Toyota Yaris models and trim levels explained

Its enduring appeal has been earned through years of reliable service, a straightforward user experience, and lightweight running costs.

We'll guide you through the Yaris range, including the different trim levels on sale and how the model's evolved over time.

Toyota Yaris models explained

The Toyota Yaris is a supermini hatchback sold the world over. It's also known as the Vitz in Japan and the Echo in North America. All versions are small, city-friendly cars with a choice of three or five doors, plus a four-door saloon that's offered in foreign markets.

In the past, Yaris models were available with small petrol and diesel engines, as well as manual gearboxes. However, all recent Yaris cars in the UK are self-charging hybrids, which means petrol exclusively and an automatic gearbox as standard.

As a side note, you might also spot the occasional Mazda 2 Hybrid. This is effectively a rebadged Toyota Yaris and is mechanically unrelated to the regular Mazda 2.

Toyota GR Yaris

The GR Yaris might look a bit like a Yaris and says 'Yaris' on the badge, don't be fooled. This is a bespoke rally car for the road, with a unique three-door body and steroidal wheelarches.

Under the mean-looking metalwork, there's a fire-breathing 1.6-litre turbo petrol making well over 250hp. That's connected to a six-speed manual gearbox – or an eight-speed auto if you'd prefer – and a clever four-wheel-drive system that can overdrive the rear wheels for spectacular skids on a race track.

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Yaris Cross takes most of the same mechanical parts as the regular Yaris hatch and fits them to a more practical SUV body. As a result, it has enough room in the rear seats to fit adults or a bulky child seat, plus a boot that's big enough for pushchairs or holiday luggage.

Its 1.5-litre hybrid engine is the same as the Yaris hatchback. That means the same responsive off-the-line acceleration, smooth automatic gearbox, and fuel economy north of 60mpg if you drive gently.

Toyota Yaris trim levels

• Icon – this is the entry-level trim but still includes climate control, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Design – upgrade trim level adds fancier alloy wheels and a bigger infotainment screen, plus full LED exterior lighting
• GR Sport – sporty-looking trim level with a more aggressive body kit, bigger alloy wheels and sports seats
• Excel – range-topping Yaris with luxuries like part-faux-leather upholstery, all-round parking sensors and dual-zone climate control
• Launch Edition – high-spec models available to mark the launch of the current Yaris
• Premiere Edition – another high-spec special celebrating the arrival of the facelifted Yaris in 2024

Toyota Yaris generations

Fourth generation – 2020-present

• Latest model with curvier styling, now only offered as a five-door
• Model code – XP210
• Facelifted in 2024
• The car's styling – especially its rear haunches – are inspired by a sprinter on the starting blocks
• All UK Yaris models are 1.5-litre self-charging hybrids

Third generation – 2011-2020

• Slightly cheaper-feeling than the current model but good value on the used market
• Model code – XP130
• Facelifted in 2014 and 2017
• The first to be offered with hybrid power, a GR Sport trim level, and as a GRMN hot hatch
• Selection of small petrol and diesel engines, plus 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid and 1.8-litre supercharged engine in the Yaris GRMN hot hatch

Second generation – 2005-2011

• Redesigned Yaris that built on the strengths of the first generation
• Model code – XP90
• Facelifted in 2009
• Included clever features like a flat rear footwell and flat-folding seats
• Choice of small petrol and diesel engines

First generation – 1999-2005

• The first Yaris – Toyota marketed it as a car designed specifically for European tastes
• Model code – XP10
• Facelifted in 2003
• Featured lots of standard safety tech, plus sliding rear seats and a centre-mounted speedo
• Choice of small petrol and diesel engines

What's the best Toyota Yaris model?

Each Yaris generation has brought something novel and unique to the table. Whether it's the first-generation car's centre-mounted digital speedo, the second generation's flat rear floor or the rare third-generation GRMN hot hatch, which shares its supercharged Toyota engine with the Lotus Elise.

Despite this, the current Yaris is probably the best the car has ever been. Its styling is more cohesive than the previous model, the interior feels less plasticky, and the latest 1.5-litre hybrid engine is smooth, responsive and exceptionally efficient. What's more, entry-level Icon trim includes pretty much all the equipment today's drivers want and it's backed by Toyota's service-activated 10-year warranty.

Browse a wide choice of used Toyota Yaris cars for sale, or read our Toyota Yaris review to find out what it's like to live with.