Toyota Auris vs. Yaris: Hatchback Comparison

For those in the market for a zippy and reliable hatchback, Toyota offers a range of popular choices. The Toyota Auris and Toyota Yaris are two of the most prominent models, but is one ultimately better than the other? Read on to find out!

Toyota Auris Introduction

Toyota Auris First Generation

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A compact hatchback that was designed from the Toyota Corolla, the Toyota Auris is manufactured solely by the Japanese Auto Production Unit. The Auris was first produced in 2006 and has since been redesigned for two generations so far. The auto replaced Toyota Allex and Corolla from the market, and is fitted with five doors and available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. However, a combination of 1.2l turbo-charged and 1.6 litre diesel engines give the best performance.

Toyota Yaris Introduction

The Toyota Yaris is a sub-compact car produced in Japan since 1999. The car has undergone three redesigns since its initial production. It was initially introduced in to the market as the Toyota Vitz in January 1999, while the rest of the world received the car is a series of staggered launches. The auto model is available in three or five door hatchback body styles, and is stylish, characterful, and purposely designed with a European flavor. In 2000, the Yaris became the only Japanese car model to ever win the title of European car of the year.

Toyota Yaris

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In the same year, the car was also named the Japanese car of the year too.  The 2001 Yaris model is fitted with a performance tuned chassis, strengthened body shell, and sporty interior. Further developments in the second generation sought to improve on the sophistication of the car which also improving its overall driveability. For power, the Yaris comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. It has a five-speed manual transmission that is standard, and a four-speed automatic which is optional. Fuel economy, while not class-leading, is still very frugal.

Pricing and Features Comparison

Toyota Auris Rear
Above: Toyota Auris Rear

The Toyota Auris is designed with beautiful features, such as its finely styled headlights and being fitted with alloy wheels. Its overall design is made to give a desirable impression to the user. In its interior, it features a touchscreen for entertainment and a color TFT screen in the instrument panel that displays trip data, navigation commands, and Toyota Safety Sense Information. A used Toyota Auris costs in the range of between $1300 and $3100 on a used car site such as BE FORWARD.  The Auris has a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, which contributes to vehicle stability, low levels of noise, and a low fuel economy.

Toyota Yaris Rear
Above: Toyota Yaris Rear

The Toyota Yaris is fitted with attractive features that include a 6.1 inch touch screen and multimedia system. It has an auxiliary audio jack, USB port, advanced voice recognition, phone access, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology. The cost of a used Toyota Yaris ranges between $1800 and $ 8800.

Interior and Exterior Comparison

The Auris offers a comfortable seating position paired with good ergonomics. The seats are fitted with soft supportive cushions and their height adjustment is standard. The auto is fitted with an automatic air conditioning, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gives the dashboard an amount of high-tech appeal. The Auris is fitted with body colored bumpers, side airbags, front electric windows, passenger airbags, CD player, ABS, traction control, and child seat anchor points. The car also provides a generous amount of room for luggage, and a space capacity of up to five passengers.

Toyota Auris 2006 Interior
Above: Toyota Auris 2006 Interior

The Toyota Yaris interior is fitted with power steering, an on-board computer and multifunctional display, Bluetooth connectivity, CD player, USB port, and a number of many other useful and convenient features. It can fit up to five passengers, and the car’s floor is also fitted with full carpet floor covering, with a rigid cargo cover.

Toyota Yaris 2008 Interior
Above: Toyota Yaris 2008 Interior

The exterior of the Toyota Yaris is fitted with multi-LED headlights and accent lights, a mesh-pattern grille and chrome accent, an intermittent single-pantograph wet-arm windshield wiper, and other features. The Auris’ exterior is fitted with a rain sensor, privacy glass, black side sills, electrically retractable door mirrors, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The car is also equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

The Toyota Yaris has a fuel tank volume of around 45 litres, and has the capacity to give 86hp per 6000rpm. The car model also uses gasoline fuel and gives a torque of 124NM per 4400rpm. The actual average fuel consumption rate for the model is about 6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Toyota Auris 2007 Interior
Above: Toyota Auris 2007 Interior Cup Holder

The Toyota Auris touring model has a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres, and the Toyota Auris hatchback has a 50 litre fuel tank. Its engine size is 1197 cc and the car uses gasoline. It has a fuel economy of a maximum of 82 mpg and a minimum of 40 mpg. Its average mpg is 56 mpg, which is higher than the Toyota Yaris. For drivers concerned with fuel economy, the Toyota Yaris has a better fuel consumption rate than the Toyota Auris which has a higher one in comparison.

Drivability and Handling Comparison

The Yaris models offer an adequate driving experience. The steering is light for easy parking maneuvers, with a tight turning circle. The engine is peppy, though off-the-line acceleration can be sluggish with the automatic transmission.

Toyota Yaris 2005 Rear
Above: Toyota Yaris 2005 Rear

The Toyota Yaris is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy compared to the Auris model. Despite it having less space than the Auris, it has more features than its counterpart while also giving a better driving experience and overall handling.

Toyota Auris vs. Yaris: Verdict

For individuals looking for the cheapest model, the average market pricing for a used Toyota Auris makes it an attractive choice. Not only is it cheaper to acquire, it is also cheaper to maintain and provides a slightly better driving experience than the Yaris model.

For those concerned about fuel economy or space, the Yaris could be a better choice as it is better than the Auris in both regards. Ultimately making a decision between these two similar vehicles comes down to a matter of personal choice in regards to their differing factors, and how they may or may not affect your everyday driving.

Made up your mind? Click the buttons below to browse through the listings of each vehicle—all at their lowest prices— thanks to our used car partners BE FORWARD!

 

Browse Auris  Browse Yaris

 

Ngugi Karani

Ngugi Karani

Ngugi Karani, from Nairobi Kenya, has been writing for JapanCarReviews since its inception. He believes that Africa needs better road transport for transformation. He writes on technology, development and cars. He is inspired by the spirit and passion of the African people to rise above all odds.

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