2013 Toyota Yaris LE 5-Door Subcompact Video Review

Are you looking for a subcompact that offers good reliability and is more about function than form? You should take a look at the 2013 Toyota Yaris 3 and 5-Door models then.

The Yaris' exterior design is your basic hatchback shape. The only real item of note is the familiar front clip that a few of Toyota's passenger vehicles have and some chrome trim pieces throughout. Things get more interesting when you go for the Yaris SE 5-Door as it gains a black mesh grille and a set of sixteen-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Yaris doesn't have that much to talk about with the design. Standard equipment is a different story as all Yaris models come with air conditioning, power door locks, tilt steering wheel, nine airbags, and a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth.

Powering the Yaris is a 1.5L 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder with VVT-i engine that makes 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. Transmissions include a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. While the choices for the transmission seems a bit antiquated, they do a good job of getting power down to the wheels.

EPA rates the 2013 Toyota Yaris at:

• Five-Speed Manual: 30 City/38 Highway/33 Combined
• Four-Speed Automatic: 30 City/35 Highway/32 Combined

One more item of note: the Yaris SE differs from other Yaris models thanks to front and rear disc brakes, sports-tuned suspension, and sports-tuned steering to make it more fun.

Pricing for the 2013 Toyota Yaris starts at $14,370 for the 3-Door L model and climbs up to $16,480 for the 5-Door SE model. Competitors to the 2013 Yaris include the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Kia Rio.