Mazda
2
Toyota
Yaris
Mazda 2 vs Toyota Yaris: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Mazda 2 offers fuel economy, while the Toyota Yaris excels at power instead. Choose the Mazda 2 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Toyota Yaris if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
2
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among owners, particularly for its role as a first car, budget-friendly daily driver, and reliable urban runabout. The vehicle is consistently praised for its sharp, responsive steering and engaging, fun-to-drive character, often described as a "hidden gem" for driving enthusiasts on a budget. Reliability is a dominant positive theme, with multiple long-term owners reporting minimal issues beyond routine maintenance and wear items.
Best version to buy
The Sport trim (in UK/European markets) is frequently mentioned for offering desirable features like cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, and climate control. The 1.5L engine is preferred over the 1.3L for its extra power and "nippier" performance, though the 1.3L is appreciated for its fuel economy and willingness to be revved.
Known issues
- ⚠Excessive road and wind noise: Very noticeable at motorway/highway speeds, leading to driver fatigue on long journeys. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Corrosion/Rust: Specifically on the underbody, suspension coils, and brake pipes on older models (pre-2014), frequently appearing in MOT advisories. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Firm ride quality: Described as quite firm, which contributes to the engaging handling but reduces comfort. Frequency: recurrent.
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 Mazda 2 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Toyota Yaris, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Toyota Yaris is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mazda 2 or the Toyota Yaris?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Mazda 2 and the Toyota Yaris. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Mazda 2 or the Toyota Yaris?
The Mazda 2 seats more passengers than the Toyota Yaris on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Mazda 2 is classed as a Hatchback, the Toyota Yaris as a Hatchback.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mazda 2 or the Toyota Yaris?
The Mazda 2 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 3.2 L/100km combined versus 9.3 L/100km for the Toyota Yaris, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda 2 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 Mazda 2. See the known issues comparison above.