Can You Get a Toyota Yaris in the US Here Is the Full Story

The Toyota Yaris is no longer sold new in the United States after the 2020 model year. Toyota discontinued the Yaris sedan and hatchback in North America due to low sales and shifting consumer demand toward larger vehicles. You can still find used Yaris models, but the car has been replaced by the Yaris Cross and other compact options in the Toyota lineup.

Key Takeaways

• The Toyota Yaris was discontinued in the US after 2020. Toyota stopped selling the sedan and hatchback versions in North America.
• Used Yaris models are still available. You can find pre-owned Yaris cars on the market, often at affordable prices.
• The Yaris Cross is the closest replacement. Toyota introduced the Yaris Cross as a small SUV alternative in the US market.
• The Yaris was known for great fuel economy. The car offered excellent MPG, making it a budget-friendly daily driver.
• Several factors led to the Yaris exit. Low sales, rising costs, and a shift toward crossovers and SUVs all played a role.
• Similar compact cars exist from other brands. Honda Fit, Mazda 2, and Hyundai Accent offer comparable options.
• The Yaris remains popular in other markets. Toyota still sells the Yaris in Europe, Asia, and other regions worldwide.

Can You Get a Toyota Yaris in the US? Here Is the Full Story

If you have been searching for a Toyota Yaris in the United States, you might have noticed something strange. The car seems to have disappeared from dealership lots and Toyota websites. This has left many car shoppers wondering what happened. The short answer is that Toyota stopped selling the Yaris new in the US after the 2020 model year. But the full story is more interesting than that.

The Toyota Yaris was once a popular choice for people looking for a small, affordable, and fuel-efficient car. It was perfect for city driving, commuting, and first-time car buyers. However, the American car market changed dramatically over the past decade. Consumers started preferring larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. This shift in taste hit small cars hard. Toyota decided to move on from the Yaris and focus on models that sell better in North America.

So, can you still get a Toyota Yaris in the US? Yes, but only used. The car is still available on the secondhand market. If you are willing to look at older models, you can find a reliable Yaris at a fair price. But if you want a brand-new car, Toyota has other options for you. Let us dive into the full story of the Yaris in America.

Why Was the Toyota Yaris Discontinued in the US?

The decision to stop selling the Yaris in the US was not sudden. Toyota watched sales numbers drop for several years before making the call. Here are the main reasons the automaker pulled the plug on this popular little car.

Falling Sales Numbers

The Yaris never sold in huge numbers in the United States. While it did well in other countries, American buyers simply did not embrace it. Sales dropped year after year. By the time the 2020 model rolled around, the numbers were very low. Toyota could not justify keeping a model that barely sold. The company needed to focus its resources on vehicles that actually move.

Shift in Consumer Preferences

Americans love their SUVs and trucks. Over the past decade, the market has shifted heavily toward larger vehicles. Small sedans and hatchbacks have lost their appeal. Buyers want more space, higher seating positions, and a sense of safety that comes with a bigger vehicle. The Yaris, with its compact size and basic features, could not compete with the SUV craze. Toyota noticed this trend early and adjusted its lineup accordingly.

Rising Production Costs

Building a small car is not cheap. The Yaris was originally designed for global markets where manufacturing costs are lower. When Toyota tried to sell it in the US, the costs of meeting American safety and emissions standards added up quickly. The profit margins on each Yaris sold were very thin. In a market where SUVs and trucks bring in much higher profits, the Yaris simply did not make financial sense anymore.

Competition from Crossovers

The Yaris Cross, a small crossover SUV built on the Yaris platform, changed the game. Toyota realized it could sell a small vehicle with a higher ride height and more versatile styling. The Yaris Cross offered the fuel efficiency of a small car but with the look and feel of an SUV. This crossover made the traditional Yaris sedan and hatchback feel outdated. Why sell two similar cars when one sells better?

What Years Was the Toyota Yaris Available in the US?

The Toyota Yaris has a long history in the American market, even though many people only remember it from the last decade or so. Here is a quick look at when the Yaris was sold in the US.

The Early Years

The Yaris name first appeared in the US for the 2006 model year. Before that, the car was sold under the Toyota Echo name in North America. The Echo had a similar small, boxy design that appealed to budget-conscious buyers. When Toyota rebranded it as the Yaris, the car got a fresh look and some upgrades. The Yaris name carried more prestige and felt more modern.

The Final Years

The last new Toyota Yaris sold in the US was the 2020 model. After that, Toyota did not release a 2021 or newer Yaris for the American market. The 2020 Yaris came in both sedan and hatchback versions. It offered a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced about 106 horsepower. The car was available in several trim levels, including the L, LE, and SE for the sedan. The hatchback came in base and higher trims as well.

