The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback redefines what a modern subcompact car can be, blending a sporty aesthetic with an engaging driving experience and impressive fuel economy. This hatchback doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them by delivering fun, efficiency, and affordability in one stylish package. Packed with user-friendly technology, practical design, and exceptional value, the new Yaris Hatchback is engineered to appeal directly to the demands of today’s drivers. It takes the admired sporty character and sophisticated engineering of the Yaris sedan and wraps it in a boldly designed hatchback body, enhanced with a range of upgrades. Toyota continues to set new standards for high-quality compact cars with the introduction of the all-new 2020 Yaris Hatchback, a vehicle poised to make a significant impact when it debuts at the New York International Auto Show. Available in well-equipped LE and XLE grades, the Yaris Hatchback offers standard features that challenge typical segment expectations.
Stand Out Style: Design That Demands Attention
The 2020 Yaris Hatchback immediately grabs attention with its assertive, “cab-rearward” design, projecting a confident and grounded stance. Its front fascia makes a powerful statement with a distinctive hexagon lower grille and sharp, focused headlamps. The premium XLE trim enhances visibility with automatic LED headlamps that include integrated daytime running lights. To further personalize your Yaris Hatchback, a palette of vibrant exterior colors is available, including Stealth, Graphite, Pulse, Sapphire, Chromium, Frost, and Icicle.
Perfectly sized for urban environments, the Yaris Hatchback measures just 161.6 inches in length, allowing it to navigate and park effortlessly in tight city spaces. Its remarkably tight 32.2-foot turning circle further enhances its city-friendly maneuverability. Despite its compact footprint, the new Yaris Hatchback offers surprising interior space, thanks to a wheelbase that’s nearly 2.4 inches longer than the previous Yaris Liftback. The trunk area boasts a generous 15.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, rivaling that of many midsize sedans, making it exceptionally practical for its class.
Elevating Standards: Premium Features Come Standard
Across both the LE and XLE models, the 2020 Yaris Hatchback is equipped with standard 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, and a refined chrome tailpipe tip, establishing a premium feel right from the base model. The side mirrors are power-adjustable, heated for defrosting in cold weather, and include integrated LED turn signals for added safety and style.
The extensive list of standard features goes well beyond the basics, including many amenities typically found as options or on higher trims. Enjoy the convenience of Smart Key Entry with Push Button Start, enhanced visibility with fog lights, and practical features like variable intermittent windshield wipers and a rear backup camera. Inside, you’ll find a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, chrome interior door handles, and sun visors for both the driver and front passenger, complete with illuminated vanity mirrors. Toyota even includes a standard first aid kit for added peace of mind.
Maximize Your Media: Connectivity and Entertainment at Your Fingertips
The 2020 Yaris Hatchback is designed for the connected driver. A standard 7-inch Touchscreen display audio system delivers crisp, powerful sound through six speakers, perfect for enjoying your favorite playlists or podcasts. Seamless smartphone integration is provided through standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, allowing you to access navigation, music, and communication apps directly from your car’s display. Voice recognition and Bluetooth® wireless technology enable hands-free phone calls and audio streaming, keeping you connected safely while on the move.
The 7-inch touchscreen can be operated by touch or via a convenient remote commander knob, offering flexible control options. SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a complimentary three-month All Access trial subscription is also standard, providing access to over 150 channels of music, news, sports, and entertainment. USB ports and an auxiliary input ensure connectivity for a wide range of devices, and steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and phone functions enhance driver convenience.
An unexpected feature in this class is the inclusion of navigation hardware in both LE and XLE grades. Customers can easily activate navigation functionality by purchasing an accessory SD card from a Toyota dealer, providing a cost-effective upgrade option.
For those seeking an even more refined experience, the XLE trim steps up the luxury with leatherette-trimmed seating surfaces available in gray or black, automatic climate control for optimal comfort, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic LED headlamps. Leather accents extend to the steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake handle, adding a touch of sophistication to the interior.
Big on Safety: Advanced Features for Peace of Mind
Safety is a priority in the 2020 Yaris Hatchback, which comes standard with a Low-speed Pre-collision Safety System on both LE and XLE trims. This system is designed to help mitigate or avoid frontal collisions by scanning the road ahead. If a potential collision is detected, the system provides an audio/visual alert and prepares Brake Assist for increased braking force. If the driver doesn’t respond, the system may automatically apply the brakes.
Complementing this, the Yaris Hatchback also features a comprehensive active safety system, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Brake Override System (BOS). These systems work together to enhance vehicle control and stability in various driving conditions. Furthermore, a suite of six airbags, including curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants, provides comprehensive occupant protection.
Athletic Performance: Agile Handling and Engaging Drive
The 2020 Yaris Hatchback’s sleek exterior is built upon a robust and athletic structure. Constructed with 65 percent ultra-high-tensile steels and engineered with a continuous framework utilizing straight beams wherever possible, the body structure prioritizes strength and rigidity. This robust foundation allows the MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion-beam rear suspension to be finely tuned for both ride comfort and agile handling, resulting in driving dynamics that are truly a class above.
Driving the Yaris Hatchback is genuinely enjoyable, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. Its responsive handling is inherent in its engineering, not just an add-on. A rigid steering mount provides direct and communicative steering feel, while the brakes are calibrated to offer progressive feedback, especially when cornering. The brake pedal is designed for smooth initial engagement, becoming firmer as g-forces increase, providing enhanced control and confidence.
Class-Leading Efficiency: Fun with Fuel Savings
The Yaris Hatchback achieves an impressive balance of driving fun and fuel efficiency, powered by a responsive 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower. High-compression (12.0:1) and direct fuel injection contribute to the engine’s quick response and efficiency, perfectly paired with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features a torque converter lockup in all gears for quicker, more direct shifts and improved fuel economy. The 2020 Yaris Hatchback boasts an estimated 40 MPG highway fuel economy, making it an exceptionally economical choice for daily driving and longer journeys.
Adding to the driving experience is a Sport Mode, which, when engaged, sharpens acceleration response and transforms the car’s driving character for a more dynamic feel. The refined ride quality of the Yaris Hatchback is not solely due to its suspension and rigid structure; extensive sound-absorbing measures, including a noise-insulating windshield, effectively minimize noise intrusion into the cabin. Sound-absorbing materials within the tailgate, parcel shelf, and spare wheel well further reduce high-frequency noise from the rear, creating a quieter and more comfortable interior environment.
Peace of Mind Warranty
Toyota stands behind the quality and reliability of the 2020 Yaris Hatchback with a comprehensive warranty. It’s covered by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, covering all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months or 60,000 miles, and corrosion protection is provided for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Standard ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, providing added value and assurance.
The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is more than just a subcompact car; it’s a statement of style, efficiency, and driving enjoyment, all wrapped in an affordable and value-packed package.
