Toyota Yaris review - Practicality & boot space
The Yaris Hybrid isn't exactly cramped but there are roomier alternatives
As with all modern superminis, there's plenty of space in the front two seats and the rear bench is easily accessed via the standard rear doors. It's not as spacious as some rivals, however – the rear seats are only really suited to children and small adults, and the boot is rather small.
If you do want more space, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a small SUV that uses much of the same technology as the standard Yaris and gets the same engine upgrades for the 2024 model year. This high-riding variant is slightly larger and gets a bigger boot, so is well worth your consideration.
Toyota Yaris interior space & storage
Adults will be perfectly happy in the front but those above six feet tall will feel a little cramped in the rear seats. It’s perfectly adequate for short journeys but, if you’re planning to carry adults in the back regularly, they might thank you for buying the Honda Jazz instead, which is a bit roomier.
The interior is well thought out, with a pair of cupholders in the front and a central armrest. In the back, there's a single seatback pocket and a pair of hooks to hang items of clothing you don't want to crease.
Boot space
The boot measures 286 litres, which is certainly reasonable for a supermini, particularly when it's a hybrid. It isn't class-leading, though, with the Renault Clio E-Tense pipping it with 301 litres and the Honda Jazz Hybrid managing 304 litres. It also misses out on tricks like Honda's flip-up 'Magic Seats', making do instead with a simple 60:40 split/fold rear bench and a false adjustable floor which admittedly helps a little with providing extra storage. The boot is a handy square shape with a smaller loading lip than the Clio, which also has a rather small boot opening.
Towing
If you plan on towing, we'd recommend steering clear of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. Because of its small size and hybrid powertrain, it can only tow a braked or unbraked trailer weighing up to 450kg. By contrast, the Peugeot 208 can tow up to 1,200kg. This will limit Yaris owners to a very small trailer or bike carrier.
