The all-new Yaris takes small car safety to an unprecedented level and has been equipped to be the safest model in its segment. Key strengths include a significant increase in body rigidity and a two-generation leap forward in Toyota Safety Sense systems. In addition, a number of new features are making their Toyota debut, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring the highest safety provisions are as widely available as possible.
Watch the video above as safety expert Tom Rycken, a manager at Toyota Europe, explains some of the challenges involved in making a small car a safe car.
Safety features
Building the all-new Yaris on the GA-B platform has increased the car’s torsional rigidity to a class-best standard. This added strength provides better impact absorption and helps to maintain the integrity of the passenger cabin in the event of a collision. But if an accident did occur, the Yaris is the first Toyota to be equipped with centre air bags. These are programmed to deploy in the event of a side impact to help prevent the driver and front seat passenger from colliding with each other.
The new Yaris is also equipped with some of the most advanced driver assistance systems. There are not only more features in its Toyota Safety Sense package than any other Toyota model, but more more electronic safety features than any other B-segment competitor. Some of the highlights of this package are listed below:
- Pre-Collision System: this integrated camera and radar set-up can detect and warn the driver about pedestrians and cyclists in the path of the car
- Intersection Turn Assistance: this system detects potential hazards approaching the car at junctions and can apply automatic emergency braking to avoid a potential collision
- Adaptive Cruise Control: when activated, this maintains a safe distance from the preceding vehicle and will bring the Yaris to a halt if that vehicle stops
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Control and Lane Trace Assist: these systems warn the driver if they are veering off a safe path and can also be set to automatically centre the Yaris in its lane or follow the path of the vehicle ahead if road markings are undetectable
- Emergency Steering Assist: this system provides additional steering torque if it is necessary for the driver to swerve to avoid a pedestrian or obstacle in the car’s traffic lane, yet it also supports the driver by maintaining vehicle stability
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitor: these systems detect potential impact hazards during reversing manoeuvres and will alert the driver to vehicles approaching from behind on the road
- Intelligent Clearance Sonar with automatic braking: ultrasonic sensors at the rear of the car will detect an object that is about to be hit, and will automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to react to audible warnings
Equipment features
The all-new Yaris is generously equipped and features specifications that are more commonly found in cars from the class above. For example, it is the only car in its class to offer the option of a ten-inch colour head-up display, which allows the driver to project key information such as vehicle speed, safety warnings, navigation support and multimedia information on to the base of the windscreen.
Wireless smartphone integration comes via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it is possible to specify an eight-speaker JBL premium audio system and ambient blue cabin lighting. Connected services can also be reached using the MyT Toyota app.
UK model grades and their outline specifications are listed in the table below but standard features include Toyota Safety Sense, automatic headlights and wipers, reversing camera, electronic parking brake and smartphone integration.
| GRADE | EQUIPMENT FEATURES | OPTION PACKS |
| Icon | Toyota Safety Sense, 16-inch alloy wheels, smartphone integration, Toyota Touch 2 seven-inch multimedia display, reversing camera, automatic headlights and wipers, electronic parking brake, driver’s arm rest, automatic air conditioning, front power windows, power-adjustable and heated door mirrors, eCall | N/A |
| Design | In addition to Icon: 16-inch machined-face alloy wheels, Toyota Touch 2 eight-inch multimedia display, binocular instrument display, LED headlights and rear lights, rear privacy glass, power rear windows, optional panoramic roof | N/A |
| Dynamic | In addition to Design: 17-inch machined-face alloy wheels, front sport seats, black part-synthetic leather upholstery, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, JBL premium eight-speaker sound system, optional bi-tone paint finish | City Pack: front and rear parking sensors with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and auto-braking, auto-folding door mirrors, Blind Spot Monitor |
| Excel | In addition to Design: 17-inch machined-face alloy wheels, front sport seats, light-coloured part-synthetic leather upholstery, smart entry and push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning, six-speaker sound system, auto-folding door mirrors, Blind Spot Monitor, Intelligent Clearance Sonars with auto-braking, optional panoramic roof | Tech Pack: eight-speaker JBL premium sound system with eight-channel amplifier, ten-inch full-colour head-up display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror |
A special Launch Edition (pictured) has also been created to introduce the all-new Yaris to the UK market. This model maximises the specification and is presented in a Tokyo Fusion bi-tone pearlescent paint finish. Click here to learn more and review the specifications.
Learn more: Introducing the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Design features of the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Hybrid powertrain of the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Driving dynamics of the all-new Yaris
NB: Details were correct at the time and date of publication
I was so excited about the new Yaris and I was actively following all the news about it since it was announced by Toyota Japan. When I first read the brochure and user manuals (Japanese version) it was very appealing although I knew not all those features will be available in the UK edition.
I have pre-ordered my Toyota Launch Edition a couple of weeks ago but I was extremely disappointed and at the verge of changing my mind about buying the new Yaris due to lack of some basic features.
