2012 Toyota Yaris Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Toyota Yaris earns an average Total Car Score, but its all-new design and fresh improvements over its predecessor show promise. 
 
While it is hardly the enthusiast's choice, despite offering an upgraded sport trim level, the Yaris receives positive praise for its overall packaging, reliability and suite of safety equipment (including nine standard airbags). Freshly redesigned, its new appearance is more masculine when compared to the outgoing model — which should help improve upon its predecessor's slow sales, say reviewers. 
 
The negative strikes against the Yaris include limited interior and cargo space, and a relatively underpowered engine. Making matters worse, its fuel economy is only mid-pack despite the weak engine power. 
 
Toyota completely redesigned its Yaris for the 2012 model year. The platform and styling was significantly updated, making it a larger vehicle with more interior room and more appealing in appearance.

2012 Toyota Yaris Model Line-Up

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is sold as a two- or four-door hatchback in two trim levels, L and LE. The SE trim is reserved for the sportiest model, which is only sold as a four-door hatchback. 
 
All Yaris models feature a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The naturally-aspirated inline-4 is rated at 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, but consumers are also offered an optional four-speed automatic, though fuel economy suffers slightly for the convenience.  
 
In standard configuration (L trim), the Yaris arrives with air conditioning, power door locks, trip computer, 15-inch steel wheels and a rear windshield wiper. The LE is upgraded with power accessories, steering-wheel-mounted controls, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat and Bluetooth phone connectivity. As mentioned, the SE trim is the sportiest variant with sport-tuned suspension, disc brakes at all four corners, 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded tires, cruise control and other cosmetic enhancements. The sole option is cruise control, and it is only offered on the mid-grade LE trim level. 
 
The EPA estimates the 2012 Toyota Yaris' 1.5-liter inline-four with the manual transmission will earn 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. With the automatic transmission, the mileage drops slightly to 30 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined.

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