Overview
The 2019-2020 Toyota Yaris represents a unique chapter in the brand’s North American history. Unlike previous generations of the Yaris, which were developed and manufactured in-house by Toyota, this version was the result of a strategic partnership with Mazda. Built on the Mazda2 platform, the vehicle was assembled at the Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation plant in Salamanca, Mexico. This collaboration allowed Toyota to offer a subcompact car with driving dynamics and chassis tuning characteristic of Mazda’s engineering philosophy, while maintaining the Toyota badge and distribution network.
Marketed as a sedan, this Yaris replaced the previous hatchback-only lineup in the United States. It prioritized fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability, targeting budget-conscious commuters and first-time car buyers. The interior featured a cabin layout heavily influenced by Mazda’s design language, including a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and a rotary controller. Despite its small footprint, the model was recognized for its high-quality interior materials relative to its price point and its standard low-speed pre-collision safety system.
The production run for this specific Yaris sedan concluded in 2020, as Toyota shifted its focus toward the Yaris Hatchback (also a rebadged Mazda2) and eventually moved away from the subcompact sedan segment in the US market. Today, it remains a notable example of badge engineering, valued for its reliability and the distinct driving character inherited from its Mazda-derived architecture.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Yaris |
| Model Year | 2019-2020 |
| Generation | 4th (XP150-based) |
| Trim | L, LE, XLE |
| Body Style | 4-door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | B-Segment |
| Vehicle Class | Compact Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Mazda DJ |
| Assembly Plant | Salamanca, Mexico |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Production Start | 2018 |
| Production End | 2020 |
| VIN Identifier | 3MY |
| Base MSRP | $15,650 |
| Destination Charge | $955 |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | Mazda Skyactiv-G |
| Engine Name | – |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1.5 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 74.5 mm x 85.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC 16-valve |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 4.4 qt |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Horsepower | 106 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 103 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.105 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 30 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 39 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 34 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 6.9 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 11.6 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 400 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $1,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 260 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 3.5 s |
| 0-60 mph | 9.6 s |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | 17.4 s |
| Top Speed | 115 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 128 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.82 g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 23.5 lb/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 171.2 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 66.7 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 76.5 |
| Height (in) | 58.5 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 101.8 |
| Front Track (in) | 58.9 |
| Rear Track (in) | 58.3 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.5 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 2,385 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 3,500 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | N/A |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,115 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 85.9 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 13.5 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 32.2 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 7-inch Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | 6-speaker |
| Speaker Count | 6 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5 yr / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr / 25,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 yr / 25,000 miles |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | – |
| EV Battery Warranty | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Transmission Supplier | Mazda |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 3.538, 2nd: 2.060, 3rd: 1.404, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.837, 6th: 0.744 |
| Differential Type | Open |
| Cooling System Capacity | 6.0 qt |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2019-2020 Yaris is widely regarded as one of the most reliable subcompact vehicles of its era, largely due to the proven Mazda Skyactiv powertrain and chassis components. Owners typically report minimal mechanical issues, though the direct-injection engine can be sensitive to carbon buildup over high mileage, making the use of high-quality fuel and regular oil changes essential. In the used market, this model holds strong appeal for buyers seeking a low-cost, fuel-efficient commuter that offers a more engaging driving experience than its competitors. Prospective buyers should inspect the infotainment system for connectivity glitches and ensure the pre-collision sensors are free of obstruction, as these are the most common points of concern. Overall, its combination of Toyota’s brand reputation and Mazda’s engineering makes it a practical, budget-friendly choice for urban environments.
