Toyota Yaris vs. Honda City: Which Compact Sedan Wins in the UAE
The Toyota Yaris and Honda City are top picks for UAE drivers. Both offer great value, low running costs, and modern features, but which one suits your daily commute better? In this guide, we'll compare their prices, specs, performance, and more using the latest data.
Why Choose a Compact Sedan Like the Yaris or City
Compact sedans shine in the UAE's hot climate and traffic. They're easy to park, sip fuel, and handle well on both city roads and desert drives. The Toyota Yaris starts at AED 64,900, making it a budget-friendly option with Toyota's famous reliability.
The Honda City, from AED 67,900, edges ahead with more power and space. Both get 5-star safety ratings and come with warranties up to 5 years/150,000 km. Let's dive into the details.
Engine and Performance
Both use a smooth CVT automatic, perfect for stop-and-go traffic:
Specs |
Toyota Yaris (1.5L) |
Honda City (1.5L) |
|
Engine Size |
1.5L 4-Cylinder |
1.5L i-VTEC 4-Cylinder |
|
Horsepower |
105 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
119 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
|
Torque |
136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm |
145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm |
|
0-100 km/h |
11.8 seconds |
11.5 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
175 km/h |
190 km/h |
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Both are economical:
Aspect |
Toyota Yaris |
Honda City |
|
City Fuel Economy |
18-20 km/l |
16-18 km/l |
|
Highway Fuel Economy |
22 km/l |
20 km/l |
|
Annual Fuel Cost (15,000 km) |
AED 2,700 |
AED 3,000 |
|
Service Cost (First 5 Years) |
AED 4,000 |
AED 4,500 |
Interior and Comfort
Feature |
Toyota Yaris |
Honda City |
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
|
Boot Space |
310 liters |
510 liters |
|
Front Legroom/Headroom |
1,050 mm / 980 mm |
1,060 mm / 990 mm |
|
Rear Legroom |
860 mm |
950 mm |
|
Infotainment Screen |
7-inch Touchscreen (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) |
8-inch Touchscreen (Wireless Android Auto) |
Safety Features
Both earn top marks from Global NCAP:
Safety Item |
Toyota Yaris |
Honda City |
|
Airbags |
6 (incl. Curtain) |
6 (incl. Side) |
|
ABS + EBD |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Stability Control |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Rear Camera/Parking Sensors |
Yes/Front & Rear |
Yes/Rear Only |
|
Advanced Tech |
Toyota Safety Sense (Lane Assist, Auto Braking) |
Honda Sensing (Blind-Spot Cam, LaneWatch) |
Dimensions and Handling
Dimension |
Toyota Yaris |
Honda City |
|
Length x Width x Height |
4,425 x 1,740 x 1,480 mm |
4,553 x 1,748 x 1,467 mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2,620 mm |
2,600 mm |
|
Ground Clearance |
135 mm |
165 mm |
|
Tyre Size (Base) |
185/65 R15 |
185/55 R16 |
Pros and Cons
Toyota Yaris Pros: Cheaper upfront, super fuel-efficient, easy to park.
Cons: Less rear space, basic top speed.
Honda City Pros: More power and boot room, advanced safety tech.
Cons: Slightly higher price and fuel use.
Buy Tyres for Yaris or City from PitStopArabia
PitStopArabia, Dubai's leading online tyre store, stocks brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear for both cars. Common sizes: Yaris (185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16), City (185/55 R16). Prices start at AED 250/tire, with free mobile fitting across the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah).
Their 250+ certified installers handle balancing and alignment; order online for same-day service.
FAQs
Which is cheaper: Toyota Yaris or Honda City in 2025?
The Yaris starts at AED 64,900, while the City is AED 67,900. Yaris saves AED 3,000 upfront.
What's the fuel average for these cars in UAE traffic?
Yaris gets 18-20 km/l city; City 16-18 km/l. Both under AED 3,000/year for 15,000 km.
Do they have Apple CarPlay in UAE models?
Yes, both have 7-8 inch screens with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. City adds wireless Android Auto.
What's the boot space like for shopping trips?
Yaris: 310L (fits 4 bags). City: 510L (room for groceries + luggage).
Where to buy tyres for Yaris or City in UAE?
PitStopArabia.com, top brands, AED 250+ per tire, free mobile install anywhere in UAE.
Which has better safety for UAE highways?
Both 5-star, but City's Honda Sensing (blind-spot cam) edges for tech; Yaris for all-around basics.
