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Cars similar to the Toyota Yaris

A full list of Toyota Yaris alternatives you should consider

A silver Toyota Yaris car drives on a winding road lined with trees and fields under a cloudy sky.

The Toyota Yaris is one of the most popular small hatchbacks on the market, and this is helped by its impressive fuel efficiency, affordability, cheap running costs and overall appealing package. 

But there are loads of alternatives out there that you may wish to consider before you commit to the Yaris, and we’ve listed our favourites below. 

Read our Toyota Yaris review

Our top eight cars similar to the Toyota Yaris 

  • Ford Fiesta 

  • Suzuki Swift 

  • Mazda 2 

  • Renault Clio 

  • SEAT Ibiza 

  • VW Polo 

  • MINI Cooper

  • Hyundai i20 

Cars like the Toyota Yaris 

Ford Fiesta 

Green Ford Fiesta driving on a scenic mountain road with trees and rocky hills in the background under a clear sky.The Fiesta is the Yaris’s long-term rival for a reason. While Toyota focuses on efficiency, Ford focuses on fun.  

It’s widely considered the best-handling small car out there – it’s agile, zippy and feels more 'connected' to the road than the Yaris. 

How it’s similar: Like the Yaris, it’s a compact, city-friendly hatchback that’s easy to park and cheap to run. 

Where it beats the Yaris: The Fiesta has a larger, squarer boot and much better steering. 

Read our Ford Fiesta review

Suzuki Swift 

Suzuki Swift front three quartersThe Swift is the Yaris’s lightweight, scrappy cousin. It’s built on the philosophy that less is more, making it one of the lightest and most agile cars in its class. 

How it’s similar: Both have a legendary reputation for reliability and use hybrid tech to keep your petrol station visits rare, with up to 64.2mpg for the Swift. 

Where it beats the Yaris: They're usually cheaper to buy and feel more playful in corners. 

Read our Suzuki Swift review

Mazda 2 

Mazda 2 driving

Mazda does things differently. Instead of a CVT gearbox like the Yaris, the Mazda 2 uses a traditional automatic or a manual, while still being efficient. 

How it’s similar: It shares the Yaris’s commitment to building quality and compact dimensions, making it a dream for tight driveways. 

Where it beats the Yaris: The interior feels a bit more premium. While the Yaris cabin can feel a bit plasticky, the Mazda uses plusher materials. 

Read our Mazda2 review

Renault Clio 

A blue Renault Clio parked on a rural road, awarded "Car of the Year 2025" by Cinch for Best Hatchback, with scenic hills in the background.

The Clio is the Yaris’s stylish French alternative. In its latest 'E-Tech' form, it’s a self-charging hybrid, just like the Toyota, meaning it can zip through traffic on silent electric power. 

How it’s similar: Both are efficiency kings. You can expect 60+ mpg from both without trying too hard. 

Where it beats the Yaris: The Clio wipes the floor with the Yaris when it comes to boot space (391 litres vs the Yaris's 286). 

Read our Renault Clio review

SEAT Ibiza 

Red SEAT Ibiza driving on country road

Think of the Ibiza as the Yaris’s cool, younger sibling from Barcelona. It’s built on Volkswagen bones but dressed in a much sharper outfit. 

How it’s similar: It’s a safe, five-star Euro NCAP-rated hatchback that’s perfect for new drivers and small families alike. 

Where it beats the Yaris: It’s much roomier in the back. While adults might struggle for knee room in a Yaris, they’ll be perfectly happy in the back of an Ibiza. 

Blue SEAT Ibiza review banner

VW Polo 

Volkswagen Polo front three quarters

The Polo is the mini-Golf, taking everything the Yaris does well – quality, safety, and ease of use – and adding a massive dose of German refinement. 

How it’s similar: Both hold their resale value incredibly well, as they’re always sought-after. 

Where it beats the Yaris: It is far quieter and more comfortable. On a long journey, the Polo’s suspension and soundproofing make it feel like a much larger, more expensive car. You can thank the Golf for that. 

Read our Volkswagen Polo review

MINI Cooper 

Mini Hatch driving

The MINI Cooper is the fashionista of the group. It’s less about just getting from A to B and more about the experience of getting there. 

How it’s similar: Like the Yaris, it’s instantly recognisable and has a very loyal fan base. It’s also incredibly easy to thread through city traffic. 

Where it beats the Yaris: It has to be style and customisability. You can tweak almost every part of a MINI to suit your style. It also has a ‘Go Kart’ mode, which the Yaris just can’t match. 

MINI Cooper review banner

Hyundai i20 

Hyundai i20 N front

The i20 is the tech-lover’s choice. It’s a sharp-looking car that has moved away from its budget roots to become a genuine class leader contender. 

How it’s similar: Both come with excellent warranties (Toyota offers up to 10 years, Hyundai gives you a solid five years with no mileage limit). 

Where it beats the Yaris: Features per pound. For the same price as a mid-spec Yaris, you’ll get a higher-spec i20 with bigger screens, better ambient lighting and more rear-seat room. 

Our top picks for Toyota Yaris alternatives 

There you have it. These are our top Toyota Yaris alternatives. If you have any further questions, we’ll aim to answer them below. 

What’s the cheapest Toyota Yaris alternative? 

If we’re talking new, most on the list will be suitable, but you can save so much money buying used, and this bracket of car is home to some brilliant deals. 

We’d suggest a used Ford Fiesta, not just because they’re great value for money but because Ford doesn’t sell them new anymore, which makes them more valuable than ever to future buyers. 

Alternatively, the VW Polo is a great option for a well-built hatchback with loads of tech as standard. 

Which has the best performance? 

If it’s out-and-out power, you’d be best off looking at the performance versions of some of these options. 

Namely, the VW Polo GTI, MINI Cooper JCW, Hyundai i20N and Ford Fiesta ST. 

Which car similar to the Toyota Yaris has the best tech? 

Our pick would be the VW Polo or Renault Clio – both of which come equipped with large touchscreens, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, great speakers and more. 

What Toyota Yaris alternative is the most efficient? 

Based on claimed MPG figures alone, the Yaris still comes out on top at up to 68.9mpg. 

But some of its rivals are close behind, such as the Renault Clio E-Tech (67.3mpg) and Suzuki Swift (64.2mpg). 

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Explore used Toyota Yaris options

All in all, the Toyota Yaris is one of the absolute best hatchbacks money can buy, but if you do want a similar-sized car that’s a bit different, we have listed the above for your convenience. 

Browse our full selection of used hatchbacks for sale to find your next car. 

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