The Small 2019 Toyota Yaris 4-Door XLE Delivers Big Value

When you first see the 2019 Toyota Yaris 4-DoorXLE, it is hard not to think it is a Mazda, after all everythingis heavily based on the successful Mazda3 platform sold in the US. However, name changesapart; this is arguably a great vehicle. Sure, it has Mazda’s upscale cabin, engine, and the robust chassis but it does bear the Toyota badge.

The XLE we tested is Toyota’s top of the line Yaris and comes with leatherette upholstery, climate control, automated LED headlights, rain sensing windscreen wipers,and asports mode. Costing a touch under $20K it is still a bargain.

Fish Inspired Styling

Theslightly awkward looking fish face of the Yaris certainlylooks like something similar to the Mazda3. Though it isa beautiful vehicle when compared to others in this subcompact segment. Plus the XLE is also the sportiest in this family ofcars with a rear spoiler, LED daytime lights, and large 16-inch wheels.

Hop into the 2019 Yaris XLE and here too it punches well above its weight class, again thanks in part to it being made possible by Mazda. 

Interior design

Inside it is easy to forget it is a vehicle that costs under $20K. The dashboard bears a similar design aesthetic of clean lines interesting through the 7.0-inch infotainment system which appears tobe stuck inside of thedashboard.

Speaking of adopting what Mazda has done, the Yaris benefits from the same ergonomic controls neatly placed on the transmission tunnel behind the shifter. Reaching the buttons is easy,and they are all prettyself-explanatory. The dashboardoverall is a lot less cluttered compared to other vehicles in its class. We also particularly like the large climate control dials which too are very easy to understand and control.

What we don’t like about the interior is the fact that these seats aren’t comfortable. Toyota uses bucket seats in the front which are hard, and don’t support the back which made it difficult to find a comfortable seating position. The steering feels far and hard to reach slightly. Though there wasgood enough leg room which is a huge plus.

We also had a problem sitting in the back. If you are anything above 5feet 10inches, your knees will hit the front seats. Which means it is hard to spend more than 20-minutes back there. 

Driving the Yaris XLE 

The 2019 Yaris 4-door XLE will not help you win any races with its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 106 HP. The lightweight vehicle coupled with this rather small enginedelivers adequate enough speed,but if you want to top out the engine’scapacity, it takes a while to get there. The good news is that the tiny engine delivers a respectable 32 mpg when driving withinthe city and 40 mpg on the highway.

Final Word 

Right now, subcompacts like the Toyota Yaris aren’t all that popular,but they do delivergreat value for money. A well-rounded driving experience coupled with a handsome cabin, and excellent fuel economymake the 2019 Yaris 4-door XLE worth recommending.