Toyota Yaris ZR HEV 2025 Review

The 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV might be a current model year, but the fourth generation has been around in basically the same guise since 2020.

In 2024 the range received a new digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, while the more affordable petrol versions were axed, rendering the Yaris line-up hybrid only.

Three model grades are available and include the entry-level Ascent Sport ($28,500), mid-spec SX ($31,960) and the range-topping ZR ($34,530) tested here – all prices exclude on-road costs (ORCs).

The other slight change is the switch to HEV branding, which is an acronym for Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The blue Toyota badge that used to signify the company’s electric tech has also disbanded, making way for the HEV nomenclature.

Toyota’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty applies to the Yaris, but roadside assistance isn’t included. If you service with a Toyota dealer you receive 10 years of battery warranty, so it’s worth reading all the fine print. Servicing intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), with the capped-price plan totalling $1225 for the first five years – not bad considering that averages out to $245 per visit.

If you’re looking to stick with hybrid tech but desire something other than a Toyota, then the MG MG3 Essence Hybrid offers more power and kit for a competitive price. The plucky Suzuki Swift Hybrid GXL is also worth a look, too.

If a full EV is more your style, then the BYD Dolphin is the most affordable route, while Skoda’s recently added Fabia Select is about as frugal as turbo-petrol power gets in this class.

When the fourth generation released, it was a monumental jump to a safer, greener, more efficient and tech-savvy light hatchback. So much so, that in a current context, the 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV remains up to speed with the competition.

Yet, despite being a top-spec variant, don’t expect the world in terms of standard equipment.

It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, auto folding door mirrors as well as keyless entry and pushbutton start.

On the inside, the ZR gains a premium steering wheel, manually adjustable sports front seats cloaked in fabric, powered front and rear windows, privacy glass and a head-up display.   

Yes, there’s climate control, but the fact it’s only single and not dual zone frustrates. There are also no premium materials like leather – not even the man-made kind.

The 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating achieved in 2020.

It has eight airbags (including front, front side and full-length curtains), dual ISOFIX points and the top-tether anchorages in the back.

When it comes to active safety systems, it’s important to note that only the ZR grade gains all the technology available in the Yaris range.

It includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist (daytime) detection, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, speed sign warning, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The lane assist system is subtle and well calibrated, leaving intervention quite late when it opts to do so. It’s also nice to see that the speed sign recognition is a visual queue rather than an audible one.

The Japanese marque hasn’t always been at the forefront of interior tech and the 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV is a series of hits and misses.

While the 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is an improvement, its functionality isn’t class leading. Yet, the fact there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will render the detraction of the native operating system a non-event.

The ZR also uses a bigger 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which provides a clean design and graphics. It might not be the most visually pleasing or offer a range of configurability, but it houses all the vital information in a coherent fashion.

An important feature that’s missing is wireless charging, but there are USB-A and USB-C ports, along with Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio, voice recognition, sat-nav, and a six-speaker audio system.

Toyota Connected Services (with SOS button) is included, but you only receive a 12-month subscription. The program includes safety and security features, multimedia connection and driving insights via the myToyota Connect app.

You can have any powertrain you like, as long as it’s hybrid... Like most of the brand’s line-up Down Under, the 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV only comes in the petrol-electric configuration.

So, that means a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (67kW/120Nm) is tied to a permanent magnet electric motor (59kW/141Nm) for a combined output of 85kW. (Toyota doesn’t supply a joint torque rating.)

The HEV powertrain drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

With only 1130kg to lug around, progress is swifter than you might imagine. No, it isn’t groundbreaking or a pseudo warm hatch – far from it. However, the ZR HEV has enough power to easily dispatch city traffic or motorway journeys.  

Where it does struggle is in terms of acoustics. Under heavy load, the CVT perches revs high to gain momentum and, as a result, the engine’s protest is quite vocal. Yet, when you’re just driving normally, the offbeat thrum from the three-cylinder is somewhat characterful.

One of the big benefits of the petrol-electric drivetrain is fuel economy. The 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV claims to sip just 3.3L/100km on a combined cycle, making it one of the most efficient options in its class.

It can run on the e-motor alone at CBD speeds, with the combustion engine kicking in above 60km/h. A dedicated EV mode is available, but you’re best leaving the Yaris to its own devices and allowing the HEV system sort things out.

