Honda Jazz vs Toyota Yaris: Which one is a better used buy?
The Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris are two household names here in the UK, but if you're shopping used then which one should you be considering?
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 09 May 2025 | 3 mins read
The Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris are two of the most fuel-efficient and reliable superminis on the market.
They both come with petrol-electric powertrains that boost not only their economy but their appeal, too.
The Jazz and Yaris have always been very capable and practical alternatives to their European rivals. But, which one makes a better used buy? And, what car is better to drive and more practical?
We have put both cars head-to-head in a Honda Jazz vs Toyota Yaris battle to see which one is best.
Exterior
The Jazz has never been a car that oozes style, and this latest model suffers from the same problem. It features a tall and boxy design that makes the car look rather bubble-shaped and similar to the Jazz models of yesteryear. You can get the car with a more rugged ‘Crosstar’ variant, which adds roof rails and black plastic wheel arch mouldings to make it look like a mini SUV.
The Yaris, on the other hand, is better looking with a lower and sportier stance. Compared to the outgoing third generation car, Toyota has improved the anonymous look and completely redesigned the exterior of this latest fourth generation model with a rounded roofline, flared wheel arches and a low front nose – making the Yaris one of the best-looking superminis around.
Interior
Inside, the Jazz is a nice place to be with a two-spoke steering wheel, high-quality materials and cloth upholstery found on the dashboard. The infotainment screen is bright, slick and easy to use and everything feels typically Honda with everything feeling well screwed together.
The Yaris doesn’t feel as premium inside as the Honda, with harder plastics used throughout. The car’s infotainment screen is smaller but it is still easy to navigate and the physical shortcut buttons help with usability. Also, there is a sportier GR Sport model in the range which adds aluminium pedals, GR seats and a sporty steering wheel.
Running costs
In terms of running costs, the Jazz comes equipped with just one engine, which is a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with an electric motor. Honda claims the Jazz can achieve a combined 63mpg and its CO2 emissions are as low as 102g/km.
The Yaris is available with a choice of two engines. Both come with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol unit mated to an electric motor with either 114bhp or a more powerful 129bhp. The former can do a claimed 57.6mpg and produces 92g/km of CO2, while the latter can do 65.6mpg and pumps out 96g/km.
Practicality
Honda has made the Jazz as practical as it can possibly get for a supermini, and that’s thanks to the Jazz’s clever ‘magic’ rear seats. It means the seat bases can flip up to allow people to carry taller objects in the back, but having the fuel tank located under the front seats means that the rear bench can fold completely flat into the floor. Its loading capacity stands at 304 litres or 1,204 litres with the rear seats down.
Up front, there is a split glove box, large front door bins and a couple of cupholders, while back seat passengers will have plenty of head and legroom, due to the car’s boxy design.
The Yaris isn’t as practical as the Jazz with less room in the back, and that’s due to the sloping roofline eating into headroom. Its boot space isn’t as commodious either with the car offering 286 litres or 947 litres with the rear seats folded down. The car’s interior storage isn’t as impressive with just one glove box, a couple of cupholders and large front door bins.
Driving
Out on the road, the Jazz isn’t the most fun car to drive with very light steering which lacks any feel or communication. Its taller body means that it doesn’t feel nimble or agile through the bends and the groan from the CVT gearbox when you put your foot down is rather unpleasant. However, around town, the car is quiet, smooth and efficient, which makes it ideal for those shorter trips.
On the other hand, the Yaris feels much more engaging with very precise and accurate steering with limited body roll around the corners. It still suffers from the same screaming CVT transmission like the Jazz, but the overall experience is much more engaging and enjoyable. The ride is on the firm side, but it’s not too bad, with only the larger potholes upsetting the chassis.
Used prices
The current Jazz has been around since 2020, with lots of used examples in the second-hand market. If you look at cars with less than 25,000 miles on the clock, you can pick up a good example for £16,000. If you want a Crosstar variant, you’ll have to spend a little more, with prices sitting at £17,000 to £18,000 for a 2021 model with less than 20,000 miles on the clock.
There are loads of Toyota Yaris’ on the market, with all kinds of trim levels and mileage, but if you want to get into a good used example, look at a Design trim or a sportier GR Sport model as they are the best value for money. A Design grade from 2021 with less than 15,000 miles on the clock will set you back £18,500, or a GR Sport for around £20,000 – making the Yaris more expensive than the more practical Jazz.
Verdict
In conclusion, both cars have their strengths and weaknesses, but they are great cars, no matter which one you choose.
The Jazz has loads of interior space, comes with ultra-low running costs and represents good value for money. But, its boxy looks won’t be to everyone’s taste and the driving experience is rather bland.
However, the Yaris is much more fun to drive, looks better and comes with the same low running costs. But, it’s not as practical and its interior doesn’t feel as plush. Used prices are more expensive than the Honda, too.
If you want a practical supermini that is cheap to buy and run, then the Honda Jazz is the car for you. However, if you want your car to be engaging to drive, look good and still retain affordable running costs, go for the Toyota Yaris. The good news is that both are available via Cazoo, so check them out today.