TFL QuickPics: 2015 Toyota Yaris 5-Door SE [Gallery]

TFL QuickPics presenter Daniel Buxbaum introduces the 2015 Toyota Yaris SE for our first QuickPics video segment.
TFL QuickPics presenter Daniel Buxbaum introduces the 2015 Toyota Yaris SE for our first QuickPics video segment.

The 2015 Toyota Yaris SE is a small car with a big soul. Every curve, crease, and detail in its exterior represents a vehicle which, in large part, doesn’t look or feel like an economy car anymore. Performance comes courtesy of Toyota’s tried-and-true 1.5-L four-cylinder engine with 106 HP and 103 lb-ft. of torque and either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Either way, the lightweight, agile chassis more than makes up for the drivetrain’s lack of spirit. Utility is excellent, with over 15.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats.

Some of the exterior highlights of the face-lifted Yaris SE include LED-accented, dark-finished headlamp clusters, a Scion FR-S-like separated reverse lamp cluster, and a hinged single windshield wiper design.

Inside, the sun visors have sliding extensions, which are becoming a rarity in any class of vehicle.  Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with touchscreen is standard equipment, as is a usable compact spare tire.

The rear seats fold nearly flat, which allows for a tremendous amount of cargo space.  Even with the rear seats up, the 2015 Toyota Yaris can accommodate one and a half sets of golf clubs or a full-size dog bed.  Though rear seat room is good for the class, legroom up front does suffer, especially when equipped with a manual transmission.

Rated at 30/36/32 MPG city/highway/combined, our automatic-transmission-equipped Yaris’ economy is average for the class.  Mileage when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission increases to 30/37/33, respectively.

Our 2015 Yaris SE had an MSRP of $18,625.00 as tested, putting it at the premium end of the entry-level subcompact spectrum.  Still, with an extensive standard feature list and excellent driving dynamics, the 2015 Yaris is definitely worth a look.

For more information, you can enjoy watching our full TFL QuickPics video review of the 2015 Toyota Yaris five-door SE.