While the market seems obsessed with large vehicles today in the shape of trucks and SUVs, brands like Toyota have spent the last few decades or so mastering small cars. Of course, they turn out some of the best trucks and people wagons as well, but they are an emblematic marque in proving that bigger is not always better.
While it is typically the case that the bigger the vehicle is, the more you can get in, Toyota has built some very versatile small cars with acres of space inside. The following 10 Toyota small cars have the most room inside, and in typical fashion, they are city-friendly, useful to own, and big enough to get you and the family in.
2000 Toyota Echo Coupe
Interior Volume: 88 Cubic Feet
Built between 2000 and 2005 for the U.S. market, the Toyota Echo is Toyota’s ethos incarnate. The Echo was originally cheap to buy (around $12,000 in 2000); it is reliable, with 460 owners on Kelley Blue Book (KBB) rating it 4.9 out of 5 for reliability, and it sips away at fuel.
Under the hood is a 108-horsepower DOHC VVTi 1NZ-FE inline-four, which FuelEconomy.gov says can achieve up to 32 mpg combined (when equipped with the manual transmission). They say that the Echo will only cost you a mere $1,400 for gas.
Despite only measuring in at 163.3 inches in length and 65.4 inches in width, the 2000 Echo makes the most of the city-friendly size with an impressive EPA interior volume of 88 cubic feet. The interior is very dated today, and was always seen as a basic setup, but you still get storage cubbies all around the cabin, tilting seats, a split-folding rear seat, plain yet tough material used everywhere, and ample room in the cabin and trunk.
2000 Toyota Echo Coupe Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
39.9 Inches |
37.8 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
52.3 Inches |
51 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
51 Inches |
51 Inches |
|
Legroom |
41.1 Inches |
35.2 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
13.6 Cubic Feet |
|
2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Interior Volume: 93.9 Cubic Feet
Introduced in 2007 as the Toyota Echo’s replacement, the Toyota Yaris was a mainstay of the Toyota small car lineup until 2020, when it was dropped. The 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback took the original three-door Yaris design and was redesigned with an extra two doors to open up a little more room. It is also Toyota through and through.
Starting prices in 2009 were just north of $14,000, and under the hood is a 106-horsepower/103-pound-foot inline-four that is ideal for city driving and going the miles. The 2009 Yaris can muster a combined mpg rating of 32 mpg and is exceptionally well-received by owners looking for hassle-free driving. According to the 851 reviews of the 2009 Yaris Hatchback on KBB, an overall score of 4.7 out of 5 and a reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 is hard to argue with.
The 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback only measures in at 169.3 inches by 66.7 inches, but despite this, it gets everything in that you’d expect from an economy hatch. A relatively futuristic-for-the-time center digital dash sits up front; an aux-in for an MP3 player is included; 60/40 split rear seats fold flat to open up the rear for maximum room; you could opt for a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and on some trims, navigation is included. For a small and cheap car, the 2009 Yaris ticks a lot of boxes.
2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
39.4 Inches |
37.9 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
51.4 Inches |
50.4 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
50 Inches |
46.7 Inches |
|
Legroom |
40.3 Inches |
33.8 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
25.7 Cubic Feet |
|
2005 Toyota Matrix
Interior Volume: 96.2 Cubic Feet
Sold between 2003 and 2013 here in the U.S.A., the Toyota Matrix is a compact hatchback/wagon/crossover that offers a lot of room, cheap running costs, and a funky-come-sporty design that has unfortunately not been revived in Toyota’s modern lineup.
The 2005 Toyota Matrix is a highly underrated little machine, but with used prices of between $3,600 and $4,325, we think it would serve well as a useful little car. RepairPal says it will only cost you $441 a year for maintenance; owners have rated it highly (4.6 out of 5 overall on KBB), and its small dimensions of 171.3 inches by 69.9 inches make it a breeze to drive around.
