Toyota’s next Yaris will do it all: gas, hybrid, and electric

Toyota is planning a major "rethink" for its famous Yaris model. Many car companies are choosing to build only electric cars or only gas cars, but Toyota wants to do both. The fifth-generation Yaris, expected to arrive around 2027 or 2028, will let buyers choose between a traditional gas engine, a hybrid setup, or for the first time - a fully electric powertrain.

This new plan is part of what Toyota calls a "multi-energy" approach. Basically, they are building one strong skeleton for the car that can fit many different types of "hearts." This same idea will be used for the next Toyota Corolla. Instead of making the electric version look like a spaceship and the gas version look like a regular car, Toyota plans to keep them looking almost exactly the same. This means you won't have to sacrifice style just because you want a specific type of engine.

The new Yaris EV will have a lot to prove. To keep up with rivals like the Renault 5 and the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo, Toyota is looking at a driving range of about 249 miles. Some big EVs can go much further, but 249 miles is quite a lot for a small city car. It's plenty for most people to get through a week of driving to school and work without needing a top-up.

The hybrid version will still be a big deal. The current Yaris hybrid is already a fuel-sipping champ, getting close to 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers (about 80 mpg). Toyota wants the next version to be even better. They are focusing on making the hybrid system more efficient and easier to drive. This is great news for people who want to save money but aren't quite ready to deal with charging cables and battery percentages.

The design of the new Yaris is also getting a futuristic makeover. The soft, rounded edges of the older models are apparently all gone. The new car will have sharp lines and a "hammerhead" front end that looks like it came from a sci-fi movie. It will be a classic "supermini" in size, which means it will be short and easy to park. Toyota is also moving the windows around to help drivers see better and make the inside feel bigger.

Inside the cabin, things are getting a total tech overhaul. The old, chunky dashboard is going away. In its place, you can expect "floating" screens that look like tablets hovering over the dashboard. Toyota is also bringing back clever storage spots, something the very first Yaris was famous for. The rear suspension is getting a makeover as well to make sure there is plenty of legroom and boot space, even with big batteries tucked under the floor.

Interestingly, the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) division is already working on some spicy ideas. There are rumors of a new 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo engine, which will be used for rally racing, but a version of it could find its way into a "hot hatch" for regular people to buy. Even if the full-blown GR Yaris remains a rare beast, many buyers will likely choose the "GR Sport" trim just to get that racing look.

Don't expect to see the new Yaris in showrooms tomorrow, though. Toyota might take a little longer with this one to get the tech right. We probably won't see the final version until late 2027 or early 2028. It is also clear that this won't be a "budget" car. Toyota wants the Yaris to feel more expensive and high-quality than before.

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