Toyota Yaris Hybrid - Interior & comfort
This is another Toyota interior that's functional but lacking excitement
While the Yaris Hybrid handles better than we were expecting, cars with 17-inch alloy wheels and the firmer suspension of the Excel trim can transmit some road imperfections inside the car. It's not uncomfortable, but the Design trim with softer suspension and smaller wheels will provide a smoother ride.
Toyota Yaris dashboard
The interior is neat and functional, with a prominent infotainment system that sprouts from the top of the dashboard. A plus is that it's a quick glance away from the road, but we think the large bezel, buttons and knobs positioned around it look rather out of place.
There's also little in the way of flair, with dark plastic and the occasional splash of chrome trim. Some more colour or interesting upholstery would be welcome, but we've no doubt the Yaris will at least prove solidly built.
It's a big improvement that the infotainment features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto this time round, so you can use your phone’s interface on the car’s screen instead of relying on Toyota’s set-up. The Toyota system is a little clunky and far less intuitive than the best infotainment systems on the market, and it’s not helped by dated graphics. There is a clear display showing how the hybrid system is working, however, which can help when driving as economically as possible.
Equipment
Trims start with Icon, which includes 16-inch alloy wheels, the seven-inch infotainment system, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, air conditioning and automatic lights and wipers. Design increases the size of the central display by an inch and adds different wheels, LED exterior lighting and electric rear windows.
Dynamic was offered during 2021, but appears to have been discontinued for 2022. When available, it offered 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-con, keyless entry, sports seats, part-leather upholstery and a JBL speaker upgrade. The range-topping Excel, costing from just under £23,000, builds on this specification with folding door mirrors and safety kit including blind-spot monitors, rear parking sensors and a system designed to help prevent parking mishaps. Options include a Tech Pack that adds the JBL stereo upgrade, a 10-inch colour head-up display and dimming rear-view mirror for just over £800.