There are three trims of the 2005 Toyota Matrix: the CE, the XR, and the XRS. The Matrix CE is the base trim and comes equipped with air conditioning, interior air filtration, and tie-down hooks, and under-deck storage, and a tonneau cover makes it useful to lug things around.
The XR is a step-up and features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 16-inch alloys, and cargo nets, while the XRS is the sportiest, top trim. The Matrix XRS gets 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 115-volt power outlet, chrome accents, and even an optional JBL Premium Audio. For under $5,000, the Matrix XRS is an exceptionally cool little Toyota car.
2005 Toyota Matrix Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
40.6 Inches |
39.8 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
53.2 Inches |
52.6 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
51.7 Inches |
51.7 Inches |
|
Legroom |
41.8 Inches |
36.3 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
53.2 Cubic Feet |
|
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2001 Toyota Camry
Interior Volume: 96.9 Cubic Feet
As one of the most-enduring Toyota small cars, the Toyota Camry has been providing versatile and affordable driving for decades. The 2001 Toyota Camry is certainly no different, and one of the best things about it is that, today, you can pick one up for between $2,225 and $3,150, depending on what trim you choose.
- 2001 Toyota Camry CE. Average used price: $2,225.
- 2001 Toyota Camry LE. Average used price: $2,450.
- 2001 Toyota Camry XLE. Average used price: $3,150.
There are two engine options for the 2001 MY: a 2.2-liter inline-four good for 136 horsepower, and if you are in the market for some seriously undercover V-engine fun, a 194-horsepower 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE V6 under the hood of the top trim.
All trims of the 2001 Camry are well kitted out, but as you move up the trims, the more you get. The CE boasts a four-speaker rig, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and a tilting steering wheel. The LE gets a 6-speaker sound system, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, and available traction control.
The Camry XLE gets the most goodies. It features a JBL audio system, automatic climate control, heated power front seats, originally available leather upholstery, a wood-grain-style trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. All of this, plus you get tons of space inside.
2001 Toyota Camry Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
38.6 Inches |
37.6 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
56.2 Inches |
56.1 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
54 Inches |
54.1 Inches |
|
Legroom |
43.5 Inches |
35.5 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
14.1 Cubic Feet |
|
2017 Toyota Yaris Sedan
Interior Volume: 99.4 Cubic Feet
The 2017 Toyota Yaris iA (sedan) is available with just shy of 100 cubic feet of interior space. For a compact sedan that only measures in at 171.1 inches by 66.7 inches, we think it is pretty good going. The 2017 Yaris receives an overall J.D. Power rating of 79 out of 100, and RepairPal gives it a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating; the bulletproof Toyota legacy lives on.
The 2017 Yaris iA is equipped with a 1.5-liter inline-four that is good for a wallet-friendly 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. You could originally choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. It is worth noting, though, that the EPA estimates that the automatic model will yield better combined mpg ratings compared to the manual transmission model (35 mpg vs. 34 mpg).
Because the 2017 Yaris iA is relatively new, you get a decent amount of modern-enough tech inside. A 6.1-inch touchscreen comes as standard; Bluetooth connectivity is included, and a rearview camera is standard-fit. The rear seats boast a 60/40 split to open up trunk space, and the heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel keep it comfy up front.
2017 Toyota Yaris Sedan Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
38.2 Inches |
36.8 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
53.1 Inches |
50 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
48.6 Inches |
49.5 Inches |
|
Legroom |
41.9 Inches |
34.4 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
13.5 Cubic Feet |
|
2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan
Interior Volume: 101.7 Cubic Feet
Boasting a starting price of $22,925 and available as the LE, the SE, the XSE, the Hybrid LE, the Hybrid SE, and the Hybrid XLE, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan is continuing the Corolla’s good name in affordability and choice. Starting prices for the top-tier Hybrid XLE are only $29,140, so regardless of what trim you choose of the new Corolla, it is relatively affordable.
