2018 Toyota Yaris iA

Pros: Excellent fuel economy; spritely handling; generous level of standard equipment for the money, including some rare-for-the-class features

Cons: Middling acceleration; limited back-seat room; polarizing front-end styling

CG Says: The 2018 Toyota Yaris iA is unchanged. Toyota closed its youth-oriented Scion division after the 2016 model year and the Scion iA became the Toyota Yaris iA for 2017. The Yaris iA is a subcompact-sized 4-door sedan that is essentially a restyled version of the Mazda 2 sedan. (Mazda has elected to not offer the Mazda 2 sedan or hatchback in the U.S. market.) A 1.5-liter 4-cylinder is the sole engine choice. The Yaris iA comes as a “mono-spec” vehicle; besides paint color, the only options are 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and dealer-accessory-type add-ons. Thankfully, the Yaris iA comes surprisingly well-equipped—its standard features include keyless entry with push-button start, a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and even a low-speed collision warning and mitigation system. The collision mitigation system is capable of automatically applying the brakes at speeds under 18 mph. The Yaris iA is a compelling entry in the subcompact market that offers competitive pricing, a nimble driving personality, pleasant interior trimmings, and an impressive level of standard features. It’s a must-see in its class.