“It is an excellent car and the fuel economy is great (better than the window sticker listed) and the CVT transmission is smooth.”
Toyota Yaris: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Toyota Yaris is a small, five-seat subcompact car sold as a sedan or hatchback. It is known for strong fuel economy, easy parking, nimble handling, and simple everyday usability.
The Yaris has consistently focused on affordable, efficient transportation in a city-friendly size. Over the years, Toyota offered both practical hatchbacks and small sedans, while updates gradually improved safety, cabin quality, and phone connectivity. Some later U.S. sedans and the 2020 hatchback were Mazda-based, but they kept the Yaris emphasis on an easy commute with a little personality.
Strengths
- Its small footprint makes it easy to park and maneuver on crowded streets.
- Fuel economy is a clear strength; in 2020, the gas-powered Yaris was rated at 30 to 32 mpg in the city and 39 to 40 mpg on the highway, depending on configuration.
- The light, nimble feel gives it more personality than a basic commuter car might suggest.
- Later versions brought useful everyday technology, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020.
- Safety equipment improved over time, with stability control standard by 2010 and automatic emergency braking added to every hatchback trim for 2017.
Who it's for
The Yaris best fits a solo commuter, couple, student, or first-time buyer who mainly needs an easy car for city streets and daily errands. It makes the most sense when low fuel use and a small footprint matter more than strong acceleration or generous rear-seat space.
Toyota Yaris lineup
The L has traditionally been the straightforward entry trim for shoppers who want the basic Yaris experience. The LE is the sensible step up, adding more everyday convenience without changing the car's simple character. Older hatchback lineups also included the SE, which stood apart with sportier styling and handling. Since 2019, the XLE has served as the more upscale choice, with greater emphasis on cabin comfort and finish.
Toyota Yaris generations
From 2009 to 2020, the Yaris spans three generations. The current Mazda2-based U.S. Yaris Family arrived for 2019, following the 3rd Generation — XP130 Hatchback Era (2012–2018).
Mazda2-based U.S. Yaris Family (2019–2020)
The U.S. Yaris shifted to Mazda-based models, with a sedan wearing the simplified Yaris name for 2019 and a matching hatchback joining for 2020. Both used a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, and the 2020 lineup added standard smartphone integration.
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2020
The all-new Yaris Hatchback joined in LE and XLE trims. The sedan gained standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019Trim changes
The Yaris iA sedan became the Yaris, gained a new grille, and expanded to L, LE, and the new XLE trim.
3rd Generation — XP130 Hatchback Era (2012–2018)
This generation brought redesigned three- and five-door hatchbacks with more cargo room and driver-facing gauges. The hatchback received major updates for 2015 and 2018, while the Mazda-based Yaris iA sedan shared the lineup in 2017 and 2018.
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2018Mid-cycle update
The hatchback received revised front and rear styling, updated audio systems, and more convenience equipment. The Yaris iA sedan largely carried over.
2017New generation
The former Scion iA sedan joined the family as the Toyota Yaris iA. Hatchbacks gained a standard safety suite with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
2016
The hatchback largely carried over after the 2015 update, with new two-tone paint choices as the main change.
2015Mid-cycle update
New exterior and interior styling came with a quieter, stiffer body, retuned suspension, and a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen.
2014
Daytime running lights became standard on every trim.
2013Trim changes
An upgraded audio system became standard across the lineup, and LE gained cruise control.
2012New generation
Toyota introduced redesigned three- and five-door hatchbacks with more cargo room, nine airbags, and a new SE trim. The older sedan remained for one final fleet-only year.
1st U.S. Generation — XP90 (2009–2011 covered)
These are the final years covered for the Yaris design that arrived in the U.S. for 2007. The lineup included a sedan and small hatchbacks powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, with safety equipment expanding late in the generation.
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2011
Brake-override technology became standard across all body styles, and hatchbacks gained sun-visor extensions.
2010Trim changes
Stability control and traction control became standard across the lineup. Rear defrosters also became standard.
2009
A five-door hatchback joined the three-door hatchback and sedan. Anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags became standard across the lineup.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Toyota Yaris.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Yaris a sedan or a hatchback?
It has been sold as both. The U.S. lineup included three- and five-door hatchbacks in earlier years, Mazda-based sedans later on, and both a sedan and hatchback in the final model year.
Does the Toyota Yaris come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Yaris covered here is a gas-only small car. Later models use a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with the transmission depending on year and trim.
Does the Toyota Yaris have all-wheel drive?
No. The U.S. Yaris is front-wheel drive, meaning the engine powers the front wheels. All-wheel drive was not part of this lineup.
Is the Toyota Yaris fuel-efficient?
Yes. Fuel economy is one of the Yaris' main strengths. Final-year models were rated at 30–32 mpg in the city and 39–40 mpg on the highway, with the exact figure depending on body style and transmission.
Is the Toyota Yaris good for city driving?
Yes. Its small size makes it easy to park, and its light, nimble feel suits crowded streets. Strong fuel economy also makes it a practical commuter for drivers who do not need a large cabin.
Is the Toyota Yaris big enough for a family?
It can work for a small family, but space is modest. Final-year models seat five, with 34.4 inches of rear legroom and 13.5–15.9 cubic feet of cargo room. It fits commuters and couples especially well.
Is the Toyota Yaris related to a Mazda?
Some versions are. The Yaris iA and the later U.S. Yaris sedan are based on the Mazda2. That is why they look and feel different from the older Toyota-designed Yaris hatchbacks.
Do all Toyota Yaris models have automatic emergency braking?
No. Safety equipment varies by era and body style. Every 2017 hatchback gained automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams, while later Mazda-based models used a low-speed pre-collision system.
Toyota Yaris Reviews
What owners are saying about the Toyota Yaris.
4.0
Toyota Yaris
(691 reviews)
“My Yaris is my baby, fast, reliable, economic. The perfect car for the urban busy life. I always find a spot to park!”
“It's a nice car, great gas mileage and seems low maintenance so far. Kind of cute as well, although that's not super important. However, it's not good for families with lots of members, and especially if those family members are overweight, long-legged, etc...... little cramped in the backseat.”
“Good mpg, great dash, good back up screen, blue t phone, functions great. Joy to be in and drive.”
“I prefer the location of the cup holder in Toyota Yaris 2008. Also I prefer the voice tag performance on Honda CRV”
“Solid commuter car that does everything I ask of it while still being fun to drive. Well worth the money for a purchase.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2020 Toyota Yaris Sedan Throws Entry Level A Premium Curveball
- pressroom.toyota.com — All New 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Combines Technology Cargo Capacity And Practicality
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2019 Yaris Sedan Offers Ideal Blend Value Fun
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2018 Toyota Yaris Ia Sport Sedan Surprise
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Gives 2018 Yaris Dose Hot Hatchness Design Interior Upgrades New Multimedia Tech
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2019 Toyota Yaris
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2017 Toyota Yaris Big Safety Small Car Safety Sense C
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2017 Toyota Yaris Ia Sporty Style Strong Safety Super Sedan
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2015 Toyota Yaris Sharper Smoother
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2016 Toyota Yaris Debut
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota 2015 Yaris Sub Compact Product News
- pressroom.toyota.com — Pricing 2014 Yaris