Toyota Yaris vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Toyota Yaris

$26,090 - $44,888

2025 price

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Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 Toyota Yaris

2023 Lexus LS

By Chris Thompson

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 3, 1.5L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.3L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Space- and fuel-efficient
Capable platform
Borderline sporty styling

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

Conservative interior
Lacks some features
Price

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

2025 Toyota Yaris Summary

Long the domain of first-car buyers and suburbanites winding down on their driving years, the Toyota Yaris is now hybrid-only, and is a far cry from the $15,000-or-so cheap and cheerful staple it once was.

But with its fourth generation a few years into its lifespan, the Yaris is trying to be more than just a basic A-to-B runabout. In fact, the ZR we have on test is more expensive than an entry-grade Volkswagen Polo.

Does more than $30,000 of light hatch really feel worth it once you’re behind the wheel, or are you better off pocketing almost $10,000 to save on one of the thinning pack of rivals?

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2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Yaris 2023 Lexus LS

Verdict

The Toyota Yaris is as much car as many people should really need, and it's a refreshing antidote to the largely unnecessary shift towards SUVs as the ‘default vehicle’.

In the case of the ZR grade, the pricing could understandably be a reason you might consider an SUV instead. There are plenty of options for a similar price.

The problem with an SUV though is it will likely be less efficient and, due to physics, less agile and fun to drive.

Given the price and the fact that a couple of features are missing, the ZR probably isn't the variant to go for, but the Yaris is an overall solid foundation for a very convincing hatchback.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Toyota Yaris vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Yaris vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?