In practice we couldn’t quite match the official figure. However, 4.3L/100km is still remarkable given that it wasn’t driven with fuel-saving in mind. Conditions covered included city, urban, country, highway and more dynamic road testing.

The Yaris accepts cheaper 91 RON and is fitted with a 36-litre fuel tank. That generates a theoretical maximum driving range of a whopping 1200km.

What’s more, there’s no plugging in. Toyota’s proven hybrid system replenishes the lithium-ion battery pack on the run via regenerative braking. This is a bonus for owners who don’t want the hassle of charging but still want the efficiency benefits of electric assistance.

While the Japanese manufacturer doesn’t often receive praise for dynamics unless it has a GR badge, the 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV handles quite well for what it is.

Based on the company’s TNGA-B platform with MacPherson struts up front and torsion-beam rear suspension, the Yaris drives better than any owner is ever likely to entertain.

The ride quality has a firmness to it, especially around city streets where it doesn’t quite iron out all the little lumps and bumps as much as you’d expect. Yet, it remains comfortable and composed, especially in urban areas and on the highway.

On a winding country road, the Yaris ZR Hybrid handles with a surprising amount of vigour. It turns in nicely and doesn’t roll too much. Although, you’re never really going fast enough to trouble or test the dynamics of the chassis – this isn’t a GR Yaris, after all.

The steering is nicely weighted for twirling around the city or a back road. It’s relatively tactile too, making for a more engaging drive than expected.

The brake pedal also has a consistent feel despite the presence of regenerative braking. It isn’t too intrusive, with the dedicated B mode offering some resistance, but not true one-pedal driving. And it uses drum rear brakes – no discs all-round here. 

Despite the smaller footprint, the Yaris is stable and reassuringly solid in all conditions.

When the fourth generation launched the interior looked and felt like a revelation compared to what came before. Fast forward through a pandemic, and the years haven’t served the 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV overly well.

Sadly, at this price point, the cabin isn’t as pleasing as it should be, especially when the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia Select can be had for less money. However, while it doesn’t have the understated, upmarket feel of the Euro offerings, the Yaris ZR’s cabin is well screwed together and has enough design touches to keep it fresh.

It’s ergonomically sound, too – for the most part. The climate controls are easy to access and operate, the head-up display is crystal clear and insightful, while there’s decent storage for bits and bobs as well as a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel. Red piping in the dash adds some much-needed flair.

Yet, the cloth fabric used on the seats is slightly dowdy, there’s a lack of covered storage to conceal valuables, the infotainment screen cuts vision due to its height and there just isn’t an overall premium feel – especially given the price tag.

For such a small footprint (3940mm in length), there’s a pleasing amount of rear legroom – even for adults. At first glance it doesn’t appear to be the case, but the back of the front seats are formed in such a way that aids space. With a relatively tall body (1505mm), headroom is sufficient, without being palatial.

Don’t go in search of back-seat air vents, though – there aren’t any. Nor is there a centre arm rest with cup holders or rear USB ports. In terms of amenities, you get door bins and a map pocket; that’s about it. The rear doors also don’t open to a wide angle, which might be an issue if you’re ferrying kids in and out of car seats.

The 270-litre boot is admirable compared to the segment rivals, but it isn’t class leading. That figure expands when the 60/40-split rear seats are stowed, while the two-stage boot floor also conceals a space-saver spare tyre.

There aren’t a lot of options remaining in the light hatchback class. The 2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV stands as a commendable option from a brand that has built a reputation as solid as its products tend to be.

However, it isn’t all smooth sailing. Due to the fact it’s now hybrid only, the price of entry is higher than it used to be – and by some margin. That makes the ZR grade hard to recommend when you’ll be verging on $40K to get one in your driveway.

The smarter option is to opt for a lower model grade like the SX given that the ZR doesn’t pamper you in the way it should for the monetary outlay. That way you’re buying into a product that has all the hallmarks of the Toyota brand with the exceptional efficiency benefits. 

Ultimately, while the Yaris ZR HEV lacks the pizzaz of some of its rivals, it remains a well-rounded performer.

2025 Toyota Yaris ZR HEV at a glance:
Price: $34,530 plus on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol, electric motor and lithium-ion battery  
Output: 67kW/120Nm
Combined output: 85kW (no torque figure provided)
Transmission: CVT automatic
Fuel: 3.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 76g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2020)

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