When shopping for a compact family hatchback, vehicle size plays a crucial role in determining comfort, cargo space, and overall usability. The Toyota Auris, a practical model spanning a decade from 2007 to 2018, represented Toyota’s commitment to delivering style, reliability, and everyday functionality. It was the successor to the Toyota Corolla and remained a popular choice for drivers across Europe, especially in the UK.
If you’re considering buying a used Toyota Auris or just curious about this versatile car, understanding its dimensions is essential. In this article, we’ll explore what size the Toyota Auris is, compare it with its competitors, and analyze how its dimensions translate into interior comfort, boot space, and driving dynamics. Whether you’re looking to navigate city streets, plan for family use, or evaluate parking ease, this comprehensive guide will give you all the insights you need.
Understanding the Toyota Auris: A Modern Hatchback with a European Touch
Launched in 2007 as a replacement for the Corolla, the Toyota Auris was developed at Toyota’s European design center in France and built in the UK, ensuring a design tailored to European tastes and driving conditions. It was offered in various configurations — hatchback, saloon (Auris Saloon), and hybrid (Auris Hybrid) — with varying dimensions based on trim and body style.
The Auris underwent a facelift in 2013, and its second generation was unveiled in 2016 with a sleeker design and improved features. While production ceased in 2018 and was succeeded by the Avensis-derived Corolla Hatchback, the Auris left a strong legacy for its compact proportions, fuel-efficient engines, and engaging driving experience.
Toyota Auris Body Size: Dimensions Across Generations
The Toyota Auris was designed to fall into the compact family car segment, typically sized between the B-segment and mid-size family hatchbacks. Let’s explore its standard dimensions over the two generations, focusing primarily on the hatchback variant.
First Generation Toyota Auris (2007–2012)
The first generation of the Auris was launched at the 2006 Paris Motor Show and had the following key dimensions:
- Overall Length: 4,295 mm (169.1 in)
- Overall Width (excluding mirrors): 1,760 mm (69.3 in)
- Height: 1,515 mm (59.6 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
- Turning Circle: 10.6 meters
This gave the car a relatively compact footprint, balancing agility with a roomy passenger cabin. Its length was roughly similar to a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus of that era but slightly shorter than the Honda Civic.
Second Generation Toyota Auris (2013–2018)
Toyota introduced a revised (facelifted) version in 2013 and then launched the second generation in 2016 with improved aerodynamics, sharper styling, and enhanced technology features. The dimensions evolved subtly:
- Overall Length: 4,360 mm (171.7 in)
- Overall Width: 1,795 mm (70.7 in)
- Height: 1,460 mm (57.5 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,700 mm (106.3 in) – unchanged
- Turning Circle: 10.8 – 11.0 meters (varies with alloys)
The improved length and width gave it a more commanding presence on the road, while the slightly lowered height improved aerodynamics. Despite appearing more spacious than its predecessor, the second-gen Auris kept the same wheelbase, preserving interior legroom levels but slightly improving on exterior dynamics.
Toyota Auris Saloon vs. Hatchback: Size Comparisons
For those desiring a more traditional, spacious rear end, Toyota offered the Auris Saloon variant, especially popular in markets like the UK and Russia. This version was longer and offered a more conventional boot design (rather than the sweeping hatchback tailgate).
Hatchback vs. Saloon Dimensions
| Dimension | Hatchback (2016–2018) | Saloon (2016–2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,360 mm (171.7 in) | 4,460 mm (175.5 in) |
| Width | 1,795 mm (70.7 in) | 1,795 mm (70.7 in) |
| Height | 1,460 mm (57.5 in) | 1,480 mm (58.3 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Boot Space | 370 liters | 450 liters |
The saloon model gained considerable length (100 mm) primarily in the rear overhang to accommodate the boot. However, rear legroom and headroom remained similar to the hatchback, thanks to the preserved wheelbase.
How the Toyota Auris Compares to Competitors
To understand the value of the Auris’ size, let’s compare its dimensions with other compact family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Mazda 3.
Dimensional Comparison Table (Hatchback Models – 2016 Models)
| Model | Length | Width | Wheelbase | Boot Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Auris (2016) | 4,360 mm | 1,795 mm | 2,700 mm | 370 L |
| Ford Focus (2016) | 4,360 mm | 1,823 mm | 2,648 mm | 341 L |
| Volkswagen Golf (2016) | 4,255 mm | 1,799 mm | 2,637 mm | 380 L |
| Mazda 3 (2016) | 4,460 mm | 1,795 mm | 2,700 mm | 308 L |
From this comparison, a few observations stand out:
- The Toyota Auris had a longer wheelbase than both the Golf and Focus, contributing to spacious legroom in the rear.
- The Mazda 3 was longer but had a smaller boot and slightly less interior space.
- While boot space was modest compared to some rivals, the hatchback format made loading large items easier.
This demonstrates that the Toyota Auris sat in a sweet spot between practicality, length, and space. If boot capacity was your top priority, the Saloon model would have been a smarter buy.
