Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris
Compare hybrid versions of the Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris to find out which economical supermini you should buy
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Is the Toyota Yaris or Mazda2 better?
When Mazda renewed its small hatchback, the ‘2’, it evolved from petrol to hybrid. And instead of building one from the ground up, the two Japanese carmakers teamed up to share reliable, efficient parts.
Now, then, the Mazda2 is effectively a rebadged Toyota Yaris, but there’s more to it than the badge on the bonnet.
Use this guide to compare what else makes these two hybrid superminis different.
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What’s better, the Mazda2 or Toyota Yaris?
Our guide will answer:
Which car has better styling?
Is the Mazda2 or Toyota Yaris better to drive?
Does the Mazda2 or Toyota Yaris have better tech?
Is the Mazda2 or Toyota Yaris more reliable?
What are the Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris dimensions?
Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris: styling
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This is where these two cars are most similar, because they mostly share the same bodywork. Short of a few changes here and there, like a smaller grille on the Mazda and a slightly different boot design for the Toyota – they’re visibly very similar.
Inside, the story is the same. They both have similar dashboard layouts with a floating touchscreen, but some trim differences give them a different quality and feel.
Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris: what are they like to drive?
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Both models use a 1.5-litre self-charging petrol hybrid system, capable of around 70mpg depending on trim level, which affects things like wheel size and aerodynamics.
There are 116hp and 130hp versions available for the Yaris, but the Mazda2 only gets the lesser-powered option (which is good news for fuel economy, and the performance difference is negligible anyway).
Both have light steering that’s perfect for city streets, and power delivery through a CVT automatic gearbox means acceleration is super smooth.
Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris: interior and technology
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Though the two models are fundamentally the same (Mazda uses Toyota’s tech, too), Mazda has put its own stamp on the ‘2’.
For example, mid-spec models add keyless entry, wireless phone charging and even sports seats, with top-spec editions getting a large 10.5-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Toyota fits a slightly bigger 12.3-inch screen and a smaller seven-inch digital speedometer.
Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris: boot space and practicality
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If you’re choosing on the basis of practicality, then let us make it easy for you. They both have identical 286-litre boots (which is slightly below the class average). With the seats folded, there’s 935 litres of space.
They’re also exactly the same in terms of passenger space, with rear-seat legroom slightly below class average but better headroom, thanks to the high roofline.
Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris: safety and reliability
The Toyota Yaris got a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when it launched in this guise in 2020, but it dropped to four stars after a 2025 retest.
Importantly, it’s no less safe. Euro NCAP just shifted the thresholds to recognise newer and better safety systems that are available on bigger cars.
It’s the same story for the Mazda2 Hybrid, which was only tested once in 2020 (five stars).
In essence, reliability should be near-identical across both models, but in terms of customer support, the Mazda comes with a six-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Toyota sells its cars with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, but if you agree to service it at an authorised garage, you can extend it all the way up to an industry-leading 10 years/100,000 miles.
Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris: dimensions
Mazda2
Length: 3,940mm
Width: 2,020mm (incl. door mirrors)
Height: 1,500mm
Boot space: 286 litres
Toyota Yaris
Length: 3,940mm
Width: 1,745mm (excl. door mirrors)
Height: 1,500mm
Boot space: 286 litres
FAQs
Is a Toyota Yaris more affordable than a Mazda2?
Yes, the Yaris is generally cheaper to buy used because it’s cheaper to start with when new. It’s also more readily available.
Which hatchback offers better tech?
There’s not a lot in it, but we think the Mazda might offer slightly more attractive in-car tech. The Yaris is hardly sparse, though.
Which model is more reliable?
Both are near-identical, mechanically, but if you want the backing of a longer warranty with eligible servicing, get the Toyota.
Verdict: Mazda2 vs. Toyota Yaris: which should you buy?
As you can see, there’s not a huge amount in it, but there are still some reasons why you may want to pick one over the other:
You should buy a Mazda2 if:
You want the less common option
More tech and features are important to you
You’re happy with the lesser-powered hybrid
You should buy a Toyota Yaris if:
Long-term reliability and warranty coverage is important to you
You fancy a slightly quicker 130hp model
Budget is more important
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