“It's a good car, it can be modified to make it better but aftermarket parts are a little hard to find.”
2016 Toyota Yaris: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Toyota Yaris is a carryover year with no major product changes. Its lineup, engine, transmissions, safety equipment and touchscreen system remain essentially unchanged from 2015.
About the 2016 Toyota Yaris
3rd generation Yaris hatchback (2012-2018), second year after the 2015 refresh.
Toyota positioned the Yaris as a small, easy-to-own hatchback built around city use, fuel economy and simple everyday practicality. The big selling points were its tight turning circle, easy parking manners, quiet-for-the-class cabin and generous standard tech for a budget car. It also stood out by offering both 3-door and 5-door body styles in the U.S. and by leaning on Toyota’s reputation for long-term durability rather than outright performance.
The L is the straightforward commuter trim, with air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen. The LE focuses on convenience with an automatic transmission, cruise control and keyless entry, while the SE has a sportier look and feel with a firmer suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and LED daytime running lights.
2016 Toyota Yaris specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 106 hp | 106 hp | 106 hp |
| Torque | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Toyota Yaris compared with the 2015 model?
No major product changes arrived for the 2016 Toyota Yaris. It carried over the lineup, powertrain, safety equipment and touchscreen system introduced or updated for 2015, with Toyota mainly calling attention to two-tone paint choices.
Was the 2016 Toyota Yaris redesigned?
No, the 2016 Toyota Yaris was not redesigned. It was the second model year after the 2015 refresh, which had brought the revised front end, quieter cabin, and steering and suspension updates.
Did the 2016 Toyota Yaris get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2016 Toyota Yaris kept its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the same manual and automatic transmission mix by trim.
Did the 2016 Toyota Yaris add new safety or touchscreen technology?
No, the 2016 Toyota Yaris did not add a new safety suite or touchscreen system. It retained nine airbags, stability and traction control, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB and voice recognition.
Which 2016 Toyota Yaris trim has the sportiest setup?
The 2016 Yaris SE has the sportiest setup. It uses the same 1.5-liter engine as the other trims but has a firmer suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and black exterior accents.
2016 Toyota Yaris Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Toyota Yaris.
3.8
2016 Toyota Yaris
(28 reviews)
“Nice car with good mileage. Quality and engineering may be not as good as Toyota pickups.”
“Solid commuter car that does everything I ask of it while still being fun to drive. Well worth the money for a purchase.”