Interior Dimensions and Practicality in the Toyota Auris
Despite its exterior compactness, the Toyota Auris was praised for its intelligent use of interior space and comfortable seating for five adults. Its long wheelbase helped maximize cabin room — particularly rear legroom.
Interior Space Overview
Here’s an idea of the interior dimensions:
- Front Headroom: 970 mm
- Front Legroom: 1,064 mm
- Rear Headroom: 934 mm
- Rear Legroom: 790 mm
This rear legroom is impressive for a car of its length and made the Auris suitable for families or long-distance driving with rear passengers.
Seating Design and Usability
The second row could comfortably house three occupants, though without a center armrest or generous footwell. The high seating position and supportive chairs gave it a semi-SUV driving attitude — especially noticeable in higher trims like the Excel or Hybrid Advance.
In the driver’s seat, the cabin was logically laid out, with ample reach adjustment and visibility across the dash. The steering wheel tilt and height adjustment, combined with a slightly elevated driving position due to the Hybrid’s battery packaging in hybrid variants, made the car easy to live with for daily commutes and long trips alike.
Boot Space and Storage: The Toyota Auris’ Cargo Capabilities
Boot space is a deciding factor for many hatchback buyers, especially those using the car for shopping, weekend trips, or occasional cargo.
Hatchback Boot Dimensions
The standard boot of a Toyota Auris hatchback (2016–2018) measures:
- Boot Capacity: 370 liters (VDA)
- Height to Floor: ~690 mm
- Width (Minimum): 1,000 mm
- Width (Maximum): 1,340 mm
- Depth: 830 mm
The rear tailgate opens wide and reveals a flat boot floor. While not the most capacious among rivals, 370 liters is more than sufficient for a weekly grocery trip or a few weekend bags.
Toyota Auris Saloon Boot Space
The Saloon model’s separate boot offered more generous space:
- Boot Capacity: 450 liters
- Opening Width: ~1,050 mm
- Depth: ~900 mm
Though not as versatile as a hatchback’s large opening, the Saloon’s boot was easier to access for loading suitcases, prams, or DIY supplies.
Storage for Everyday Use
The Auris also featured a good selection of interior storage compartments:
- Centre console with deep storage bin
- Door bins big enough for 1.5-liter bottles
- Small cubby ahead of gear lever (Manual) or hybrid shift console
- Cupholders designed for standard and travel mugs
Optional rear air vents and a fold-down center armrest further enhanced comfort during longer drives.
Driving Experience and Parking: How Size Affects Performance
Vehicle dimensions don’t just impact space and storage — they also influence vehicle dynamics. Let’s explore how the size of the Auris played into its driving experience.
Manoeuvrability and Parking
At just over 4.3 meters, the Toyota Auris was easy to park in urban settings. Key maneuvers such as parallel parking and navigating narrow streets were easily manageable:
- Turning Circle: Around 10.8 meters
- Parking Aid Cameras: Optional on higher trims (Hybrid Advance and Excel)
- Parking Sensors: Front and rear sensors available as part of hybrid trim packages
The upright seating and large windows made visibility good, though rearward vision could be slightly limited without a camera, especially when folded with a large hatch.
Highway Stability and Handling
Although compact, the Auris felt reassuringly stable at motorway speeds, thanks to its aerodynamic design and chassis tuning. The lowered height on the second-gen model further improved stability in windy conditions.
The MacPherson strut front and twist-beam rear suspension provided a balanced ride — firm enough to control body roll — and comfortable enough for potholes and motorway lumps.
Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Appeal
The Toyota Auris Hybrid was a major draw during its production. Its size and hybrid drivetrain (1.8-litre hybrid engine) made it ideal for urban environments where stop-start driving is frequent. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system capitalized on the car’s moderate weight and compact form factor.
Conclusion: Is the Toyota Auris the Right Size for You?
The Toyota Auris, in both its hatchback and saloon formats, falls squarely within the compact family car segment. Its balanced dimensions — including a 4.3–4.4-meter length, wide stance, and long wheelbase — ensured it offered both responsive handling and roomy practicality for daily use and occasional long journeys.
Whether you’re navigating city centers or planning weekend trips, the Auris struck a versatile middle ground between being spacious enough to be practical and compact enough to be agile.
Here are some takeaways on size-related benefits:
- Compact length makes parking and urban driving a breeze.
- Long wheelbase ensures rear passengers have good legroom even in hatchback variant.
- Boot space is adequate for most users, especially with the hatchback opening.
- Saloon offers more conventional boot volume for those prioritizing luggage capacity.
- Driving position and cabin ergonomics are well thought out for accessibility and usability.
Today, though replaced by the Corolla Hatchback, the Toyota Auris remains a well-rounded choice for those exploring used cars in the compact family segment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, commuter, or family driver, understanding its size helps you determine just how well it can work for your lifestyle.
If in doubt, always test drive models from both hatchback and saloon variants to see which version delivers the size and personality that best suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
Toyota designed the Auris to be more than just a fuel-efficient hybrid in a small body — it sought to be the benchmark for real-world practicality. Its size was a key trait that ensured it remained relevant throughout its production cycle and still makes it a great choice today.
