2010 Toyota Yaris

Photos & Media

Last year, Toyota introduced a third body style for the Yaris, and it's keeping the lineup the same for 2010. There's a 3-door liftback, a 5-door liftback, and a 4-door sedan. All three are powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder with 106 hp and 104 lb-ft of torque. It may not seem like much, but the Yaris has a curb weight of only 2,300 pounds. All three models also have a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

All three models have the Star Safety System, tire pressure monitoring, airbags all around, high-tensile strength steel body panels, side impact door beams, and an energy-absorbing steering column.

There are three options packages available for the sedan and the liftbacks: Convenience, Power, and Sport package. The base Yaris comes without a stereo at all, so the Convenience package adds one, larger 15" wheels and a rear window wiper on the three-door liftback.

The Power package adds power locks and mirrors plus remote keyless entry. On the sedan, it also adds power windows and an LCD display for the audio system. The Sport package adds rocker panels and a spoiler to both the liftback and the sedan, plus fog lamps and an iPod interface. It also swaps out the standard seats for sport seats and includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
Not much is new for the Yaris sub-compact this year, but it does get a major safety systems upgrade. Traction control, vehicle stability control and Toyota's Star Safety System will all be standard. The Star Safety System alone includes ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist. For a little economy car, these are big improvements to safety.
Small, efficient car also at a small price; upgraded safety systems are some of the best in this class; great fuel economy
With the new safety systems upgrade, the starting price is $12,355 for the 3-door liftback. For those who need a little more room, or a few more doors, the 4-door sedan starts at a very reasonable $13,115. All Yaris models get an impressive 29 mpg city/36 mpg highway rating from the EPA.