Metro Transit

The 2019 Toyota Subcompact Yaris Just Right for City Driving

By Randi Payton  //  Decisive Media Network // @rpayton1215

As compact SUVs become more fuel efficient and affordable and some low-budget subcompact cars became extinct, some small cars are finding their niche. One subcompact that won’t be counted out is the 2019 Toyota Yaris, which is well suited for city dwellers due to its smaller size, fuel efficiency and price.

The 2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan is very well equipped, economical and just right for parking in Urban areas. A product of a joint venture between Toyota and Mazda, the Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

The small peppy engine was built by Mazda and generates 106 horsepower and 103 lb.-ft. of torque. When paired with an available 6-speed automatic transmission, the Yaris is great for navigating through dense city traffic, and with less trips to the fuel pump. The Yaris gets an estimated 32 MPG city and 40 on highway.

The 2019 Yaris is available in three trim levels: L, LE. And XLE. The base model starts around $15,600 and goes up to $18,700 for the XLE.

I tested the four door XLE with a sport driving mode that stood on 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior was accented with leather and leatherette trim, a 7-inch touch display for the infotainment system. After adding the delivery and handling charge, the sticker price came to $19,479 MSRP.  A hatchback model was added for the 2020 model year.