Does a Toyota Yaris have a CVT transmission?
Yes, in most modern Yaris models the transmission is a CVT (continuously variable transmission) or an e-CVT in hybrids, but there are notable exceptions by market and trim, most notably the GR Yaris, which uses a traditional manual gearbox.
How the Yaris transmission options vary by model
Understanding the Yaris lineup helps explain where a CVT fits. The Yaris family includes petrol models, a hybrid variant, and a high-performance version. Transmission choices depend on year, market, and trim level, with CVTs common in automatics and e-CVTs used on hybrids, while some variants use manual or conventional automatics.
What CVT means for Toyota Yaris models
CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. Toyota’s CVTs (including e-CVTs used on hybrids) are designed to simulate an infinite number of effective gears for smooth acceleration and improved efficiency. Not every Yaris model uses a CVT—some trims and high-performance versions use other types of transmissions.
Before listing common configurations, note that actual equipment can vary by market and model year. The following patterns reflect typical configurations seen across many regions.
- Yaris Hybrid: almost always paired with an e-CVT for maximum efficiency and smooth operation.
- Yaris (petrol) variants: automatic versions are frequently CVT-equipped in many markets, while a traditional manual option is often available in various trims.
- Yaris GR (high-performance variant): uses a conventional 6-speed manual transmission and does not employ a CVT.
In summary, CVTs are common on many Yaris automatic variants and on all Yaris Hybrid models, but they are not universal—especially in the case of the GR Yaris, which is intentionally manual-driven for performance.
Market notes on transmission choices
Transmission configurations vary by region and year. Here is a snapshot of typical patterns seen around the world, while keeping in mind that exact specs can differ by model year and trim.
- Europe and Asia: CVT or e-CVT is standard on most petrol automatics; the Yaris Hybrid uses an e-CVT.
- North America: the Yaris lineup has offered both manual and automatic options depending on the year and model; a true CVT was not universal across all trims, and the high-performance GR Yaris is not a CVT.
- Other markets: similar to Europe and Asia, with CVTs common on automatics and a manual option available on certain trims or generations.
Market specifics evolve with model year and regional strategy, so always verify the precise transmission type listed for the exact car you’re considering.
Summary
The core takeaway is that most current Toyota Yaris models use a CVT (or an e-CVT in hybrids), which helps deliver smooth performance and good fuel economy. However, there are important exceptions: the high-performance GR Yaris uses a traditional manual, and some regional trims in certain years have offered non-CVT automatics or manuals. Always check the exact transmission specification for the specific Yaris model and market you’re looking at.
