Do Toyota Yaris rear seats fold flat?

Yes. In most Toyota Yaris hatchbacks, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split to expand cargo space, and when folded the loading surface is generally flat enough for everyday items, though there can be a slight rise around wheel arches or hinges depending on the trim and market.

This article explains how the folding mechanism works, what to expect about the flatness of the floor, and how variations by model year and region can affect the result.

How the folding mechanism works

To maximize cargo space, most Yaris models use a split-fold rear bench. Here are the typical steps to fold the seats, noting that exact controls may vary by generation and trim:

• With the vehicle parked and the area clear, locate the fold-release lever or strap on the top edge of the rear seatbacks or along the side panels.


• Choose the section to fold (left, right, or both in a 60/40 setup) and pull the release to fold the selected seatback forward toward the front of the car.


• Push the folded seatbacks down toward the cargo floor until they lie flush with the floor plane.


• Check that the folded seats are secure and, if applicable, retract or remove the cargo cover to maximize usable space.

These steps allow the rear seating area to convert into a larger loading area. In most configurations, the bottom cushions stay in place, and the folded backs create a relatively continuous surface, though a small step may remain where the floor meets the folded seat or at wheel-arch recesses.

Model-year and market variations

The Yaris has been sold in multiple regions with slight variations in rear-seat folding design and floor flatness. Here is a general guide to what you might encounter:

• Europe and the UK: The hatchback typically offers a 60/40 split rear bench that folds to extend cargo space; the floor is usually close to flat when folded, with a minor rise near wheel arches.


• North America: The Yaris line sold in the U.S. and Canada has varied by year; when available, rear seats commonly fold in a 60/40 arrangement for a longer load floor, with similar minor irregularities due to the arches and hinge hardware.


• Hybrid variants: Yaris Hybrid models maintain the same folding concept, but battery placement and floor construction can influence how flat the floor appears after folding.


• Practical considerations: Some trims include a retractable cargo cover and optional under-floor storage, which can affect perceived flatness; loading longer items (like hardware, lumber, or furniture pieces) may require removing the cargo cover or adjusting the cargo area configuration.

Notable regional differences

While the core feature—60/40 folding rear seats—remains common, regional differences in trim levels, wheel-arch design, and spare tire versus kit configurations can alter the final loading floor’s smoothness. If flatness is a priority, test-fold in your specific model and trim or consult the owner's manual for precise instructions.

Summary

The Toyota Yaris generally provides a practical rear seating arrangement that folds down to boost cargo capacity. Most models offer a 60/40 split, and the folded surface is typically near-flat, enabling longer items to fit. However, expect a minor irregularity around wheel arches or hinges, with variations by market and generation. For exact behavior, refer to your specific model year and trim or check in person at a dealership.

What is the weakness of the Toyota Yaris?

To answer your question the biggest issue is rust, but otherwise these cars tend to drive forever. The engine and automatic transmission combo is nearly indestructible provided there's oil in it. ABS sensors tend to get rusty over time and can spring an abs light on the dash.

Why is Toyota discontinuing the Yaris?

The Toyota Yaris was discontinued in many markets due to declining sales as consumers shifted to larger SUVs and a strategic shift by Toyota to focus on SUVs and hybrid/electric vehicles. In North America, the discontinuation was also because the last generation was a rebadged Mazda2, which wasn't selling well enough to justify continued production. For newer, globally available Yaris models, safety and emissions regulations made it too expensive to develop a new, affordable entry-level version. 
Reasons for discontinuation

• Declining small car sales: In North America and other markets, sales of small cars like the Yaris had been plummeting for years as consumer preference shifted towards larger vehicles, such as SUVs and crossovers. 
• Strategic company shift: Toyota decided to focus its resources on its SUV lineup and other fuel-efficient models, including hybrids and electric vehicles. The platform and some engines from the Yaris were adapted for use in other models, such as the Corolla. 
• Cost of new regulations: For newer generations, the cost of re-engineering the Yaris to meet new safety and emissions standards made it too expensive to produce as an entry-level, budget-friendly car. 
• Market-specific issues: In some regions, the Yaris faced tough competition from other models in its segment, leading to slow sales. In the US, the final Yaris was a rebadged Mazda2 that sold poorly compared to other models in the Toyota lineup, such as the Corolla. 
• Inability to justify investment: The low sales volume made it difficult to justify the investment in a new model generation, especially when compared to the performance of other Toyota vehicles. 

Which cars have rear seats that fold flat?

Many modern vehicles have back seats that fold flat, including popular SUVs, sedans, and minivans like the Honda CR-V, Toyota Land Cruiser, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Explorer, and BMW X7. Additionally, models such as the Honda HR-V and Honda Jazz are known for their versatile fold-flat or "magic" seats, while the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Grand Caravan offer Stow 'n Go seating that folds completely into the floor.
 
SUVs and Crossovers

• BMW X7
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Ford Explorer
• GMC Terrain
• Honda CR-V
• Honda HR-V
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Toyota 4Runner
• Kia Telluride
• Subaru Outback
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda CX-5 

Sedans and Wagons
Volvo V60, Audi A4 Allroad, Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, and Mini Clubman. 
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. 
Smaller Cars
Honda Jazz, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris.

Do Toyota Yaris back seats fold down?

And thanks to Toyota's Easy Flat system, the rear seats can be folded down quickly and easily to form a generous and flat-floored load space, a feature that's unmatched in the Yaris's class.