For me the most disappointing not offered feature was the Sat Nav. I understand that you can use a Sat Nav app on your smart phone but this is not convenient for all users for several reasons (not having smartphone, no coverage or data, no space for offline maps or being abroad on roaming etc.) and a proper off-line Sat Nav is essential (it would look ridiculous to stick a Garmin Sat Nav to your high tech car with HUD). It was even more disappointing when I was told that there is no way to add Sat Nav even if I ask for it and pay extra. This is while this option is available in other European countries. This will force the customers to buy the Sat Nav unit online and install it themselves at a very high cost.
The other missing option that I was looking forward to was the option for heated steering wheel (and seats) that again was not offered as option in the UK edition. UK is not a very warm country and most of the year you wake up to a frosty day and a freezing steering wheel is the least thing that you would like to experience at least twice a day. Again, this feature is available in other European countries but not in the UK. I am not sure how these options and features are decided for each country but not having these features as option is very disappointing.
I hope Toyota UK put more thought into selecting these features in the future.
Hi Farzad,
Thanks for your comment. We’re sorry to hear you’re disappointed with the spec of the all-new Yaris.
Different markets have different specifications, and we have to balance spec and price in order to make sure that the car is competitive in the UK market.
We do value customer feedback, and we’ll pass your thoughts onto our product team.
Thanks.
Thank you very much for your reply. Please don’t get me wrong. I have been with Toyota for many years and Yaris is a wonderful car with great specs. However, my disappointment was about the options that are exist but are not offered as optional pack for people who would like to have them in the UK.
Many thanks.
Hi Farzad,
Thanks both for your reply and your loyalty over the years.
What’s been your favourite Toyota that you’ve owned?
We’re always looking to improve our product offering and, as previously mentioned, have passed your feedback on to our product team.
Thanks.
With no doubt the Land Cruiser, but I am becoming a big fan of Yaris and I can’t wait to see the new Yaris Cross Hybrid.
Hi Farzad,
The Land Cruiser is a great choice! Not much can beat its outstanding levels of reliability, luxury and off-road performance.
The Yaris Cross will certainly be something special though.
Have you read our interview with Lance Scott about the design process of the Yaris Cross?
You can do so, here: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/2021-toyota-yaris-cross-design
Thanks.
I cannot consider the Yaris Cross unless built in satnav is available on the lower spec versions. You have lost a potential sale to me without this essential feature. The manager responsible for the UK equipment list has made a very poor decision and needs to insert satnav capability.
Hi SC489,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear that the Yaris Cross doesn’t suit your ideal specifications.
Whilst navigation is only available as an option on the Excel, Dynamic and Premiere Edition grades, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present on all grades, meaning that maps can be used through your smartphone.
Thanks.
As someone who has placed an order for a new Yaris, having browsed thought the handbook online, it is incredible that the heated seats and steering wheel option has, once again eluded the UK market. I am on my fifth Yaris and am probably going to make this newest one my last, not because of the vehicle itself, but simply as a result of these options that should now be available to us.
Additionally, the lack of auto door locking when driving off should be address from a safety point of view – I always manually lock the door once inside my vehicle, but this should really be automated.
Furthermore, why are upgrade options so restrictive? I want a design model with parking sensors, but I cannot, without choosing a higher grade. Fine. Then, selecting the Excel version means having to choose a light coloured interior which can get dirty easily, which now means having to choose a Dynamic grade with the city pack, further pushing up cost, not to mention being forced to take on larger wheels and stiffer suspensions and the detrimental effect these have on ride comfort. These are not the sort of practices Toyota should be inflicting upon loyal customers.
Hi Joy,
Thanks for comment, your feedback and loyalty over the years. Also, congratulations on your new car.
We are always looking to improve our product offering and have passed your feedback to our product team.
Thanks
Hi, I completely agree with Farzad. I ordered the Launch Edition model as well and to be honest still on the fence to cancel the order. My first real disappointment was the lack of option to order parking sensors for the Launch Edition. This is supposed to be the super duper version which is actually based on the Dynamic model where the parking sensors are optional. And the second big slap was the SatNav. Well the lack of it. What is worse that it is not even an option in the UK. No logic whatsoever.
I really like the new Yaris but this in my book is a big mistake from Toyota.
Hi Akos,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear that you’re unhappy with the spec of the all-new Launch Edition Yaris.
Regarding the SatNav, the all-new Yaris comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, meaning that navigation can be used through your smartphone.
If parking sensors are a must, the Excel grade gets these as standard, and they are available as part of the City Pack on the Dynamic grade.
Thanks.
Its amazing how you can order & pay for the optional navigation system in France for example but its not even an option you can order across the channel at a UK Toyota dealer.
It would be nice seeing as there all built in the same factory if people ordering a new Yaris could have more customization of all the available options.
There are people willing to pay extra when ordering a new Yaris for options like built in sat nav, heated seats / steering wheel etc but there not even available to order in certain countries.
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your comment. We’re sorry that you’re unhappy with the specification of the all-new Yaris.
Whilst navigation is not offered, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto does come as standard on all grades of the new Yaris.
