The 2017 Toyota Yaris is a Toyota Small Car that made big headlines. As the most affordable model in the lineup, it was also the latest to include Toyota Safety Sense™ C (TSS-C) as a standard feature. This suite of driver-assist technologies helps ensure a safer journey for all. The Yaris was available in both three-door and five-door configurations.
Toyota Safety Sense: Standard in a Small Package
Toyota Safety Sense™ C addresses crucial safety aspects: preventing or mitigating frontal collisions, lane keeping assistance, and enhanced nighttime visibility. The system comprises:
- Pre-Collision System: Detects potential frontal collisions and alerts the driver. It can also automatically apply brakes to reduce impact or avoid collision.
- Lane Departure Alert: Warns the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts from its lane.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic.
The Yaris was the first entry subcompact in its segment to standardize these essential safety features across all trims. This move aligned with Toyota’s commitment to making Toyota Safety Sense standard on almost all models by the end of 2017, exceeding industry targets.
Style and Agility in a Toyota Small Car
The Yaris boasts a European design, thanks to its origins in Toyota’s ED2 design studio in France. Its compact size (155.5 inches) and class-leading turning radius make navigating city streets effortless.
Despite its small footprint, the Yaris offers a surprisingly spacious cabin. The five-door model provides up to 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to a midsize sedan’s trunk. Folding down the 60/40 split rear seats significantly expands cargo capacity.
Refined Ride in the Yaris
The Yaris’s rigid body structure ensures a quiet and comfortable ride. Aerodynamic design elements, including a 0.30 coefficient of drag, minimize wind noise. Acoustic glass windshield, sound insulation, and strategically placed silencers further enhance cabin quietness.
The Yaris features MacPherson-strut front suspension and torsion-beam rear suspension. The SE grade benefits from sport-tuned suspension and larger 16-inch wheels for a more agile handling experience. Electric power steering contributes to fuel efficiency and enhances the sporty feel.
Efficient Performance
A 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine powers the Yaris, delivering 106 horsepower and 103 lb.-ft. of torque. Variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures responsive performance across the rpm range.
Transmission options include a five-speed manual (available on L three-door and SE) and a four-speed automatic. Fuel economy is impressive, with EPA estimates reaching up to 30 city/37 highway mpg.
Interior Features and Technology
The Yaris’s interior features high-quality materials and thoughtful touches, like a dampened glovebox and dual extendable sun visors. The LE and SE grades add bright trim accents.
A standard Entune Audio system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen, AM/FM CD player, six speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity. Navigation is available as an optional upgrade.
Yaris SE: The Sporty Sibling
The SE grade elevates the Yaris’s sporty character with sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes. Exterior enhancements include a black grille, rear spoiler, and LED daytime running lights. The interior boasts a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift lever, piano black accents, and contrasting white stitching on the seats.
Comprehensive Safety Features in this Toyota Small Car
In addition to Toyota Safety Sense-C, the 2017 Yaris offers a comprehensive array of safety features:
- Nine Airbags: Including front, side, curtain, knee, and front passenger seat cushion airbags.
- Advanced Whiplash Injury-Lessening (WIL) Seats: Designed to reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
- Star Safety System™: Includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology.
The 2017 Toyota Yaris proves that a toyota small car can deliver big on safety, style, and value.