There are two engine choices: a 2.0-liter DOHC Dynamic Force inline-four good for 169 horsepower, or a 1.8-liter hybrid inline-four good for 138 horsepower. Neither are especially powerful, but high-powered engines would likely negate the point of a Corolla: well-equipped affordability. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the gas engine models can achieve up to 34 combined mpg, costing you $1,300 a year for gas, while the front-wheel drive Corolla Hybrid can achieve a very impressive 50 combined mpg. This will cost roughly $900 a year for gas.
Being a new Toyota Corolla, you know it is going to be well-equipped from the off. The LE trim features a seven-inch digital cluster, an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and 60/40 split rear seats.
As you go up to the SE and XSE trims, you also get sport fabric seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an optional moonroof, and push-button start, while on the XSE trim, you also get a 12.3-inch digital cluster. We see it as no surprise that it has been given 81 out of 100 overall on J.D. Power already.
2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
38.3 Inches |
37.1 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
54 Inches |
51.7 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
53.9 Inches |
51.3 Inches |
|
Legroom |
42 Inches |
34.8 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
13.1 Cubic Feet |
|
2007 Toyota Corolla Sedan
Interior Volume: 103.9 Cubic Feet
Boasting an average used price of between $4,075 and $4,375, the 2007 Toyota Corolla makes for a heck of a bargain used sedan. This is especially the case if you live in a city or just use your car for light work. The 2007 Corolla only measures in at 178.3 inches by 66.9 inches, and while that may be slightly larger than some of the other small Toyota cars on the list, it is nothing compared to the increasingly bloated models we see today.
There are three trims available: the CE, the S, and the LE. There is just one engine option for the 2007 Corolla: a 1.8-liter inline-four good for 126 horsepower. Power may be relatively meek, but you can get around 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway from one.
All models of the 2007 Toyota Corolla sedan are relatively well kitted out. The base CE (Classic Edition) trim comes equipped with air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, and power mirrors.
The S (Sport) gets a sportier-looking tacho and chrome accents, and the LE (Luxury Edition) brings slightly more convenience to the party, with power windows and keyless entry as original options. Overall, the 2007 Corolla has been rated 4.6 out of 5 for comfort on KBB, accompanying the overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.
2007 Toyota Corolla Sedan Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
39.3 Inches |
37.1 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
53.1 Inches |
53.3 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
51.9 Inches |
51.9 Inches |
|
Legroom |
41.3 Inches |
35.4 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
13.6 Cubic Feet |
|
2004 Toyota Prius
Interior Volume: 110 Cubic Feet
Even today, a second-gen Toyota Prius is a useful companion. Yes, it may not be as plush as a new one, but it is cheap, and the 2004 Toyota Prius can still muster an EPA-estimated 46 combined mpg (48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway), courtesy of its 1.5-liter hybrid inline-four. This is estimated to cost you around $950 a year for gas, or only $1.60 to drive 25 miles.
Today, you can pick up a 2004 Prius for as little as $4,250. For a 22-year-old sedan, that may seem like a lot of money, but this is a Toyota after all. The Prius is cheap to fill up; it will only cost you $408 a year for maintenance (if you find a used model in good condition), and it is exceptionally highly rated by owners. According to the 945 reviews on KBB, owners have rated it 4.7 out of 5 overall, and 95 percent would recommend buying one.
If you are looking to buy the first MY of a second-gen Prius, don’t expect a modern interior; it has aged. However, it is still a reasonably techy place to be considering its two-decade-old build. You get an LCD touchscreen, a very distinctive instrument cluster at the bottom of the windshield, and a unique gear selector. It may not be modern-looking, but it certainly has a look of its own.
Because this is a Toyota, you also get a good deal of useful features in the shape of a fold-flat 60/40 split rear seat, dual glove boxes, center console storage, and deep door pockets. Plus, with a trunk space of 16.1 cubic feet with the seats up, you can get a lot in.
