Toyota Corolla vs. Toyota Yaris

Automotive Editor

John Diether has been a professional writer, editor, and producer since 1997. His work can be found on TV, radio, web, and various publications throughout the world. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and has a 1992 Cadillac Brougham d’Elegance in his garage.

, Automotive Editor - March 24, 2020

Buyers with an eye toward economy have two solid choices from Toyota, the entry-level Yaris, and compact Corolla. Both are reliable and efficient companions for everyday life. But when it comes to overall value, does the Toyota Corolla or the Toyota Yaris offer more for your money?

See a side-by-side comparison of the Corolla & Yaris »

What the Corolla Gets Right

Thanks to a potent redesign for the 2020 model year, the Toyota Corolla offers some visual excitement for this first time in its history. The revamped interior also has the sophisticated, clutter-free look we've come to expect on far costlier vehicles. The Toyota Yaris simply can't measure up to the Corolla in the style department.

Every Corolla gets a full complement of driver assistance safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Yaris only comes with the automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning systems.

The Corolla's standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 139 horsepower, and buyers can upgrade to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 hp. The sole engine for the Yaris is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that manages only 106 hp.

What the Yaris Gets Right

The Yaris starts out with a near $4,000 price advantage over the Corolla, which could make difference between buying a new and not for some buyers. Despite its low price, the Yaris doesn't have to be austere. When loaded with feature like navigation and LED headlights, the Yaris still undercuts the cheapest Corolla by over $700.

Interior volume in the Yaris is just slightly below below the Corolla. The Yaris sedan actually offers slightly more cargo space in the trunk (13.49 cubic feet) than the Corolla sedan (13.1 cubic feet).

According to the EPA, the Yaris gets up to 35 miles per gallon in combined driving. With its base in engine, the Corolla is rated at 33 mpg combined. Efficiency inches up to 34 mpg combined with the optional 2.0-liter in the Corolla, although the price increases to the tune of $2,450 as well.

The Key Difference

Toyota made the decision to equip the Corolla with an impressive load of safety technology – at no extra cost. No such effort was made on the Yaris in order to keep its price as low as possible. That'll sound good to some buyers, and like too much of a compromise to others.

Our Verdict: Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a well-rounded, affordable car for all occasions. With more power, more features, and similar fuel economy and cargo space, it's worth stepping up to the more expensive Corolla compared to the value-oriented Yaris.

Take a closer look at the Toyota Corolla »

Take a closer look at the Toyota Y aris »

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, photos and more!