What a short, odd life it’s been for the Toyota Yaris iA and Yaris, formerly the Scion iA and the Scion iM. The sporty entry-level sedan and five-door hatchback were introduced as 2016 models. But when Scion abruptly folded 13 years after it debuted, only a few vehicles survived and were absorbed into the Toyota lineup.
For 2017, the former Scion iA is now the Toyota Yaris iA. The Scion iM is just the Yaris.
Key Takeaways
- Formerly the Scion iA, renamed after Scion’s 2016 shutdown: Toyota absorbed the Scion iA into its own lineup when the youth-oriented brand folded after 13 years. Mechanically identical, new badge and grille.
- Mazda-sourced platform beneath the Toyota badge: The Yaris iA is essentially a Mazda 2 for the U.S. market, giving it a more engaging driving character than typical subcompact sedans.
- 35 mpg combined on regular gasoline: The 106-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder returns 32 city / 40 highway / 35 combined mpg with either the six-speed automatic or six-speed manual.
- Standard low-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking: Rare at this price point. Also includes 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, 7-inch touchscreen, and a rearview camera.
- $17,050 MSRP, $17,915 as-tested: One of the least expensive ways to buy a new Toyota, with only delivery charges separating base from as-tested pricing.
A sub-compact sedan, the 2017 Yaris is offered in one trim. It features a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 106 horsepower. My test vehicle included a six-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual is also available.
Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, and entry, cruise control, a low-speed forward collision warning system with automatic braking, full power accessories. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats and air-conditioning add to the hefty list rare among entry-level vehicles.
The Yaris iA also has a surprisingly strong list of technology features: a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen with a console-mounted rotary controller, Bluetooth phone, and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system with streaming radio, voice recognition, and a USB interface. A navigation system is an option.
Driving the Yaris iA offer also surprises. It feels confident, maneuvers well and holds its own on the freeway. It has a sporty personality, although passing vehicles isn’t the car’s strong suit. And don’t expect any sudden moments of performance.
The Yaris iA’s top competitors include the Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa. But the Scion iA is the quietest sub-compact I’ve driven.
Another surprise is the quality of the materials used in the interior. The dash is thick, sturdy rubber and plastic. The contrasting blue stitch looks handsome against the black console.
The quality of the interior adds to the overall appeal. It’s an entry-level vehicle with a lot to offer.
Likes:
Substantial value. Engaging handling. Refined interior for the class. Superior fuel economy.
Dislikes:
Garish front grille. No center armrest.
What We Like
- Engaging handling from the Mazda 2 underpinnings
- Standard low-speed automatic emergency braking uncommon at this price
- 35 mpg combined on regular gasoline
- 7-inch touchscreen with console-mounted rotary controller
- Quietest subcompact James tested at this price point
What We Don’t
- Garish, oversized Toyota front grille design
- No center armrest in the front
- 106 horsepower feels slow for freeway merging
- One trim level only (no upgrades beyond the base package)
- Rear seat tight for three adults despite nominal five-person rating
Facts & Figures: 2017 Toyota Yaris iA
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-cylinder, 1.5L |
| Horsepower | 106 |
| Transmission | 6-speed Automatic or 6-speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 32 city / 40 hwy / 35 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Airbags | 8 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | $17,050 |
| Price As Tested | $17,915 |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Rio | |
| 2017 Ford Fiesta | |
| 2017 Nissan Versa | |
| 2017 Hyundai Accent | |
| 2017 Chevrolet Sonic |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA have?
The 1.5-liter four-cylinder produces 106 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Yaris iA?
EPA ratings are 32 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined on regular gasoline across both transmission options.
How is the 2017 Yaris iA different from the Scion iA?
Mechanically they are the same car. When Scion folded in 2016, Toyota renamed the iA to Yaris iA and replaced the grille and badging. The underlying platform is a rebadged Mazda 2.
How much does the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA cost?
MSRP is $17,050. The review vehicle reached $17,915 with delivery charges — roughly $865 above sticker.
What standard features come on the 2017 Yaris iA?
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen with rearview camera, Bluetooth audio, a six-speaker sound system, automatic emergency braking, 60/40-split rear seats, and air conditioning.
How safe is the 2017 Yaris iA?
Standard low-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking is unusual at this price. Eight airbags are standard, and IIHS safety ratings were competitive for the subcompact class.
Is the 2017 Yaris iA a sedan or hatchback?
A four-door sedan. The hatchback variant in Toyota’s lineup carries the Yaris name without the ‘iA’ suffix and is a separate vehicle formerly sold as the Scion iM.
What are the main rivals to the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA?
Primary competitors include the Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, and Chevrolet Sonic in the subcompact sedan segment.
Article Last Updated: May 2, 2026.
- About the Author
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.