“I really love the size, especially since it's my personal car. I love the technology aspect of it. I love the feature it has where it automatically locks if your key is a certain distance from the car. I hate that it doesn't have a navigational system set up, or GPS connected even if your phone is connected with the GPS on.”
2019 Toyota Yaris: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2019 is that Toyota renames the Yaris iA sedan simply Yaris and adds a premium XLE trim. This is a modest trim and styling update, not a full redesign.
About the 2019 Toyota Yaris
Mazda2-based U.S. Yaris sedan sold from 2016-2020; 2019 is the rename-and-refresh year, with the former Yaris iA now sold simply as Yaris.
Toyota positions the 2019 Yaris sedan as a small, efficient commuter that feels more polished and more fun to drive than many bargain subcompacts. The message centers on easy city use, strong fuel economy, standard touchscreen tech, and standard low-speed automatic emergency braking in a compact sedan that is simple to park and inexpensive to run. Its biggest differentiator is its Mazda-derived chassis, which gives it a more nimble, more athletic feel than many rivals in the same class.
The L is the straightforward commuter trim, with a 7-inch touchscreen, push-button start, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. LE adds Smart Key access, heated mirrors, fog lights, alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler, while XLE tops the range with leatherette seats, automatic climate control, LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The Yaris iA sedan becomes the Yaris and expands to L, LE, and new XLE grades. The 2018 Base and SE grades do not carry over.
Styling
Every sedan trim gets a new honeycomb-style grille. The LE's rear spoiler also changes from optional to standard.
Tech and comfort
The new XLE adds automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, leatherette seating, and leather trim on the steering wheel.
2019 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, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 32 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 106 hp | 106 hp | 106 hp |
| Torque | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.4 in | 34.4 in | 34.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Toyota Yaris a full redesign?
No. The 2019 Yaris is a modest update centered on a new name, a revised trim lineup, and a honeycomb-style grille rather than a full redesign.
What happened to the Toyota Yaris iA for 2019?
The Yaris iA sedan continues under the simpler Toyota Yaris name for 2019. It remains the Mazda2-based sedan rather than becoming an all-new vehicle.
Which trim is new on the 2019 Toyota Yaris?
The XLE is the new trim for 2019. It sits above L and LE and adds leatherette seating, automatic climate control, automatic LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
Did the 2019 Toyota Yaris get a new engine?
No. The sedan keeps its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. L and LE use either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, while XLE uses the automatic.
Is the 2019 Toyota Yaris XLE meaningfully different from the LE?
Yes. The XLE adds a more upscale cabin and extra convenience equipment, including leatherette seats, automatic climate control, LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. The LE instead emphasizes practical upgrades such as heated mirrors, fog lights, alloy wheels, Smart Key access, and a rear spoiler.
2019 Toyota Yaris Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Toyota Yaris.
4.2
2019 Toyota Yaris
(79 reviews)
“You should always buy a Toyota if given the chance. The radio system could be better, but the vehicle is great.”
“Get a car that fits all your needs. I love the Yaris and has the basic things that I need. The drive is silent and smooth and the features fit my needs. Test it out and see if it fits your needs.”