trim Levels
The Toyota Yaris offers three-door and five-door models in L and LE grades, with the five-door also available in the sporty SE grade. Toyota simplifies the buying process with mono-spec trims that are generously equipped. The base Yaris L includes air conditioning, sport-tuned electric power steering, a tilt steering wheel, power door locks with illuminated entry, cargo area cover and lamp, power windows with driver’s side auto up/down, and color-keyed folding outside mirrors. Stepping up to the LE grade adds power mirrors, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, and remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer.
All Toyota Yaris models come standard with the Entune Audio system, featuring a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback, six speakers, HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, hands-free phone capability, voice recognition, and Bluetooth® streaming. Navigation is available as a port- or dealer-installed option.
Alt text: Close-up of the 2017 Toyota Yaris Entune Audio system showcasing the 6.1-inch touchscreen interface and audio controls.
Toyota’s commitment to quality and long-term ownership satisfaction is evident in details throughout the Toyota Yaris. The wide-sweep single windshield wiper with an integrated wet-arm washer system improves cleaning performance. A rear window wiper is standard on all models. An automatic interior light shut-off feature after 20 minutes helps prevent battery drain.
Yaris SE: Sporty Style and Enhanced Driving Dynamics
The Toyota Yaris SE grade injects a dose of sporty flair into the lineup. It features a sport-tuned suspension, machined-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires, and four-wheel disc brakes for enhanced handling and braking performance. Distinctive sporty styling cues include a black front grille with piano black accents, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, black exterior trim, black headlight trim, and LED daytime running lights. The interior of the SE grade receives upgrades such as a leather-trimmed tilt/shift lever and steering wheel, piano black trim accents, and contrasting white stitching on the seats.
Comprehensive Safety Features: Nine Airbags and Toyota Safety Sense-C in the Yaris
Safety is paramount in the Toyota Yaris. It starts with a robust, impact-absorbing body structure that utilizes high-tensile strength steel to effectively manage collision forces. All Yaris models are equipped with nine SRS airbags, including driver and front-passenger dual-stage airbags, driver and front-passenger seat side airbags, a front-passenger seat cushion airbag, side curtain shield airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. The Advanced Whiplash Injury-Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to mitigate whiplash injuries in certain rear-end collisions.
The Toyota Yaris also includes Toyota’s Star Safety System™, encompassing Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology (Toyota’s brake-override system).
Standard Toyota Safety Sense-C (TSS-C) further enhances safety with:
- Pre-collision System (PCS): Operating between approximately 7 to 85 mph, PCS uses a camera and laser beam to detect preceding vehicles. It provides audio and visual alerts, enhances braking force if needed, and can automatically apply brakes to reduce speed and mitigate collisions.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA): LDA uses a camera to detect lane markings and alerts the driver with audio and visual warnings if the vehicle begins to drift unintentionally out of its lane.
- Automatic High Beam (AHB): At speeds above 25 mph, AHB automatically switches between high and low beams based on detected headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of vehicles ahead, optimizing nighttime visibility and safety.
Toyota Quality, Warranty, and Toyota Care for Peace of Mind
The Toyota Yaris is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-car warranty, covering all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months/60,000 miles, and corrosion protection is provided for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Furthermore, every Toyota Yaris comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The 2017 Toyota Yaris delivers a compelling combination of safety, style, efficiency, and value in the subcompact segment, making it a smart choice for discerning drivers.
