Toyota Verso review (2009-2018)
The Toyota Verso is one of those cars that a private investigator might drive. Why? Because it flies completely under the radar, while also offering seating for five or seven people. It’s also flexible enough to deal with whatever life can throw at it. All of which also makes it a superb family vehicle. Read our full Toyota Verso review below.
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Pros
- Very spacious
- Good on fuel
- Seven seats
Cons
- Not fun to drive
- Rivals have more boot space
Interior
Our rating: 6/10
The entry-level model Verso is the five-seater. Everything above that comes with seven seats, which is what most people desire from an MPV such as this.
People also desire simple usability – which is what the Verso gives you in spades.
Driving position
As soon as you get into the Toyota Verso, you’re faced with… nothing.
Yup, ahead of the driver is just a grey expanse of plastic and a large windscreen. Simple.
The instruments are housed in a central pod on top of the dashboard.
The most prominent is the speedometer, and it’s surrounded by a rev counter and digital display for all the other information you’ll need, including water temperature and fuel level, plus how many seats are occupied (useful in a seven-seater).
The steering wheel, meanwhile, is a circular affair (no need for competition-inspired flat bottoms here), and also plays host to the controls for the audio system, Bluetooth mobile phone system and cruise control (where fitted).
Tech and features
The centre console is dominated by a central touchscreen (where fitted) or the audio system.
The screen is a simple affair with graphics that are clear enough, but a step behind those on modern systems.
Still, some models have sat-nav as well as Bluetooth audio, so you can keep the kids amused.
The controls for the climate system sit below this, and are simple enough, with a temperature rocker at either end, plus ventilation controls on a circular centre ‘dial’.
The door plays host to some robust plastics and the electric window switches, and the door pull is usefully far forward, to allow you to reach it when the door is fully open.
The switches for the electric mirrors are on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel, so not in a particularly natural position.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
Engines and power
The best engine to choose might be the 1.6-litre diesel, which was actually designed and developed by BMW and bought by Toyota.
It’s more than strong enough to cope with a cabin full of seven people, and it’ll do an official average of 62.8mpg, which you can’t really sniff at.
There’s no getting away from the fact that it won’t exactly get your pulse racing, however, because performance is definitely on the leisurely side.
There’s also a 1.8-litre petrol, which is linked to an automatic transmission.
This is smooth and quiet, and the auto takes any strain out of proceedings.
Handling and ride comfort
The steering is light, and the firm suspension keeps the body under control, so there’s little danger of kids becoming car sick.
The large glass area and almost-vertical backend make parking really easy.
Practicality
Our rating: 9/10
Rear seats
The Easy-life seating system in the Toyota Verso is a work of genius.
It’s incredibly simple to use and allows the car to be turned from a five- or seven-seater into a van in a matter of seconds.
The middle-row seats also slide back and forth individually to allow you to adjust legroom or boot space (or increase legroom for those in the third row), as required.
Boot space
There’s a decent boot too when the rearmost seats are folded down, and the interior is full of little storage areas, which are great for the detritus of daily life.
Bear in mind, though, that carrying seven people doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll also be able to carry luggage for seven; space isn’t quite that generous.
Storage solutions
There’s a refrigerated glovebox on all models bar the entry-level one (great for storing bars of chocolate), and the backs of the front seats feature handy foldaway picnic tables.
Safety
The Verso was tested by crash test body Euro NCAP way back in 2010 and earned a five-star rating, which helps to keep down insurance costs.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
Any Toyota Verso is going to work out pretty cheap to run.
The 1.6-litre diesel is the real star as it can do an official 62.8mpg.
That said, the 1.8-litre petrol automatic isn’t that far behind, and is pretty good for a petrol machine, on 43.5mpg.
Insurance groups
It starts off in group 10 and high-spec versions sit in group 19, so it’s very affordable.
Reliability
Reliability is what the Toyota brand has been built on for decades, and the Verso does nothing to alter that; there are no big issues for you to look out for.
The verdict
Interior
6/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
9/10
Running costs
8/10
You really can’t go wrong with a Toyota Verso.
It’s truly one of the easiest cars to live with, with its incredibly simple seat-folding system, and clever touches such as the folding picnic tables and refrigerated glovebox.
The engines are wonderfully fuel-efficient, and the Verso is easy to drive.
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