2025 Toyota Yaris Tested: Efficiency Meets Excitement?

The 2025 Toyota Yaris lineup has undergone significant testing and review, revealing key updates for both the practical hybrid hatchback and the high-performance GR Yaris. This comprehensive overview synthesizes findings from numerous road tests, performance assessments, and expert evaluations conducted up to April 30, 2025.

Key Test Highlights

Dual Personalities Tested: Reviews extensively cover both the standard hybrid Yaris, praised for its improved efficiency and tech, and the heavily revised GR Yaris, lauded for its increased power and new automatic option.
Performance Boost for GR Yaris: The 2025 GR Yaris receives a significant power bump to 280 hp, a stiffer chassis, and introduces an optional 8-speed automatic transmission, drawing positive feedback in track tests.
Hybrid Refinements: The standard Yaris offers two hybrid powertrain choices (115 hp and 130 hp), focusing on best-in-class fuel economy, updated infotainment, and improved driving dynamics, though rear space remains limited.

The Standard 2025 Toyota Yaris: Efficient Urban Navigator

Tests position the standard 2025 Toyota Yaris as a refined subcompact hatchback focused on efficiency, practicality, and urban mobility. While its pricing has moved slightly upscale compared to past generations, reviews suggest the improvements in technology and build quality justify the shift.

Front view of the 2025 Toyota Yaris standard model

The 2025 Toyota Yaris standard model, featuring updated design elements.

Powertrain and Efficiency

Hybrid Focus

The 2025 Yaris primarily utilizes Toyota's proven hybrid technology. Test reports focus on two main configurations built around a 1.5-litre engine (typically a three-cylinder in hybrid setups):

Hybrid 115: Offering 115 hp (or 114 bhp), this version prioritizes maximum fuel economy, achieving impressive real-world MPG figures often exceeding 65 MPG (around 3.6 L/100km) in mixed driving tests.
Hybrid 130: A newer, more powerful option delivering 130 hp (or 129 bhp). Tests show this provides noticeably sharper acceleration (0-100 km/h or 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds) while still maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, rated around 67 MPG.

Some markets might offer a non-hybrid 1.5L petrol engine (around 106 hp), but the hybrid versions are the highlight of recent testing, praised for seamless transitions between electric and petrol power, especially in city driving.

Transmission

Hybrid models predominantly feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While not always favored by enthusiasts, reviews note that the latest iteration in the Yaris is quieter and well-tuned for smooth, efficient driving.

Driving Experience and Handling

Agile and Comfortable

Built on Toyota's modern small car platform (TNGA-B), the 2025 Yaris benefits from a stiff chassis. Test drives report surprisingly direct steering and a well-balanced suspension setup that provides good ride comfort without sacrificing agility. It's described as enjoyable on twisty roads, feeling planted and stable for its size.

Urban Agility

Its compact dimensions (around 3995 mm length) make it highly maneuverable in urban environments, a key strength highlighted in city-based tests.

Interior, Technology, and Practicality

Modernized Cabin

The 2025 model features significant tech upgrades. Tests mention new, larger touchscreen displays (ranging from 9 to 12.3 inches depending on trim) and digital instrument clusters. Standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included.

Dashboard view of the 2025 Toyota Yaris standard model

Updated dashboard and infotainment system in the 2025 Yaris.

Safety Suite

Toyota Safety Sense features are widely available, often standard. Tests confirm the presence and effectiveness of systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Space Considerations

A common point noted in reviews is the limited rear legroom (around 650 mm) and modest boot capacity (around 270 liters), which lag behind some key competitors like the Renault Clio. Road noise at highway speeds can also be noticeable, particularly in hybrid models during engine operation.

Minor Updates

Minor exterior updates for 2025 include new alloy wheel designs and paint color options, sometimes with a contrasting black roof available.

The 2025 Toyota GR Yaris: Rally DNA Refined

The 2025 Toyota GR Yaris isn't just a sporty trim; it's a homologation special developed by Gazoo Racing, Toyota's motorsport division. Recent tests reveal significant updates based on owner feedback and motorsport learnings, making it an even more potent performance machine.

The performance-focused 2025 Toyota GR Yaris.

Enhanced Powertrain and Performance

More Power

The acclaimed 1.6-litre G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine receives a power and torque boost. Tests confirm output figures around 280 hp (up from ~260 hp) and 390 Nm of torque (up from 360 Nm). This results in blistering acceleration, with tested 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) times around 5.2 seconds.

New Transmission Option

A major highlight of 2025 testing is the introduction of an optional eight-speed "Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission" alongside the standard six-speed manual. While the manual offers purist engagement, tests indicate the automatic delivers faster lap times due to its rapid shifts and predictive logic. Both transmissions have been well-received in performance tests.

Chassis and Handling

Stiffer and Sharper

The GR Yaris body structure is even stiffer for 2025, reportedly featuring 13% more spot welds and increased structural adhesive use. Combined with its bespoke GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system (often featuring Torsen limited-slip differentials) and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, tests describe its handling as exceptionally agile, stable, and confidence-inspiring, especially on challenging roads or tracks.

