Toyota Yaris vs Honda City: Pricing, Features & Variants

Abu Dhabi : Two of United Arab Emirates' most popular compact sedans go head-to-head in this detailed comparison of pricing, performance, tech, and value propositions.

• The Toyota Yaris starts at AED 63,900 (AED 1,001/month) while the Honda City begins at AED 67,900 (AED 1,064/month).
• Honda City delivers 121hp vs Yaris' 97hp, but Yaris counters with superior fuel efficiency (22.4km/l vs City's estimated 18km/l).
• Both offer advanced safety suites, but Honda includes blind-spot monitoring while Yaris provides adaptive cruise control.

The compact sedan segment in the UAE is fiercely competitive, with the Toyota Yaris and Honda City consistently topping sales charts. For 2024-25, both manufacturers have refined their offerings - the Yaris with its value-focused proposition and the City with its premium tech features. This comparison breaks down every critical aspect from pricing and performance to interior comforts and safety systems, helping UAE buyers make an informed choice between these two Japanese favorites.

Pricing & Variant Breakdown

The Toyota Yaris holds a clear price advantage in the UAE market. Let's break it down so you understand better:

Toyota Yaris	Honda City
E Variant is AED 63,900 (Base model)	DX Variant is AED 67,900 (Base model)
G Variant is AED 73,900 (Top model)	LX Sport AT is AED 75,900 (Top model)
There's a lease option for AED 1,001 a month with AED 12,980 advance (36 months).	There's a lease option for AED 1,064/month (Indicative)

While the City costs ~6.3% more at entry level, it justifies this with additional standard features. Both offer two trim levels, but the Yaris provides more lease flexibility with transparent buyback options (AED 33,050 after 3 years).

Exterior & Design

The Yaris embraces a sportier aesthetic with standard LED headlights and a rear spoiler across all trims. Its 16-inch alloy wheels and auto-folding mirrors with turn signals give it premium touches uncommon in this segment. Available in six colors including vibrant Scarlet and White Pearl Crystal Shine, it measures 4,425mm long with a 475L trunk.

The Honda City counters with a more sophisticated design language featuring diamond-cut 16-inch wheels and Z-shaped LED tail lights on the LX Sport. Its 4,553mm length provides more presence on the road, while the 506L boot bests the Yaris by 31 liters. The City's horizontal slat grille and available black accents (on LX Sport) cater to buyers wanting executive styling.

Interior & Technology

Toyota Yaris highlights	Honda City highlights
7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto	Larger 8-inch infotainment display
Digital instrument cluster & speedometer	Digital climate control interface
Rear AC vents. However, this is unavailable in base City.	Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot camera
Wireless charger for the G variant only	Premium black/white interior scheme

Both cabins prioritize ergonomics, but the City offers marginally better materials. The Yaris fights back with practical features like height-adjustable driver seats and standard rear AC vents - crucial for UAE summers.  

Performance Comparison

Specification	Toyota Yaris 1.5L	Honda City 1.5L
Engine	1.3L 4-cylinder	1.5L i-VTEC
Power	97hp @ 6,000rpm	121hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque	122Nm @ 4,200rpm	145Nm @ 4,300rpm
Transmission	CVT	CVT
0-100km/h	~13 seconds	~11 seconds
Fuel economy	22.4 km/l	~18 km/l (est.)

The City's 25% power advantage delivers quicker acceleration, ideal for highway merging. However, the Yaris' smaller 1.3L engine achieves best-in-class fuel efficiency - a significant factor given UAE fuel prices. Both use CVTs, but the Yaris includes manual shift mode for enthusiasts.  

Safety Features Face-Off

Toyota Safety Sense (Yaris)	Honda Sensing (City
Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection	Collision Mitigation Braking System
Adaptive Cruise Control (full-speed range)	Lane Keeping Assist System
Lane Departure Alert with steering assist	Road Departure Mitigation
Automatic High Beams	Adaptive Cruise Control (low-speed follow)

Notable differences are:

• The Yaris includes front/rear parking sensors (City has rear only).
• Honda's LaneWatch™ provides blind-spot camera coverage.
• Both offer 6+ airbags, but Yaris G adds curtain airbags.

Ownership Value Proposition

You can choose the Toyota Yaris if:

• Your priority is lowest cost of ownership (price + fuel savings).
• You value Toyota's renowned GCC-spec reliability.
• Adaptive cruise control is a must-have for highway driving.
• Prefer sportier styling with standard LED lighting.

You can opt for the Honda City when:

• You want more power and quicker acceleration.
• Premium interior finishes matter.
• Blind-spot monitoring is non-negotiable.
• Need maximum trunk space (506L vs 475L).

Final Verdict

The 2024 Toyota Yaris emerges as the rational choice for budget-conscious UAE buyers, offering surprising luxury touches (LED lights, digital cluster) at its AED 63,900 starting point. Its class-leading fuel efficiency and Toyota's bulletproof reputation make it ideal for high-mileage drivers.

However, the 2025 Honda City justifies its AED 4,000 premium with superior performance, Honda Sensing safety tech, and a more spacious interior. Those wanting a compact sedan that feels a segment above will find the City's refinements worth the investment.

Ultimately, test drives are essential - the Yaris' CVT tuning favors efficiency while the City's i-VTEC engine delivers more engaging performance. Both represent excellent value in the UAE's competitive compact sedan market.