For those who want to buy a Yaris today, the 2017 through 2020 model years are the best options. These later models came with updated styling, better features, and improved safety technology. Earlier models from 2006 to 2011 are also available but may need more maintenance as they age.

Can You Still Buy a Used Toyota Yaris?

Absolutely. The used car market is full of Toyota Yaris models, and they tend to be very affordable. Because the Yaris was not a high-selling car new, there is a decent supply of used ones on the market. Prices for a used Yaris can range from around $5,000 for older models to $15,000 or more for low-mileage 2020 examples.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Yaris is a small car. If you need a lot of cargo space or passenger room, the Yaris might feel tight. It is a great choice for a single person or a couple who does most of their driving in the city. The car is known for being reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Toyota parts are widely available, and the simple engineering of the Yaris makes repairs straightforward.

When shopping for a used Yaris, always check the vehicle history report. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the suspension and brakes. The Yaris is a light car, so its components can wear faster than you might expect from a vehicle that seems so simple. A pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic is always a smart move.

One practical tip: if you own a Yaris and want to add accessories like splash guards that you can install yourself, this is a great way to protect the car from road debris without visiting a shop. The Yaris is simple enough that many owners handle their own basic maintenance and upgrades.

What Replaced the Toyota Yaris in the US Market?

Toyota did not just leave a gap in its lineup when it killed the Yaris. The company offered several alternatives that serve a similar purpose. Here are the best options if you are looking for a small Toyota in the US today.

The Toyota Yaris Cross

The Yaris Cross is the most direct replacement for the Yaris. It is a small crossover SUV that shares its platform with the Yaris. The Cross offers a higher seating position, more cargo space, and a more modern design. It comes with a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain that delivers excellent fuel economy. The Yaris Cross started arriving in US dealerships in 2023 and has been gaining attention as a stylish, efficient small SUV.

However, the Yaris Cross is not exactly the same as the old Yaris sedan. It is taller, wider, and more expensive. If you loved the Yaris for its low price and simple design, the Cross might feel like a step up in cost. But it does offer the same great fuel efficiency and Toyota reliability in a more popular package.

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback

The Corolla hatchback is another option for buyers who want a compact Toyota car. It is larger than the Yaris but still offers good fuel economy and a reputation for reliability. The Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars in the world for decades, and for good reason. It offers more features, more space, and more refinement than the Yaris ever did.

The Toyota GR Yaris

For enthusiasts, the GR Yaris is a performance-oriented version of the Yaris that Toyota sells in other markets. It is a rally-inspired hot hatch with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the GR Yaris has not been officially sold in the US. Some enthusiasts import it through grey market channels, but it is not a practical option for most buyers.

How Does the Toyota Yaris Compare to Other Small Cars?

If you are considering a used Yaris or looking at alternatives, it helps to see how the Yaris stacks up against similar small cars. Here is a quick comparison of popular compact vehicles.

Feature	Toyota Yaris	Honda Fit	Mazda 2	Hyundai Accent
Engine	1.5L 4-cylinder	1.5L 4-cylinder	1.5L 4-cylinder	1.6L 4-cylinder
Horsepower	106 hp	130 hp	109 hp	120 hp
Fuel Economy (city)	30-32 MPG	33-36 MPG	30-33 MPG	28-31 MPG
Fuel Economy (highway)	36-40 MPG	40-42 MPG	36-39 MPG	37-40 MPG
Cargo Space	13.7 cu ft	20.6 cu ft	12.4 cu ft	13.7 cu ft
Discontinued in US	Yes (after 2020)	Yes (after 2020)	Yes (after 2020)	Yes (after 2022)
Used Price Range	$4,000-$15,000	$5,000-$16,000	$5,000-$14,000	$4,000-$13,000

As you can see, the Yaris holds its own against competitors. Its fuel economy is excellent, and its cargo space is decent for its class. The Honda Fit offers more interior room thanks to its clever Magic Seat design, but the Yaris is often cheaper to buy and maintain.

Is the Toyota Yaris Worth Buying Used?

This is a question many buyers ask, and the answer depends on your needs. The Toyota Yaris is a solid choice for certain types of buyers. Here are some factors to consider.

The Yaris is an excellent first car for teenagers or new drivers. It is small, easy to park, and hard to damage in a minor fender bender. The car is also very fuel-efficient, which makes it perfect for daily commuting. If you are on a tight budget, the low purchase price and cheap maintenance costs make the Yaris a smart pick.

