“Met my commuter and fuel efficiency needs. A few blemishes and spots on the fabric but good overall.”
2018 Toyota Yaris: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for 2018 is a refresh of the Yaris hatchback, with revised front and rear styling plus upgraded touchscreen systems and convenience features. The Yaris iA sedan carries over without a similar overhaul.
About the 2018 Toyota Yaris
Mixed lineup: the hatchback is the 3rd-gen U.S. Yaris hatch (2012-2018) in its final model year, lightly refreshed for 2018; the sedan is the Mazda-based Yaris iA sold in the U.S. for 2017-2018, with 2018 as the last iA-badged year before the 2019 Yaris sedan rename.
Toyota positions the Yaris as its smallest and easiest-to-own car: simple to park, light on fuel, and unusually generous on standard safety for a subcompact. The hatchback side emphasizes city usefulness and easy cargo flexibility, while the sedan adds a more polished cabin layout and sharper road manners. Across both body styles, the core appeal is straightforward value with real everyday features instead of stripped-down basic transportation.
The L is the straightforward city hatchback, while the LE adds everyday conveniences such as remote entry, cruise control, and power mirrors. The SE supplies the sportier look and feel with unique styling, a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 7-inch touchscreen; the separate Yaris iA sedan has a 7-inch touchscreen, push-button start, and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
What changed, by category
Styling
The L, LE, and SE hatchbacks receive redesigned front and rear styling. The SE also gets a sport-specific front end, projector-beam headlights, and new machined-wheel styling details; the Yaris iA sedan does not receive a comparable redesign.
Tech
The L and LE hatchbacks gain a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen system, while the SE moves to a larger 7-inch system. The L also adds steering-wheel audio controls, and both L and LE gain the SE-style gauge cluster with an LCD information display.
2018 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, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35–36 mpg | 35 mpg | 36 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 106 hp | 106 hp | 106 hp | 106 hp |
| Torque | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | |||
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3–15.6 cu-ft | 15.3–15.6 cu-ft | 15.6 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 34.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 3–5 | 3–5 | 5 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Toyota Yaris?
The biggest change is the hatchback’s styling and equipment refresh. The L, LE, and SE get revised front and rear designs, upgraded touchscreen systems, and added cabin features, while the Yaris iA sedan largely carries over.
Did the 2018 Toyota Yaris get a larger touchscreen?
Yes, the 2018 Yaris hatchback gets upgraded touchscreen systems. The L and LE have a 6.1-inch screen, and the SE has a larger 7-inch screen; the Yaris iA sedan continues with its 7-inch multimedia system.
Was the 2018 Toyota Yaris iA sedan redesigned?
No, the 2018 Yaris iA sedan was not redesigned. It carries over with its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, 7-inch touchscreen, push-button start, and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
Did the 2018 Toyota Yaris get a new engine?
No, the 2018 Yaris keeps its existing engines. The hatchback uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic depending on trim, while the Yaris iA sedan uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Is the 2018 Toyota Yaris SE mechanically more powerful than the other hatchbacks?
No, the 2018 Yaris SE uses the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the other hatchbacks. Its sportier character comes from a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, distinct styling, and upgraded cabin details rather than extra engine power.
2018 Toyota Yaris Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Toyota Yaris.
3.9
2018 Toyota Yaris
(112 reviews)
“The Yaris Ia which is made by Mazda for Toyota is better than Toyota's own brand of the Yaris which is not worth looking at. The Yaris Ia is an excellent economy vehicle.”
“It doesn't have the get up and go you'd might expect. Very weak in power. Delay from gas pedal to actual movement. Otherwise, decent handling. Small car but feels roomy inside.”