Driver-Focused Interior Updates

Rally-Inspired Cockpit

Responding to feedback, Toyota redesigned the GR Yaris interior for better ergonomics during performance driving. Tests highlight:

A lower driver's seat position (by 25mm) for improved feel and visibility.
A redesigned dashboard with controls angled towards the driver.
A lowered central infotainment screen and raised rear-view mirror to enhance forward visibility.

Interior cockpit view of the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris

The revised, driver-focused cockpit of the 2025 GR Yaris.

Fuel Consumption

While efficiency isn't its primary goal, tests note fuel consumption during spirited driving hovers around 10.0 L/100km (approx. 23.5 MPG).

Visualizing the 2025 Yaris Lineup

Feature Comparison: Standard Hybrid vs. GR Yaris

This chart provides a visual comparison based on typical test findings across key attributes for the high-spec standard Yaris Hybrid (like the Hybrid 130) and the GR Yaris. Scores are relative, highlighting the different priorities of each model.

As the chart illustrates, the Yaris Hybrid excels in efficiency and offers good technology and comfort, making it a strong value proposition for daily driving. Conversely, the GR Yaris dominates in performance and driving fun, sacrificing some efficiency and practicality, appealing to enthusiast drivers.

2025 Toyota Yaris Family Overview

This mindmap outlines the key branches and features of the 2025 Toyota Yaris family as identified in recent tests and reviews.

mindmap root["2025 Toyota Yaris
(Tested Lineup)"] id1["Standard Yaris"] id1a["Focus"] id1a1["Efficiency"] id1a2["Practicality"] id1a3["Urban Mobility"] id1b["Powertrains"] id1b1["Hybrid 115
(1.5L, 115 hp)"] id1b2["Hybrid 130
(1.5L, 130 hp)"] id1b3["CVT Transmission"] id1c["Key Features"] id1c1["Updated Infotainment (9-12.3 inch)"] id1c2["Toyota Safety Sense"] id1c3["Agile Handling"] id1d["Drawbacks (from tests)"] id1d1["Limited Rear Space"] id1d2["Modest Boot Size"] id1d3["Highway Road Noise"] id2["GR Yaris"] id2a["Focus"] id2a1["Performance"] id2a2["Driving Engagement"] id2a3["Rally-Inspired"] id2b["Powertrain"] id2b1["1.6L Turbo 3-Cyl
(280 hp, 390 Nm)"] id2b2["6-Speed Manual"] id2b3["8-Speed Automatic (New)"] id2c["Key Features"] id2c1["GR-FOUR AWD"] id2c2["Stiffer Chassis"] id2c3["Revised Cockpit Ergonomics"] id2c4["Lowered Driving Position"] id2d["Performance Metrics (from tests)"] id2d1["0-62 mph: ~5.2s"] id2d2["Highly Praised Handling"]

The mindmap visually separates the two main Yaris variants tested, highlighting their distinct focuses, powertrain options, key features identified in reviews, and performance characteristics or drawbacks.

Embedded Video Review: GR Yaris Upgrades

For a closer look at the heavily updated 2025 GR Yaris, including its new automatic transmission option and revised interior, the following video review provides valuable insights based on initial test drives. It covers many of the key changes discussed in written reviews.

Specification Comparison Table

This table summarizes key specifications derived from test reports for the representative Yaris Hybrid 130 and the GR Yaris, showcasing their fundamental differences.

Specification	2025 Yaris Hybrid 130 (Typical)	2025 GR Yaris
Engine	1.5L Hybrid (Petrol + Electric)	1.6L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder Petrol
Power Output	Approx. 130 hp / 96 kW	Approx. 280 hp / 206 kW
Torque	N/A (Combined system figure varies)	Approx. 390 Nm
Transmission	CVT (Automatic)	6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive	GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h)	Approx. 9.2 seconds	Approx. 5.2 seconds
Fuel Efficiency (Combined Estimate)	Excellent (e.g., ~67 MPG / 4.2 L/100km)	Moderate (e.g., ~25-30 MPG / 10 L/100km)
Boot Capacity	Approx. 270 Liters	Approx. 174 Liters (Often smaller due to AWD)

Expert Test Verdicts and Insights

Across numerous reviews and tests, the 2025 Yaris range receives generally positive feedback, albeit for different reasons.

Standard Yaris Hybrid

Strengths: Consistently praised for its class-leading fuel efficiency, smooth hybrid operation, improved infotainment system, and surprisingly engaging handling for a city car. Described as "surprisingly direct and comfortable."
Weaknesses: Criticisms focus on the cramped rear passenger space, relatively small boot compared to rivals, and noticeable road noise at higher speeds. Some reviewers find the interior material quality mixed.
Overall: Seen as an excellent choice for urban commuters seeking reliability, low running costs, and modern technology in a compact package.

GR Yaris

Strengths: Universally acclaimed for its explosive performance, incredibly capable AWD handling ("tailor-made for rough roads"), driver-focused updates (especially the revised cockpit), and the successful integration of the new automatic transmission. Often described as a "riot to drive" and a true "homologation special."
Weaknesses: The primary drawbacks noted are its significantly higher price point, firm ride (expected for a performance car), reduced practicality (even smaller boot), and higher running costs (fuel, insurance).
Overall: Considered one of the best hot hatchbacks available, offering a unique and thrilling driving experience that blends daily usability (just) with exceptional performance capabilities. The 2025 updates are seen as making a great car even better.