2004 Toyota Prius Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
39.1 Inches |
37.1 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
55.3 Inches |
53 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
51 Inches |
51.6 Inches |
|
Legroom |
41.9 Inches |
38.6 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
40 Cubic Feet – 50 Cubic Feet (Estimated) |
|
2026 Toyota Prius
Interior Volume: 111.5 Cubic Feet
Available in five trims with a starting price of just shy of $30,000, the 2026 Toyota Prius carries the affordable, fuel-efficient, and versatile torch for the Prius nameplate. The 2026 Toyota Prius trims and starting prices are as follows:
- 2026 Toyota Prius LE. MSRP: $29,745.
- 2026 Toyota Prius XLE. MSRP: $33,190.
- 2026 Toyota Prius Nightshade. MSRP: $33,995.
- 2026 Toyota Prius Limited. MSRP: $36,760.
There are two hybrid engine options for this year’s Prius: a 194-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four mated with two electric motors (FWD), and a 196-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four mated with three electric motors (AWD). All models boast a CVT, and the FWD models can hit 60 mph in around 7 seconds. What makes this year’s Prius even more of a standout model, though, is that it is the Toyota with the highest MPG rating in 2026. To be precise, the base-trim Prius LE, with an EPA-estimated combined mpg rating of 57.
Even the LE is a good-looking hybrid to look at and be in. The base-level LE comes equipped with 17-inch wheels, a sporty-looking sloping roof, an eight-inch touchscreen, the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, and comfortable fabric-trimmed seats. The XLE gets 19-inch wheels, SofTex heated front seats, and wireless charging, and the Nightshade is the most stylish grade, with blacked-out accents and darker wheels.
If you go for the top-tier Prius Limited, you benefit from a touch of class in the form of a glass roof, a JBL audio rig, ventilated front seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Plus, even though it is all-wheel drive, it can still achieve 49 combined mpg.
2026 Toyota Prius Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
38 Inches |
36.4 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
55.3 Inches |
52.8 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
54.7 Inches |
51.7 Inches |
|
Legroom |
43.2 Inches |
36.4 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
23.8 Cubic Feet |
|
Small Luxury Sedans Ideal For Urban Driving
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2019 Toyota Prius
Interior Volume: 117.7 Cubic Feet
Boasting an overall J.D. Power rating of 83 out of 100 and a KBB owner rating of 4.5 out of 5, the 2019 Toyota Prius is not only the small Toyota car with the most interior space, but it is also a proper all-rounder. Front and rear room is spacious; you benefit from a very reliable ride (RepairPal rate is 4 out of 5 for reliability), and all trims are well-equipped.
There are four trims of the 2019 Toyota Prius: the L Eco, the LE, the XLE, and the Limited. Average used prices start at $16,350 and top out at just over $17,500. There is just the one engine option for this MY, but it is a relatively powerful 121-horsepower inline-four paired with an electric motor, with power either sent to the front two wheels or all four wheels via an eCVT. Sprint times may not be electric, at somewhere near 10 seconds, but the 56 combined mpg you can get from the L Eco trim is very appealing.
All 2019 Prius models come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, so you are well-catered for on the road, and a 60/40 split rear seat opens up the cabin for maximum space. The L Eco is the most basic grade you can buy, but you do get the most miles per gallon; the LE is a little fancier with more tech in the shape of Blind Spot Monitor with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert; the XLE gets 17-inch wheels and SofTex seats, while the Limited trim is the poshest.
The 2019 Prius Limited boasts an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a JBL sound system, navigation, a color HUD, and heated front seats. With an average price of just over $16,000, you do get a lot of nice touches for not a lot of money.
2019 Toyota Prius Interior Dimensions
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom |
39.4 Inches |
37.4 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room |
55 Inches |
53 Inches |
|
Hip Room |
53.4 Inches |
51.9 Inches |
|
Legroom |
42.3 Inches |
33.4 Inches |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
24.6 Cubic Feet |
|
Sources: Toyota, J.D. Power, FuelEconomy.gov, and Kelley Blue Book.
