GREEN CHOICE

Toyota Yaris

Name: 2012 Toyota Yaris
Brand: Toyota

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This iteration of the Yaris remained Spartan in an age of increasingly better and more refined subcompacts. On the plus side, fuel economy is excellent. The reworked interior moved the speedometer from the center of the dash to the preferred, traditional position beyond the steering wheel. But the Yaris is noisy, its ride is choppy, its interior looks cheap and its driving position and front seats are uncomfortable. Handling lacks agility and acceleration is slow.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Toyota Yaris

vs. Similar Cars

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Chevrolet Volt

Ford Fiesta

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Toyota Yaris

$4,900 - $6,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Road test

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$4,000

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$ NA

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Scion xD

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

2-door hatchback

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.5-liter 4 (106 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2012-2020

2012 Redesign Year

While other subcompacts have become more pleasant and rewarding, the Toyota Yaris remains spartan and humdrum. Efficient fuel economy of 32 mpg overall keeps operating costs low, but that's the end of the good news. Acceleration is slow, partly due to an antiquated four-speed automatic transmission. Tidy dimensions make it easy to park, but handling suffers from numb steering and excess body lean. Quick abrupt pitches disturb the ride and engine and road noise permeates the cabin. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel forces you to stretch out your arms to drive, and space for your left foot is meager. Two adults fit in the rear seat, but the basic front seats prove uncomfortable. 2017 models came with standard low-speed automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. For 2019 the Yaris only comes in a sedan, the previous Yaris iA. The hatchback returned in 2020.

2007-2011

2007 Redesign Year

Reliable and economical, the subcompact Yaris is Toyota's least expensive car. Fuel economy is excellent, with a tested 32 mpg overall in the sedan with the automatic transmission, and 30 in the hatchback with the manual. But that's about where the good news ends. An awkward driving position forces you to drive with arms extended and legs bent. Cheap fit-and-finish and an annoying center-mounted gauge cluster feel cut-rate. Acceleration is adequate, but engine drone intrudes, making the car very noisy inside. At least the ride is compliant and handling is reasonably responsive. Emergency handling is secure with the stability control that became standard in 2010, though earlier models without it could be a handful.