How's the Yaris 1.5 auto in mountains?

[Bikerboy89]

Hi I'm wondering if the Yaris will have any trouble climbing paved mountain roads in the Smokey Mountains? I don't want to really spend $250 to rent a car but was wondering what your experiences are in mountains? The highest altitude will be Clingmans Dome in North Carolina 6,644ft. . Just two passengers and no luggage when we climb the mountain. Any pointers about gear? Just leave it in D (Drive)?

[ern-diz]

I don't have experience with it myself but in a search of this forum, you'll find many road trip adventure posts. From everything I've read, these cars handle mountain roads very well, even with some load.

[WeeYari]

Fully capable. Just drive her no differently than you normally do.

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[tmontague]

As long as your car is well maintained then it will be fine. Check think like brake fluid, trans fluid, coolant brake pads etc.

The car can handle the extra load that mountains cause but it won't do it well if it is not maintained well

[Bikerboy89]

Okay yes I'll definitely get it checked of course it just had a 160 point inspection when I bought it Toyota certified just 1000 miles ago.

One other thing is it okay drive going maybe 76mph on the highway with the cruise set for hours?

[WeeYari]

One other thing is it okay drive going maybe 76mph on the highway with the cruise set for hours?
Absolutely.



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[Leegamer]

Mine is a manual, but I used to go through the blue ridge mountains quite often with no issues. I had about 200 pounds of music equipment and luggage in the back, too.

[justanotherdrunk]

no problemo with 3 people in the car

https://photos.smugmug.com/Pinecrest-Sonora-Pass-62016/i-X22J9Bq/0/6695abf8/L/100_5869-L.jpg

[TiedBassDrummer]

I am able to take I-80 over the Sierra Nevada's without issue. Mine is a manual though.

[yarisbug]

Have you never owned a car before? Sheesh.

[kimona]

I drove my 2007 all over the country loaded and never had any issues whatsoever. The car is a champ by any definition, and the automatic transmission is a gem! As long as a Yaris is properly maintained, I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere at a moment's notice.

[Bikerboy89]

Have you never owned a car before? Sheesh.

Never owned a car with this small of an engine I'm sorry if my concerns bothered you.

[mf4361]

Used to drive my 07 to Jasper National park no problem. It's slow and boring and you're constantly pedal to the metal, but it works. Took it to Coquillhalla as well and the same thing.


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[KALISPEL II]

Automakers of regular non-performance compact & subcompact economy-minded cars tend to make similar horsepower to curb weight ratios in their vehicle lineups, so a 106 horsepower engine in a 2300 pound car (2018 Yaris) is basically the same thing as a 133 horsepower engine in a 2900 pound car (2018 Corolla). Yeah, Toyota should have had about 20% more horsepower in both of them. :wink: A manual is probably more optimal for elevation climbing & such, but everything I've ever read about the venerable 4-spd automatic in the Yaris is that it does a great job under all condition, and lasts a looong time if it is properly maintained. :thumbsup:

[Leegamer]

Have you never owned a car before? Sheesh.

Hey man, don't be a douche.

[Bikerboy89]

Thanks everyone for the overwhelming information and response about this!! I'm going to take my Yaris. I love it by the way. The driving experience just screams quality vs my old Chevy HHR. How often you guys change your trans fluid and if there a filter in there?

[kimona]

Sold my 2007 and 2014 at just under 100K miles... and never touched the transmission oil. Had both cars serviced properly at the Toyota dealer.

[dogsridewith]

Note the maximum speed in gears in the owner's manual. I read that Yaris has a 6k rpm rev limiter. I use about 5k max, and even that would sound scary to a lot of drivers in this relatively noisy car.

[NYC-SE]

And don't forget you can shift an auto transmission too. Put it in a lower gear if need be. Can help take some stress of the brakes when descending.

[tmontague]

If you are new to small engines then make sure you don't shy away from putting the pedal all the way down and having the rpm go to the limit
Big engines have a lot if torque down low, small engines are typically the opposite. This will not hard a well maintained engine and it is how it is meant to be driven if you need the power.

These auto transmissions are stupid long lasting if maintained. They will easily match the mileage of the 1nz engine. I would recommend a fluid change at the 50k mile mark. That us not recommended by Toyota but I have seen the issues that "lifetime fluid" can cause *ahem Subaru CVT's*
Realistically you will probably be fine without changing the trans fluid but mountains are hard on the trans and will increase the trans temps. This would be considered "extreme conditions" in the owners manual and lead to an earlier change.

There is a trans filter but in my experience it doesn't get dirty if you keep fresh fluid in there. I've always changed out mine when I buy used cars but I've never seen a dirty one

[logoris]

my 2017 se had no issues in the Montreal mounts, main thing is dont expect to go fast up hill, and engine braking down hill will save the brakes

[Bikerboy89]

The Yaris did amazing! I averaged 34.1 mpg for the trip. I love this car!

[Bikerboy89]

One more photo. Near Clingmans Dome in NC.

[ern-diz]

:thumbsup:

[justanotherdrunk]

:headbang: