Chevrolet
Cobalt
Owner report available
Toyota
Yaris
Owner report available
Chevrolet Cobalt vs Toyota Yaris
The short answer
Based on available data, the Chevrolet Cobalt comes out ahead of the Toyota Yaris on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Cobalt
Overall
Sentiment is mixed to negative, heavily dependent on the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and specific model year. The Cobalt is widely regarded as a basic, affordable transportation appliance, with some owners reporting high mileage (over 250,000 miles/400,000 km) with diligent, often self-performed, maintenance. However, the community feedback is dominated by recurrent and very frequent reports of electrical system failures, transmission problems (particularly in automatics), and premature rust/corrosion.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" version. The manual transmission models are implied to be preferable due to fewer reported issues compared to the problematic automatic transmissions.
Known issues
- compared to the problematic automatic transmissions. The SS Turbo model (with the 2.0L LNF engine) is mentioned in passing as a performance variant shared with other GM vehicles, but no detailed ownership feedback is provided in the data.
Yaris
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding reliability, low running costs, and practicality. The Yaris is consistently praised as a "bulletproof," economical, and easy-to-maintain vehicle, particularly in its older iterations (circa 2009-2014). Long-term owner reports highlight minimal repair costs outside of standard maintenance, with many examples reaching high mileages (over 200,000 km / 124,000 miles) without major issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a single best trim or version. Feedback is generalized across the model line, with manual transmissions often implicitly favored over automated manuals (MMT) due to simplicity, and the 1.33L engine noted as a good balance of power and economy.
Known issues
- Intermittent starting/cranking issues (non-specific): Engine cranks but does not start, potentially related to fuel delivery, spark, or immobilizer/key. Frequency: recurrent.
- Clutch wear/failure: Particularly in higher-mileage manual examples; includes vague biting point and complete failure. Frequency: recurrent.
- Oil consumption: Linked to neglected oil changes in the 1.33L engine; can be remedied with maintenance. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Toyota Yaris is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Chevrolet Cobalt, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Toyota Yaris are a dealbreaker, the Chevrolet Cobalt is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Cobalt or the Toyota Yaris?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Toyota Yaris than the Chevrolet Cobalt. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Cobalt or the Toyota Yaris?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Chevrolet Cobalt is classed as a Coupe, the Toyota Yaris as a Hatchback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Cobalt or the Toyota Yaris?
The EPA rates the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt at 25–30 mpg combined and the 2020 Toyota Yaris at 34–35 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Cobalt or the Toyota Yaris?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Yaris than the Chevrolet Cobalt. See the known issues comparison above.