The Toyota Yaris is one of the most popular and successful models in the supermini segment, offering a combination of efficiency, practicality, and reliability. For 2024, the Japanese automaker has given the Yaris a major update, with a more powerful hybrid engine, a new digital user experience, and enhanced safety features. Here's what you need to know about the 2024 Toyota Yaris.
A New Hybrid Powertrain
The biggest change for the new Yaris is the introduction of a new hybrid powertrain option called the Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130. This replaces the previous Hybrid 116 system, which used a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor to produce a combined output of 116 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque.
The new Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130 system uses the same engine but with some modifications to increase its efficiency and performance. The electric motor is also upgraded, delivering more power and torque. The result is a total system output of 130 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 14 horsepower and 21 pound-feet over the previous hybrid system.
The new hybrid powertrain also improves the fuel economy and emissions of the Yaris, achieving an estimated 68 mpg (US) and 98 g/km of CO2 in the WLTP cycle. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly vehicles in its class and one of the most fun to drive. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid 130 system also offers three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport, allowing the driver to adjust the performance and efficiency according to their preference.
The new hybrid powertrain is available on all trim levels of the Yaris except for the base Active grade. The other engine options for the Yaris remain unchanged, including a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 72 horsepower and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 125 horsepower.
A New Digital User Experience
Another major upgrade for the 2024 Toyota Yaris is the introduction of a new digital user experience, which includes a customizable driver's instrument display, a more powerful and intuitive multimedia system, wireless smartphone integration, and a hands-free digital key.
The driver's instrument display is available in two sizes: seven or 12.3 inches, depending on the trim level. The display shows various high-intensity information and graphics, such as speed, fuel level, hybrid system status, navigation directions, and safety alerts. The display can also be customized to suit the driver's mood and the type of journey, with four options: Smart, Casual, Sporty, and Tough. Each option has a different color scheme and layout for the display.
The multimedia system is also available in two sizes: nine or 10.5 inches, depending on the trim level. The system features a new Toyota Smart Connect interface, providing standard cloud-based navigation. This means the system can access real-time information on routes, traffic, and delays from the internet. The system also has a voice recognition function and a "Hey Toyota" voice agent to respond to natural speech commands. For example, if the driver says, "Hey Toyota, I'm cold," the system will automatically raise the climate control temperature.
The multimedia system also enables wireless smartphone integration using both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows the driver to access their phone's apps, contacts, messages, music, and more on the multimedia screen without using any cables. The system also supports over-the-air updates for both the software and the maps.
The new Yaris also offers a hands-free digital key as an option for some trim levels. This allows the driver to unlock and start the car using their smartphone or smartwatch without taking out their physical key. The digital key can also be shared with up to five other people via an app.