So if you’re asking, “What size is the Toyota Auris?” — now you know. It’s a car that doesn’t just fit your budget — it fits your life.
What are the overall dimensions of the Toyota Auris?
The Toyota Auris has varied dimensions depending on the generation and body type, but the current model (Toyota Corolla Hatchback, which succeeded the Auris nameplate in many markets) typically measures about 4.38 meters (172.4 inches) in length. The width is approximately 1.80 meters (70.9 inches), and the height comes in at around 1.44 meters (56.7 inches), giving it a sleek and compact profile suitable for both city and highway driving.
This hatchback model rides on a wheelbase of roughly 2.64 meters (104 inches), which contributes to its stable handling and efficient use of interior space. While the previous Auris models had slightly different measurements, the dimensions were intentionally designed to offer a balance between maneuverability and practicality, making it a versatile vehicle for daily use and urban environments.
How does the Toyota Auris compare in size to other compact hatchbacks?
The Toyota Auris falls squarely within the compact hatchback category, making it slightly larger than models like the Volkswagen Golf or Honda Civic Hatchback in some dimensions. Its wheelbase and exterior measurements are well-aligned with its segment, offering a noticeable advantage in rear passenger room and trunk capacity compared to some of its competitors.
However, it remains smaller and more agile than the likes of the Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback or Ford Focus. This gives the Auris an edge in parking ease and fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much in terms of comfort or cargo space. Toyota’s engineering focus on optimizing space ensures the Auris remains competitive in size while maintaining a practical footprint for a variety of drivers.
What is the interior space like in the Toyota Auris?
The interior cabin of the Toyota Auris is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, especially for daily commuting and family use. Front occupants are treated to generous headroom and legroom, while rear passengers benefit from a well-designed seating area that accommodates adults comfortably—even on longer journeys. The cabin is laid out ergonomically, with controls and displays within easy reach for the driver.
The hatchback configuration allows for a spacious rear cargo area, offering between 320 to 370 liters of boot space depending on the model year and variant. Fold-down rear seats expand this capacity significantly, enabling larger items to be transported with ease. These features make the Auris an excellent choice for those who need a balance of passenger and cargo space without stepping into a larger vehicle class.
How does the size of the Toyota Auris affect its handling?
The compact size of the Toyota Auris contributes positively to its handling and agility on the road. Its shorter length and lightweight chassis allow for nimble cornering and easier maneuvering in urban settings, making it well-suited for city driving. The car’s turning radius is relatively tight, which further enhances its ease of use in tight spaces or narrow streets.
At the same time, the Auris offers a stable and composed ride on highways, with its mid-sized wheelbase providing enough balance to minimize body roll while maintaining steering precision. This combination of maneuverability and stability makes it versatile for a wide range of driving conditions, from congested urban areas to long-distance travel, without feeling too small or unstable.
Is the Toyota Auris suitable for tall drivers or passengers?
Yes, the Toyota Auris is generally well-suited for taller individuals, both in the front and rear seating positions. Its interior design provides sufficient headroom and legroom, allowing drivers over six feet tall to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The seat height and adjustable steering column also contribute to a commanding driving position that suits a variety of body types.
In the rear, taller passengers will find enough space to sit upright without discomfort, thanks to Toyota’s thoughtful use of cabin space and sloped roofline. While the rear middle seat is less accommodating due to a central tunnel and limited legroom, the two outboard seats offer decent support and room. Overall, the Auris strikes a nice balance between compact exterior dimensions and usable interior space.
What is the trunk capacity of the Toyota Auris?
The Toyota Auris offers a trunk capacity that ranges from 320 to 370 liters in standard configuration, depending on the specific model year and version. This space is adequate for daily needs, fitting items such as a couple of large grocery bags, luggage for a weekend trip, or a standard-sized suitcase with room to spare. The hatchback design also opens the entire rear cargo area for easier loading and unloading of larger items.
When the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down, the Auris significantly increases its cargo capacity, allowing for long or bulky items to be carried with ease. This flexibility makes it suitable for shoppers, families, and urban professionals who require a car that can handle varying loads and scenarios. Despite its compact exterior size, the Auris manages to deliver commendable cargo space that rivals many of its competitors.
Is the Toyota Auris big enough for a family of five?
The Toyota Auris is designed to comfortably accommodate a family of five, thanks to its efficient use of interior space. The cabin offers ample seating for two adults in the front and three passengers in the rear, although the middle seat is best suited for children due to the lack of a flat floor. The well-spaced side seats in the back provide good support, comfort, and adequate legroom for adults during most journeys.
In terms of storage, the Auris handles family essentials well, with a trunk that can fit a few bags for short trips or multiple suitcases and strollers for longer excursions when the rear seats are in use. For additional luggage or outdoor gear, the foldable rear seats increase cargo space significantly. With its practical dimensions and versatile layout, the Toyota Auris is an efficient compact hatchback for a small family.