Refreshed 2015 Toyota Yaris

New front end, quieter, and the same old drivetrain.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - July 23, 2014



2015 Toyota Yaris - $15,670 to start which includes D&H yields 30/37 mpg city/highway with the 5-speed stick.



Available in the same 3 or 5-door hatch form factors, the 2015 Yaris has been tweaked while we all await the real next gen 2016 or 2017 built using a Mazda2 platform at a new Mazda plant in Mexico.



The front view of the refreshed Yaris is a continuation of the designs seen in the latest Toyota sedans including the Corolla, Camry and Avalon. Outside the Toyota design language is readily apparent with the larger but more integrated open mouthed lower grille and slimmer lenses with the highest trim incl. LED DRL accents.



Inside new soft touch materials are said to be used to create a more comfortable cabin although the layout appears to be the same?



To help the Yaris’ wallowing, Toyota stiffened the suspension which is attached to a more rigid body structure. To reduce noise intrusion, more sound insulation and improved aerodynamics are said to help.



The Yaris continues on with 9 standard airbags, including front, side, side curtain and drivers knee. And both front passenger seats include airbags in the forward portion of the driver and passenger seat cushions to prevent occupants from sliding under the seat belts.

2015 Toyota Yaris





A nicer looking exterior – SE shown.

Drivetrain



The same 106 hp and 103 lb.-ft. of torque 1.5L I4 mated to a 5-speed MT was supposedly made smoother with an improved hydraulic clutch. The optional decades old 4-speed AT continues on. Expect to see a wide ratio like the Corolla in the next generation.



The fuel efficiency is the same 30/37/33 for the stick and 30/36/32 for the AT as the 2014. Considering a Full size E-segment Sonata ECO has the same combined and higher highway rating then the Yaris with the AT, it shows you how far Toyota needs to go. On a more competitive B/C-segment level, the all-new 2015 Fit offers an even more formidable 33/41/36 mpg rating. That is going to hurt. :(



Trims

Similar to the 2014.

The Yaris comes in base L, premium LE and SE trims.



A/C, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, quicker ratio steering, power windows with driver’s side auto down, power door locks, a poorly configured three-spoke “tilt-only” steering wheel, DRLs, and 15” wheels with wheel covers are standard on the L grade.



CC, power mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, remote keyless entry, and 15” alloys are std. on the LE.



The SE incorporates projector headlamps and LED DRLs, fog lamps, rear spoiler, gloss black 16” alloys, sport-tuned suspension, solid stabilizer bar, four-wheel discs, leather-trimmed tilt wheel and shift knob, and a unique sport fabric.



All Yaris models received Entune Audio with a 6.1” touch screen, an AM/FM/HD and CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, aux audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, hands-free phone capability, voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.



The Yaris, a navigation system is available as a dealer-installed option. What that will cost is unknown but it will probably be far more and far less capable than a $100 Garmin.



Vehicle pricing from Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) will be higher.

2015 Yaris vs. 2014 Yaris Pricing Changes

Trim	Transmission	Body	2014 MSRP	2015 MSRP	MSRP change ($USD)	MSRP Change (%)
L	5MT	3DR	$14,430	$14,845	+$415	+3%
L	4AT	3DR	$15,155	$15,570	+$415	+3%
LE	4AT	3DR	$16,015	$16,505	+$490	+3%
SE	5MT	5DR	$16,540	$16,820	+$280	+2%
L	4AT	5DR	$15,455	$15,945	+$490	+3%
SE	4AT	5DR	$17,340	$17,620	+$280	+2%
LE	4AT	5DR	$16,490	$16,880	+$390	+2%

Conclusions



Sales have been falling for years and this minor upgrade will probably not help matters. Not with the all-new 14/15 Versa Note and 15 Fit staring over the field.

Period	Sales Volume	% Change from Prior Period
2014 CYTD*	8,532	-28.5
2013 CYTD*	11,926	NA
2013	21,342	-30.2
2012	30,590	-6.5%
2011	32,704	-18.4%
2010	40,076	-36.7%
2009	63,743	-37.7%
2008	102,328	+20.3%
2007	84,799	+20.2%
2006	70,308	--

* January through June CYTD

Refreshed 2015 Toyota Yaris