Toyota Small Cars

Buy Used Toyota Models

Small cars from Toyota are usually cheap and appeal to students and those in the market for an affordable runabout. They’re common in the USA due to their low cost, reliability, and safety ratings. Toyota’s compact cars are typically comfort-focused and come with an impressive number of factory-fitted features. Small Toyotas aren’t built for top speeds, but they are powered by punchy engines that are perfect for city driving.

Subcompact Toyotas generally tick all of the right boxes for shoppers who are searching for compact vehicles for their teenagers, or even older people who simply want a frugal way to get from A to B.

Characteristics of Compact Toyota Cars

Regardless of individual specs, there is a list of similarities between products in this range:

  • Engines - Performance-focused options in this lineup are scarce, with powerplants primarily focused on being fuel-efficient and affordable. There is one exception though, and that is the GR Supra.
  • Interiors - Appropriately stocked with tech and comfort, the cabins are great for their price point. Still, the evidence of discounted materials is obvious.
  • Body types - The dimensions of these mini Toyotas differ slightly, and they come in different forms. There are sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers to choose from. They are also available both in 2-door and 4-door configuration, though two-door cars aren’t exactly suitable for families.

Smallest Toyota Car Models

There are quite a few small car models from Toyota available for 2020 in the US, and there are more set to roll out in 2021. Here are a few trims that are worth your consideration:

  • Yaris - The hatchback version is the tiniest car from Toyota, and the sedan version is the cheapest offering in the lineup. These are built to be funky little machines that are perfect for younger drivers, with a simple cabin and a 106-horsepower mill.
  • Prius - The Prius and Prius Prime may be cheap, but they’re certainly not the best on the market. Both trims put out 121 horsepower, quite underwhelming in comparison to the competition.
  • CH-R - Boasting a unique exterior design, the CH-R is a crossover that provides average performance in all categories. It is underpowered, yet nowhere near as frugal in terms of fuel economy and it is subpar in comparison to competitors.
  • GR Supra - Essentially a BMW Z4 in different clothes, the new Supra has a 255-hp motor at base level and a 382-hp V6 at the top. As much as purists would like to hate the revived variant, it is simply superb at everything.

What to Consider Before Buying

A few specs in this category are impressive, but there are notable downfalls that one should consider before signing on the dotted line:

Pros

  • Extremely affordable prices
  • Simple, well laid-out tech
  • Frugal fuel economy for most trims
  • Impressive reliability ratings

Cons

  • Discounted interiors
  • Underpowered motors
  • Underwhelming handling

Prices of Small Toyota Cars

The biggest advantage that accompanies these types of vehicles is their MSRPs, and their pricing is the reason behind much of their success in the automotive industry:

Model Power Engine Base Price
Toyota GR86 228 hp 2.4L Flat 4 Gas $27,700
Toyota bZ3X TBC TBC TBC
Toyota C-HR 144 hp 2.0L Inline-4 Gas $24,130
Toyota Corolla Cross 169 hp 2.0L Inline-4 Gas $22,445
Toyota FJ Cruiser EV TBC TBC TBC
Toyota Matrix 132 hp 1.8L Inline-4 Gas $19,275
Toyota Prius 121 hp 1.8L Inline-4 Hybrid $25,075
Toyota RAV4 203 hp 2.5L Inline-4 Gas $26,975
Toyota GR Supra 255 hp 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas $43,540
Toyota Yaris Hatchback 106 hp 1.5L Inline-4 Gas $17,750

FAQs

What is the best small option from the Japanese automaker?

If you have the budget for it, the GR Supra is awesome in many ways. If you’re after the best option in terms of value for money, the Yaris is your best bet.

What other little autos are worth my attention?

The Kia Forte is an excellent sedan that is well worth keeping in mind, especially if you value more bang for your buck.

Should I look at used versions for sale?

Of course, with the high reliability ratings that accompany them, it is safe to consider a used spec with very little mileage from a reputable dealer.

Check out our in-depth reviews with pictures and videos for more information.

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