On the other hand, the Yaris is not the most exciting car to drive. It is slow, noisy at highway speeds, and basic in terms of features. The interior is spartan, and the technology is outdated compared to newer cars. If you drive long distances frequently, the Yaris might feel strained and uncomfortable.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Yaris is a very light car. This means that carrying too much weight can impact its performance and safety. The Yaris has a limited payload capacity, so avoid overloading it with heavy cargo or passengers. Staying within the recommended weight limits will keep the car running smoothly and safely.

Also, the Yaris is known for being easy to maintain. Many owners handle basic repairs and upkeep on their own. If you are someone who enjoys working on cars, the Yaris is a great platform to learn on. Simple tasks like checking fluid levels, replacing filters, and swapping out brake pads are straightforward. You can even do your own diagnostics with basic tools if you are handy. Doing your own car diagnostics on a Yaris is much easier than on more complex modern vehicles.

For those who worry about fuel costs, the Yaris is a champion. Its excellent fuel economy means you can go a long time between fill-ups. In fact, the Yaris is so efficient that you can drive many miles on a single tank. If you have ever wondered how far you can push a car on fumes, the Yaris gives you a comfortable buffer compared to thirstier vehicles.

The Toyota Yaris Around the World

While the Yaris has left the US market, it remains hugely popular in other parts of the world. In Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, the Yaris is one of Toyota’s best-selling models. The car is designed with global markets in mind, which is why it has been so successful outside of North America.

In Japan, the Yaris is known as the Vitz and comes in many different versions, including hot hatch variants. In Europe, the Yaris has won multiple awards for its design, safety, and driving dynamics. Toyota has invested heavily in the Yaris line for international markets, and the car continues to evolve with new technology and features.

The fact that the Yaris is still sold globally means that Toyota is not abandoning the small car segment entirely. The company simply decided that the North American market was not the right place for it anymore. With the Yaris Cross and other compact options, Toyota still has a presence in the small car space, even if the traditional Yaris name is gone from US showrooms.

Final Thoughts on the Toyota Yaris in the US

The Toyota Yaris was a great little car that served American buyers well for many years. Its discontinuation in the US after the 2020 model year marked the end of an era for compact Toyotas. The car was affordable, reliable, and incredibly fuel-efficient. It was the perfect choice for budget-conscious buyers and city dwellers who needed a simple, no-nonsense vehicle.

If you are looking for a Yaris today, your best bet is the used car market. You can find well-maintained examples at reasonable prices, and the car’s reputation for reliability means you are getting a solid deal. Just be aware that the Yaris is a small car with limited features and space. It is a commuter car, not a family hauler.

Toyota has moved on to the Yaris Cross and other compact models that better fit the current US market. These vehicles offer the same efficiency and reliability but in formats that American buyers prefer. The era of the Yaris sedan and hatchback in the US may be over, but the spirit of the small, efficient Toyota lives on in newer models.

Whether you buy a used Yaris or explore newer alternatives, the key is to find a car that fits your lifestyle and budget. The Yaris proved that small cars have a place on American roads, even if the market has shifted. For the right buyer, a used Toyota Yaris is still a smart, practical choice that will serve you well for years to come.

Remember to keep your Yaris well-maintained and stay within its weight limits. With proper care, a Toyota Yaris can easily reach 200,000 miles or more. It is a car that rewards simple, consistent ownership. And for those who love working on their vehicles, the Yaris offers a straightforward, satisfying ownership experience that is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Toyota stop selling the Yaris in the US?

Toyota discontinued the Yaris in the US due to falling sales numbers, rising production costs, and a shift in consumer preferences toward SUVs and crossovers. The company decided to focus on models that better align with what American buyers want today.

Can I still buy a new Toyota Yaris anywhere in the US?

No, Toyota does not sell a new Yaris in the US anymore. The last model year was 2020. However, you may find remaining new-old-stock vehicles at some dealerships, but these are rare and sell quickly.

What is the fuel economy of a Toyota Yaris?

The Toyota Yaris delivers about 30 to 32 MPG in the city and 36 to 40 MPG on the highway. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient small cars ever sold in the US market.

Is the Toyota Yaris reliable?

Yes, the Toyota Yaris is known for excellent reliability. With proper maintenance, these cars can last well over 200,000 miles. Toyota’s reputation for building long-lasting vehicles applies to the Yaris as well.

What replaced the Toyota Yaris in the US?

The Toyota Yaris Cross is the closest replacement. It is a small crossover SUV that offers similar fuel efficiency but with a higher ride height and more cargo space. The Corolla hatchback is another alternative for buyers wanting a compact Toyota.

How much does a used Toyota Yaris cost?

Used Toyota Yaris prices range from about $4,000 for older models to around $15,000 for low-mileage 2020 examples. The exact price depends on the year, trim level, mileage, and overall condition of the vehicle.