DecodedCars2020 Toyota Yaris
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 106 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 32 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 161.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,359 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2020 compact car (27.3 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 106 hp, versus about 228 hp for similar 2020 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Toyota Yaris is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 162 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,359 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (32 city / 40 highway), 28% better than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
- New body dimensions: 6.3 in longer, wheelbase +2.4 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Yaris →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Guanajuato, Salamanca
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2020 Yaris configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Hatchback | 161.8 in | 66.9 in | 59.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,359 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaris | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 / 40 / 35 | +28% | $1,900 | 252 |
| Yaris | 1.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 39 / 34 | +25% | $1,950 | 264 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota YARIS 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13% |
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota Yaris (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Nissan Kicks | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Hyundai Venue | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 MINI Countryman | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 MINI Clubman | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 27, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V617000 · 31,307 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Yaris, Yaris Hatchback, and Yaris Sedan vehicles. An impeller within the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- A fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB05 and 21TA05.
Not every 2020 Toyota Yaris is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Toyota Yaris buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota Yaris. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Yaris years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Yaris | 35 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 26 |
| 2018 Yaris | 35 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2017 Yaris | 35 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 31 |
| 2016 Yaris | 33 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2015 Yaris | 33 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 15 |
| 2014 Yaris | 33 | 153.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2013 Yaris | 33 | 153.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2012 Yaris | 33 | 153.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 31 |
| 2011 Yaris | 31 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2010 Yaris | 32 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 9 | 54 |
| 2009 Yaris | 32 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 9 | 54 |
| 2008 Yaris | 32 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 9 | 118 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →