Is a Toyota Yaris RWD?
No. The Toyota Yaris lineup is not rear-wheel drive; it is built around front-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive variants available only on selected models like the GR Yaris and certain Yaris Cross trims in some markets.
To understand how this applies across the current Yaris family, here is a detailed look at which models use FWD and where AWD appears, along with context on market variations.
Drivetrain options across the Yaris family
The following breakdown shows which Yaris models use front-wheel drive and where all-wheel drive appears.
- Yaris (petrol) — Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Yaris Hybrid — Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Yaris Cross — Front-wheel drive (FWD) (base variants)
Conclusion for the front-wheel-drive lineup: The baseline Yaris models are FWD in most markets, with some trims offering AWD as an option under specific conditions.
All-wheel-drive variants
All-wheel-drive options are limited to specific, higher-trim or performance-oriented versions of the Yaris.
- GR Yaris — All-wheel drive (AWD) using Toyota's GR-Four system
- Yaris Cross AWD-i — All-wheel drive available in certain markets via an Intelligent AWD system
Conclusion: AWD variants exist to enhance traction and capability, but there is no pure rear-wheel-drive Yaris model in the current lineup.
Summary
Bottom line: if you’re shopping for a Yaris, expect front-wheel drive in most versions, with all-wheel drive offered on a few trims (notably the GR Yaris and some Yaris Cross configurations depending on market). Toyota does not offer a rear-wheel-drive Yaris.
