Which Yaris engine is best?
The best engine for most buyers is the Yaris Hybrid’s 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle setup for efficiency, while the GR Yaris’ 1.6-liter turbocharged engine stands as the top performer in the lineup. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, driving pleasure, and total ownership costs.
Overview of the Yaris engine lineup in 2025
In recent generations, Toyota split the Yaris into two main directions: a efficiency-focused hybrid and a high-performance GR variant. A conventional petrol option remains available in some markets, but the hybrid and the GR model define the core choices for most buyers. Here’s how each path serves different needs.
Hybrid powertrain: the efficiency leader
The Yaris Hybrid pairs a 1.5-liter petrol engine with electric motors in a full hybrid system. The setup is tuned for smooth, quiet operation and strong real-world fuel economy, especially in city and mixed driving. The system outputs are designed to deliver easy drivability rather than sizzling pace, with the electric motor assisting during low-speed acceleration and electric-only running in certain conditions. Battery and motor technology contribute to low CO2 emissions, which can help with running costs and tax incentives in many markets. The main trade-offs are a higher upfront price compared with a purely gasoline Yaris and potentially higher maintenance costs for the hybrid components over time. For buyers who spend a lot of time in urban environments, the hybrid often delivers the simplest, most economical ownership experience.
Key strengths and tradeoffs of the Yaris Hybrid are listed below.
- Outstanding city/highway fuel economy, with real-world figures frequently topping 4 L/100 km under light-to-moderate driving
- Low CO2 emissions, contributing to favorable tax and company-car incentives in many regions
- Quiet, refined, and smooth operation with seamless transitions between petrol and electric power
- Higher initial purchase price and potential costs associated with hybrid battery service or replacement later
- Modest performance—engine is optimized for efficiency rather than sportiness
For most drivers, the Yaris Hybrid represents the best overall engine choice in the current lineup, balancing cost of ownership with daily usability and efficiency.
GR Yaris: peak performance option
The GR Yaris is Toyota’s performance flagship in the Yaris family. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (code G16E-GTS) delivering roughly 272 PS (200 kW) and about 370 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive (GR-Four), this powertrain is tuned for acceleration, corner speed, and track-ready handling rather than fuel economy. The GR Yaris embodies a different philosophy from the hybrid: more power, more sound, and more direct engagement, but significantly higher running costs and more demanding maintenance. It is the clear choice for enthusiasts and those who prioritize driving dynamics over efficiency.
Performance attributes of the GR Yaris engine and drivetrain are summarized here.
- Power output: approximately 272 PS (200 kW)
- Torque: around 370 Nm
- Drive system: GR-Four all-wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- 0-100 km/h: about 5.2 seconds
- Top speed: around 165 mph (265 km/h) in tuned variants
For drivers who crave a visceral, engaging driving experience, the GR Yaris powertrain is unmatched within the Yaris lineup, though it comes with higher fuel use and maintenance costs compared with the hybrid.
Bottom line: which engine fits you best?
If your primary goal is economical, hassle-free daily driving with strong real-world economy, the Yaris Hybrid is the best overall engine choice. If you want exhilarating performance, audible drama, and track-ready potential, the GR Yaris engine is the standout option in the family. In markets where a traditional petrol Yaris remains available, it can offer a more straightforward ownership experience, but it typically does not match the hybrid’s efficiency or the GR’s performance.
Summary
The best Yaris engine depends on your priorities. For most buyers, the Yaris Hybrid’s 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle powertrain offers the strongest balance of efficiency, reliability, and practicality. For true enthusiasts, the GR Yaris’ 1.6-liter turbocharged engine represents the pinnacle of Yaris performance, delivering substantial power and engaging dynamics at the cost of higher running expenses. Market availability and personal driving needs will ultimately steer the final choice.
