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Is the Toyota Yaris AWD?

No, the Toyota Yaris does not come with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The Yaris is a subcompact car that is only available with front-wheel-drive (FWD) in most markets.


Detailed Overview of the Toyota Yaris


The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car that has been in production since 1999. It is one of Toyota's smallest and most affordable models, designed for urban driving and fuel efficiency. The Yaris is available in several body styles, including a hatchback, sedan, and occasionally a wagon, depending on the market.


While the Yaris is known for its nimble handling and easy maneuverability, it does not offer an AWD drivetrain option. Toyota has focused the Yaris on providing a cost-effective, front-wheel-drive platform that prioritizes efficiency and city-friendly dimensions over off-road capability or all-weather traction.


Why Doesn't the Toyota Yaris Have AWD?


There are a few key reasons why the Toyota Yaris does not come with an AWD option:



  • Cost and Complexity: Adding an AWD system would significantly increase the Yaris' base price, making it less affordable for the target market of urban commuters and first-time buyers.

  • Packaging and Weight: Accommodating an AWD drivetrain would require more space and add weight to the Yaris, compromising its compact dimensions and fuel efficiency.

  • Target Audience: The Yaris is designed for city driving and light commuting, not for off-road use or severe weather conditions where AWD would be most beneficial.


Toyota has determined that the added cost and complexity of an AWD system does not align with the Yaris' core mission of providing a simple, affordable, and efficient subcompact car for urban environments.


Alternatives to the Toyota Yaris AWD


If you're looking for a subcompact car with all-wheel-drive capability, there are a few alternatives to consider:



  • Subaru Impreza: The Impreza is a compact car that comes standard with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.

  • Hyundai Kona: This subcompact SUV offers an available AWD option, providing more capability than a traditional subcompact car.

  • Mitsubishi Mirage G4: While not a true AWD system, the Mirage G4 sedan does offer an available all-wheel-control system that can improve traction in certain conditions.


These alternatives may be worth considering if you need the added traction and stability of an AWD system in a subcompact or compact vehicle.

Is Toyota AWD on all the time?


There are a variety of different AWD systems, including part-time and full-time AWD. Full-time AWD systems continuously direct torque to the front and rear axle tires, whereas part-time AWD systems monitor road conditions and track driving patterns to determine when is the best time to send torque to the front axle.



Which Toyota Cross has AWD?


Corolla Cross Hybrid
The fuel-efficient Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on the Corolla Cross Hybrid and RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, and is available on the Highlander and Grand Highlander, while the off-road performance-enhancing Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) is standard on the RAV4 TRD Off-Road grade.



Is GR Yaris 4WD or AWD?


All-Wheel-Drive
A homage to the championship-winning Celica GR-FOUR, this is an advanced All-Wheel-Drive system that even allows you to adjust the front-rear ratio using Normal, Gravel and Track modes.



Is the Toyota Yaris FWD or RWD?


Engine & Transmission

Engine Type1.5 Dual VVT-i Engine
Super ChargeNo
Transmission TypeAutomatic
Gearbox7 Speed CVT
Drive TypeFWD



Is the Yaris Cross good in snow?


The AWD-i system will automatically brake any spinning wheels, directing drive force to those with grip. Snow mode tempers throttle response to help pull away securely from stationary or accelerate to maintain controllability when driving on snow or ice.



Does the Toyota Yaris have AWD?


The GR Yaris is available with four-wheel drive alongside other significant modifications which differentiate it from the five-door XP210-series Yaris, with the rear of the car being based upon the larger E210-series Corolla.



What are the disadvantages of Toyota Yaris?


The Toyota Yaris, especially the 2020 model, has been subject to criticism for its slow acceleration. With a modest engine power, it takes roughly 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is quite sluggish compared to many other subcompact cars.



Are Yaris reliable?


The Toyota Yaris is a reliable car. In our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked ninth of 15 in the small car class. It has a strong reliability score of 93.5%, which makes it more reliable than the Ford Fiesta and only slightly less reliable than the Suzuki Swift and Honda Jazz.



Is the Toyota Yaris cross all wheel drive?


The majority of models… are front-wheel drive but the higher trims offer four-wheel drive. That's rare in the small SUV class and makes the Yaris Cross more capable on muddy trails and slippery fields."



Why was Yaris discontinued?


In the statement confirming discontinuation of Yaris, Toyota cited evolving customer needs as one of the factors for the decision. “This move is a part of Toyota's product strategy to continue to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the customer through enhanced technologies and product offerings," it read.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.