What type of automatic transmission does Toyota Yaris have?
It depends on the model and market: the Yaris lineup uses different automatic transmissions, with hybrids employing an electronic CVT (e-CVT) and non-hybrid Yaris variants using either a traditional automatic or a CVT depending on year and region.
The Toyota Yaris has evolved across generations and continents, leading to variations in how the automatic transmission is paired with its engines. This article outlines the general patterns for recent models, including hybrids and gasoline variants, while noting that exact specs can vary by market and production year.
Transmission options by Yaris variant
Below is a quick guide to how automatic transmissions have been paired with different Yaris variants over the years.
- Hybrid Yaris (including later Yaris Hybrid variants) uses Toyota's e-CVT (electronic continuously variable transmission) integrated with the petrol engine and electric motor in the hybrid system.
- Gasoline-only Yaris models (non-hybrid) have historically used a conventional automatic with a fixed number of gears (commonly 4- or 6-speed) on older generations; some markets also offered CVT-equipped petrol variants in certain years, depending on trim and engine options.
- In some regions and model years, Toyota offered a CVT labeled Multidrive S on certain Yaris petrol trims, designed to balance efficiency with smooth operation by simulating gear changes.
Concluding note: For the exact specification on a given car, verify the model year, market, and trim via the official specification sheet or the dealer, as transmissions vary widely across generations.
Current generation and market notes
In the latest Yaris lineup (as of the early 2020s), Toyota has continued to position the Hybrid as its primary automatic option with the e-CVT. Gasoline variants remain, but the automatic option may be CVT in some markets or paired with a traditional automatic in others, depending on the region and available powertrains.
Hybrid vs non-hybrid at a glance
The essential difference is that the Yaris Hybrid uses an e-CVT for the hybrid drivetrain, while non-hybrid petrol Yaris variants may use either a conventional automatic or a CVT depending on year and market. The e-CVT is optimized to coordinate the gasoline engine with the electric motor, while conventional automatics rely on fixed gear ratios.
How to identify your Yaris transmission
Here are practical tips to confirm which transmission your car has:
- Check the vehicle’s badge or the gear selector: a CVT typically shows a continuous "D" with no distinct gears in the shift pattern; traditional automatics display P-R-N-D along with gear numbers like 2 and 1.
- Consult the owner's manual or the window sticker; the transmission type is listed in the mechanical specifications.
- Inspect the model year and market: if your Yaris is a Hybrid, it uses an e-CVT; non-hybrid petrol Yaris variants may use a conventional automatic or CVT depending on region and year.
In addition, you can check the original build sheet or contact the dealer for the exact transmission specification for your VIN.
Summary
The Toyota Yaris does not have a single automatic transmission type across all models. Hybrids use an e-CVT, while gasoline-only Yaris variants have historically used conventional automatics or CVTs, with the exact configuration varying by generation and market. For the precise transmission type of a specific car, verify the model year, trim, and regional specifications.
Summary: The Yaris' automatic transmission landscape is diversified by generation and market. To confirm the exact type for a given vehicle, check official specs or the dealer-supplied build sheet.
