2015 Toyota Yaris — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2015 Toyota Yaris

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $12,264–$14,267
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr

Key Specifications — 2015 Toyota Yaris

Engine1.5L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG30 / 35 MPG
Combined MPG32 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,100
CO₂ Emissions278 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$12,264–$14,267

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2015 Toyota Yaris

The 2015 Toyota Yaris is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 5.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.9/10. The Yaris nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.6/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 5.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.0/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $12,264–$14,267, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Yaris sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.2/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 11 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2015 Toyota Yaris sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2015 Toyota Yaris ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $12,264 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 56%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Yaris Year Should You Buy?

Across the Yaris model years we've scored, the 2015 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2020 7.5/10$14,784 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$14,280 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$13,776 Read review →
2017 7.4/10$13,272 Read review →
2016 7.4/10$12,768 Read review →
2015 (this review) 7.4/10$12,264

Pros & Cons — 2015 Toyota Yaris

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment

NHTSA Recalls — 2015 Toyota Yaris (4 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Air bags / Side/window
23/04/2019 · 19V319000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper…
Suspension / Front / Shock absorber
26/05/2016 · 16V367000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 27, 2015. The front strut mounting bearings can be damaged when a high load is applied to the strut, such as…
Structure
09/03/2015 · 15V134000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 31, 2011, to February 9, 2015, and sold or registered in Puerto Rico. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a…
Suspension / Rear / Axle / Non-powered axle assembly
19/02/2015 · 15V098000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to January 9, 2015. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened rear axle bearing bolts.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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