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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 30 / 35 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 278 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $13,776–$17,627 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 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 5.5/10 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 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.5/10 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 $13,776–$17,627, 32 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Yaris sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 8 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 2018 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 →
The 2018 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 $13,776 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 50%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Toyota Yaris scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.4 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $14,784 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $14,280 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $13,776 | |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $13,272 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $12,768 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $12,264 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has 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.
| Equipment / Other / Labels 28/06/2019 · 19V503000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.