Is a Toyota Yaris iA a hybrid?
No, the Toyota Yaris iA is not a hybrid vehicle. It is a subcompact sedan powered by a conventional gasoline engine, not a hybrid powertrain.
Explaining the Toyota Yaris iA
The Toyota Yaris iA is a subcompact sedan that was produced from 2016 to 2020. It was a rebadged version of the Mazda2 sedan, developed as a joint project between Toyota and Mazda. The Yaris iA was positioned as a more affordable and fuel-efficient alternative to Toyota's larger sedan models.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
The Toyota Yaris iA was equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. It did not feature any hybrid or electric components in its powertrain. The Yaris iA achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 35 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, which was competitive for a subcompact sedan, but not at the level of a dedicated hybrid vehicle.
Comparison to Toyota Hybrid Models
In contrast, Toyota's dedicated hybrid models, such as the Prius and Camry Hybrid, utilize a combination of a gasoline engine and one or more electric motors to achieve significantly higher fuel efficiency, often reaching over 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving. These hybrid models are designed to maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions, whereas the Yaris iA was a more conventional, non-hybrid subcompact sedan.
So in summary, the Toyota Yaris iA was a gasoline-powered subcompact sedan, not a hybrid vehicle. It offered good fuel efficiency for its class, but did not have the advanced hybrid powertrain technology found in other Toyota models.
What does the iA stand for in Yaris?
Yaris iA. The "i" in the models' names can stand for intriguing, individual, and easy on customers' income. Meanwhile the "A" for the sedan denotes the accommodating trunk and the aggressive styling.
What type of car is a Toyota Yaris iA?
Sedan
The Toyota Yaris iA - A Sporty, Sleek Sedan.
Why was the Yaris iA discontinued?
The United States and Canadian Yaris hatchback was offered in LE and XLE trim levels. In the United States, sales of the hatchback began in October 2019. Both Mazda2-based Yaris models were discontinued in the U.S. in June 2020 due to new regulations and slow sales.
Is the Toyota Yaris a hybrid car?
Yes, the Toyota Yaris is available as a hybrid, with a self-charging system that combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor. This system is designed to improve fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, and does not need to be plugged in. It achieves this by using the electric motor at low speeds and during acceleration and by charging the battery through braking and by the petrol engine.
This video explains the self-charging hybrid system of the Toyota Yaris: 1mToyota UKYouTube · Aug 20, 2025
- How it works: The hybrid system uses the electric motor at low speeds to save fuel and the petrol engine when needed. The battery is recharged by the engine and through regenerative braking (when you slow down).
- Fuel efficiency: The hybrid model is very fuel-efficient, making it one of the cheaper cars to run outside of a full electric vehicle.
- Performance: It offers a combined output of around 111-130 horsepower depending on the model. Some higher-end models, like the GR Sport and Premiere Edition, feature a more powerful 130 horsepower version of the engine for more performance.
- Availability: Hybrid versions are available in many markets, with some regions even exclusively selling the hybrid model.
You can watch this video for a first ride review of the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV: 56sRidebuyphYouTube · Nov 9, 2025
