2015 Toyota Yaris vs 2015 VW Golf

Energetic and fuel-efficient hatchback designs offer a brilliant blend of exciting performance, dynamic maneuverability, a sporty style and cargo convenience. Available in compact and subcompact editions, hatchbacks are ideal for urban driving and deliver exceptional value with affordable price tags. Two models that will make cruising through the city an exciting driving experience are the Toyota Yaris subcompact and the VW Golf compact. As the reigning Motor Trend Car of the Year, the VW Golf is tough competition when comparing hatchback models, but we think you will find that the Toyota Yaris can hold its own in our 2015 Toyota Yaris vs 2015 VW Golf hatchback debate.

Redesigned for the 2015 model year, the Toyota Yaris has a sharp, bold style that is eye-catching and bolsters aerodynamics as well. The Yaris cabin is a reflection of the new exterior design, delivering a modern interior that is replete with soft-touch materials and innovative features, including the Toyota Entune infotainment interface. One thing that you will find absent from the Toyota Yaris cabin, however, is noise. Implementing sound-proofing materials, the Yaris provides a quiet, comfortable and relaxing ride that surpasses expectations in a smaller class. The 2015 Toyota Yaris also provides exceptional cargo capacity with 15.6 cubic-feet of storage behind the second-row seats. Equipped with exceptional features, style, performance and an affordable price tag, the Toyota Yaris is a great value among hatchbacks.

Toyota vs VW Hatchback Comparison Highlights Value and Efficiency

Competing with the Motor Trend Truck of the Year is a tall order, but the Toyota Yaris offers tremendous value and similar driving characteristics. The first thing that stands out in this Toyota vs VW hatchback comparison is the the price tag. Yaris models start at an extremely affordable price of $14,485 compared to the Golf’s base MSRP of $17,995, which poses the question of whether you are paying for size and performance or name brand when you choose the Golf. 

When choosing subcompact or compact models, fuel economy is often a focal point and a key component in the decision-making process. In that category, the Toyota Yaris stands out. Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that yields 106 horsepower, the Toyota Yaris will achieve 33 mpg on the highway when paired with the five-speed manual transmission or 32 mpg on the highway with the four-speed automatic. By comparison, the VW Golf puts more focus on power with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that while certainly is exciting, falls short of the Toyota’s fuel efficiency. Is the extra power and price of the Golf worth spending more time and money at the pump? That is for you to decide.

A fun-to-drive attitude, incredible value, frugal fuel efficiency and a youthful, European style are highlights of the Toyota Yaris in our 2015 Toyota Yaris vs 2015 VW Golf hatchback comparison, but dynamic maneuverability make this hatchback a great urban-driving option. In the confined and compact spaces of the big city, having a vehicle that can maneuver through stalled traffic and fit in tight spaces is a major advantage. A tighter turning circle makes the Yaris ideal for these driving situations and a broad torque curve makes the drive an exhilarating one.