Differences Between a Yaris Base & Yaris Sedan

Toyota introduced the Yaris to the United States as the successor to the Echo. Initially available only as a sedan or a two-door hatchback, known as the Yaris 3-Door Liftback, a five-door hatchback version was introduced to the U.S. in the 2009 model year. While the models have several features in common, the Yaris hatchback and sedan offer several varying interior, exterior and safety options in addition to the obvious body style differences.

Comparable Features

  • Many of the features in both the Yaris 3-door Liftback and the Yaris Sedan are either standard or available as options. Both are available with five-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmissions. The engines in all models are 1.5-liter, four-cylinder. Halogen headlamps, intermittent windshield wipers and rear window defoggers all come standard on both models. Fog lamps and 15-inch steel or alloy wheels are exterior options available on both. Interior features standard on both include an audio prep package, tilt steering wheel, power outlet, map and trunk lights, two front cup holders and one rear cup holder. Available interior options include an upgraded audio system, cruise control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift-lever, remote keyless entry, power locks and windows. The standard safety system includes vehicle stability control, traction control, smart stop technology, front advanced airbag system, collapsible steering column, crumple zones, tire pressure monitor system and steel body panels. Both versions of the car offer an engine immobilizer as part of an option package.

Exterior Differences

  • The hatchback stands 60 inches high by 66.7 inches wide with a length of 150.6 inches. The sedan measures 57.5 inches high by 66.5 inches wide with a length of 169.3 inches. The hatchback has a rear window wiper available through a package upgrade while the sedan does not offer the wiper. The radio antenna is mounted on the roof of the hatchback model while it is in the window glass of the sedan.

Interior Differences

  • Standard on the Yaris sedan but not offered on the hatchback are four-way adjustable front seats with seat-back pockets and fabric trim. A fold-down rear seat comes standard on the hatchback. Both models offer package options for different back seats: the sedan with a 60/40 split fold-down and the hatchback with a 60/40 split fold-flat seat that also reclines and slides. The sedan comes with a center console and storage area not available in the hatchback. Conversely, the Yaris hatchback comes standard with driver-side and dual passenger-side glove compartments, under-floor storage and a luggage cover, none of which is available in the sedan. Both models feature driver and passenger sun visors with mirrors, but the hatchback also has visor extenders not available in the sedan.

Safety Feature Differences

  • Standard in the sedan but not offered in the hatchback are three safety features: adjustable shoulder anchors for the front seat belts, child locks on the rear doors and a release mechanism inside the trunk.

Price Differences

  • The 2011 Yaris hatchback starts at $12,855 for the manual and $13,655 for the automatic. The 2011 sedan starts at $13,615 for the manual transmission and $14,415 for the automatic.