Why can't the Yaris X be driven on highways?
3 Answers
Because cars like the Yaris X have poor stability and safety on highways, making them prone to accidents. In terms of chassis and steering, the new Yaris remains thoroughly comfort-oriented. Even though its steering isn't as soft as the Fiesta's and its chassis isn't as stiff as the Fit's, it is still a comfortable, easy-to-drive, fuel-efficient commuter car, fitting the positioning of an entry-level family sedan. The entire shock absorption system exhibits relatively high resilience. Introduction to the Yaris X: 1. Advantages of MacPherson independent suspension: Adopting MacPherson independent suspension is reasonable. Like many family sedans, the Yaris's MacPherson independent suspension has advantages such as simple structure, low cost, light weight, and decent comfort, freeing up more space in the engine compartment, which is why it is widely used. 2. Disadvantages of MacPherson independent suspension: However, this suspension also has certain drawbacks. When subjected to severe impacts, the strut can easily bend, affecting steering performance. It has relatively poor stability, weak anti-roll and brake-dive capabilities, so the Yaris exhibits noticeable nose-diving during acceleration or hard braking.
I've been driving a Toyota Yaris X for several years, often taking it on long highway trips, and haven't encountered any issues with it being 'undrivable'. Some might think its power is insufficient—the 1.5L engine does accelerate slower on highways, especially when climbing hills or overtaking, requiring more throttle input. The wind and road noise are quite noticeable, making long drives tiring for the ears, as the sound insulation is more suited for urban use. Safety-wise, it comes with ABS and stability control systems, fully meeting regulatory standards, and it handles highways steadily. I'd recommend upgrading to better tires for improved grip. The misconception that it's 'undrivable' might stem from its positioning as a low-speed city car, raising concerns about highway performance. In reality, cruising at 100-120km/h is no problem—just don't expect it to be a speed demon. Remember to regularly maintain and check the engine and cooling system to prevent overheating.
As an automotive enthusiast, I have a thorough understanding of the Yaris X's mechanical characteristics. It is indeed capable of highway driving. The powertrain features a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with an output of approximately 80kW, which is more than sufficient for cruising. However, the relatively low peak torque makes high-speed acceleration somewhat sluggish, leading some to perceive it as 'not suited' for fast driving. The lightweight body structure compromises stability in strong crosswinds, so adjusting driving habits to maintain a safe following distance is advisable. Overall, it remains safe and reliable for highway use, though weaker noise insulation and comfort are its shortcomings. This doesn't mean it can't handle highways—when paired with Eco mode, fuel efficiency is managed quite reasonably.
