2012 Toyota Yaris: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for 2012 is a full redesign of the Toyota Yaris hatchback, with new 3-door and 5-door bodies, more room and improved safety. The older four-door sedan remains unchanged for its final year and is limited to fleet sales.
About the 2012 Toyota Yaris
U.S. hatchback: 3rd generation (XP130), first year. U.S. sedan: prior-generation XP90, final year and fleet-only.
Toyota positions the Yaris as its smallest, easiest-to-use car: a simple subcompact built for city driving, commuting, first-car duty, and low-cost everyday use. The core pitch is straightforward utility rather than flash — easy parking, good fuel economy, room for friends and gear, and a strong list of standard safety features for a small car. In this class, the Yaris leans more toward dependable, fuss-free transportation than sporty performance or tech-heavy gadget appeal.
The redesigned Yaris hatchback comes in L, LE and new SE trims. The L covers the basics with air conditioning, USB audio and nine airbags, while the LE adds Bluetooth, keyless entry and a split-folding rear seat. The SE takes a sportier approach with firmer suspension tuning, quicker steering, four-wheel disc brakes and unique exterior details.
What changed, by category
2012 Toyota Yaris specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd | Automatic, 4-Spd | Automatic, 4-Spd | Automatic, 4-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 106 hp | 106 hp | 106 hp | 106 hp |
| Torque | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3–15.6 cu-ft | 15.3–15.6 cu-ft | 15.6 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Toyota Yaris fully redesigned?
Yes, the 2012 Yaris hatchback is fully redesigned with new 3-door and 5-door bodies, a longer wheelbase, more interior room and more cargo space. The four-door sedan is not redesigned; it carries over as a fleet-only model for its final year.
What body styles does the 2012 Toyota Yaris have?
The 2012 Yaris lineup includes redesigned 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks. An older four-door sedan also continues for one final year, but it is sold only to fleets rather than regular retail buyers.
What safety improvements does the 2012 Toyota Yaris hatchback get?
The redesigned 2012 Yaris hatchback gets nine airbags and front seats designed to help reduce whiplash injuries. It also retains Toyota’s standard safety suite.
What is different about the 2012 Toyota Yaris SE?
The SE is a new sport-focused hatchback trim for 2012. It has firmer suspension tuning, quicker steering, front and rear disc brakes, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Is the 2012 Toyota Yaris hatchback a major update over the 2011 model?
Yes, the 2012 hatchback is a major update over the 2011 version. It has a new body and cabin, a longer wheelbase, more passenger and cargo room, driver-facing gauges, nine airbags and a broader L, LE and SE trim lineup.