This allows smartphone integration, and therefore maps can be used in the Yaris through connecting your smartphone.
As always, we will pass your feedback onto our wider product team.
Thanks.
I think the main point being raised by several of us here is that people know that things like built in navigation & heated seats / steering wheel are available as a chargeable option extra on the new Yaris in Europe but NOT here in the UK.
If only Toyota offered UK buyers the options that are available in other European countries, UK customers will happily pay for optional extras when specifying / ordering there new Yaris IF they where actually allowed to order them.
We are not asking for any free stuff, we just want to be allowed to pick certain desirable optional extras we cannot currently get here in the UK but you can in Europe.
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your reply.
Different markets have different specifications and options, and unfortunately navigation, heated seats and a heated steering wheel are not available for the all-new Yaris in the UK.
As mentioned in our previous reply, we will pass your feedback on to our wider product team.
Thanks.
Shame the options are not available in the UK as I’m about 18 months away from looking to change my vehicle & those would be desirable options I’d be looking for on newly ordered car.
Wireless Android Auto would make up for lack of built in navigation option but unfortunately that’s not available either.
Why are the City and Tech packs limited to the Dynamic and Excel specs only? I really want the HUD and all-around parking sensors, but I want to get the Design model, as the Dynamic and Excel models don’t have the colour I want, and I’d also much rather have the smaller rims because they are just better (Much cheaper tyres, better ride quality, less prone to pothole damage, better mpg). Heck if you had 15″ rims as an option like the japanese models I’d PAY to have those rather than the 16″s! The Excel and Dynamic models also force you to have keyless entry which raises the insurance cost, regardless of whether the system can be disabled or not (Insurance companies don’t care – Just having it is enough to raise the premiums!)
If you change your policy on this so I can get the spec I want you will have a sale!
Hi Colin,
Thanks for your comment.
We’re sorry to hear that the specification options of the all-new Yaris do not match your ideal needs.
Different markets have different specifications, and we have tried to make sure that the all-new Yaris is competitive within the UK market.
As always, we will pass your feedback on to our wider product team.
Thanks.
Hi – I have the Yaris Dynamic with City Pack – lack of heated steering wheel and seats is very noticeable these Winter mornings. Surprised at the lack of Sat Nov. However it is a joy to drive and the chassis feels very secure. This one’s a “keeper”.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for contacting us. It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying your new Yaris!
Have you got any adventures planned?
Whilst the all-new Yaris doesn’t come with a Sat Nav, all grades come with Apple CarPlay as standard, and therefore navigation can be used through your smartphone.
Thanks.
What is Toyota going to provide for people like me who haven’t got a smartphone? I have enjoyed the built in satnav in my Prius for 11 years, but am now planning to change it for a smaller car. I also like having the HUD.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry the Yaris specifications don’t suit you.
We are always looking to improve our product offering and we will pass your feedback to our product team.
Other small cars, like Aygo and Corolla have Toyota satellite navigation. As for HUD, that is available on the Yaris as part of the Tech Pack.
Thanks.
Hi I bought yaris dynamic but no parking sensors just wanted to know how much is going to be fit parking sensors
Hi Muzakkir,
Thanks for contacting us.
Your nearest Toyota Centre will be best placed to advise upon this, so we would recommend contacting them for further assistance.
You can find your closest dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks.
The lack of heated seats in the UK is plain shocking. One of the colder countries in Europe, so what on earth were Toyota thinking?
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your feedback.
We’re sorry that the all-new Yaris specification doesn’t match your ideal requirements.
Different markets have different specifications, and we have to balance spec and price in order to make sure that the car is competitive in the UK market.
As always, we will pass your feedback on to our wider product team.
Thanks.
I bought the Yaris Excel as a upgrade from an Aygo & also am a Lexus FSport owner, so very aware of functions that can be offered. I purchased the Excel with absolutely every upgrade possible & do feel cheated, especially at £25k as much as I enjoy & like the car, like many people on this forum, the disappointments come from the lack of options or diversity within the options. I bought an excel model to get all the extras then had no choice but to have a white interior. To get a black interior I would have to order a design model or Launch of with 2 tone colours are not my thing. No ambient lighting which is only offered on the launch. Ridiculous considering the interiors are the same & manufactured in the same factory in France & also made to order. The Eu countries are offered wireless mobile car charging as standard, sat nav, heated steering, heated seats, better seating colours & materials, double deck boot panels, Toyota connected services through infotainment plus more functions through MyT & it’s sad to say, there is no reasonable explanation apart from ‘sorry its the specs to the country’ even if you’re will to pay to have it. I can foresee that after this purchase within 6-12months there will be a facelift release with such functions offered & available which will be annoying. £25k annoying & a year too late. Toyota are an outstanding & reliable brand but the country leads do not understand their markets to cater for what people want, or even customise the way individuals want.
Hi Neil,
Congratulations on your new car, thanks for choosing Toyota and for your feedback regarding the vehicle specifications, which we’ve passed to our product team for consideration on future models.
Thanks