Who makes the Toyota Yaris engine?

The engine powering the Toyota Yaris is designed and produced by Toyota Motor Corporation in its own engine plants around the world.

Toyota develops the Yaris’ powertrains in-house, including a family of small petrol engines (roughly 1.0–1.5 liters) for non-hybrid models and a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain for the Yaris Hybrid. While Toyota maintains control of the core design and manufacturing, some non-core components may come from within the Toyota group or its broader supplier network, depending on market and generation.

Powertrain overview

The Yaris lineup comprises two main powertrain branches: gasoline engines for standard models and Toyota's Hybrid System for the Yaris Hybrid. The engines are created in-house by Toyota and produced at its global engine plants, ensuring consistency across markets.

Before examining details, here is a concise snapshot of where Toyota engines for the Yaris originate and how they are used:

• In-house petrol engines: Toyota develops a family of small-displacement gasoline engines (approximately 1.0–1.5 liters) that power non-hybrid Yaris variants and are produced at Toyota engine plants.


• Hybrid powertrain: The Yaris Hybrid uses Toyota's Hybrid System, combining a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with electric motors and battery, all designed and produced within Toyota's powertrain division.


• Global production network: Engine manufacturing for the Yaris is carried out within Toyota's worldwide network of engine plants to ensure consistency and quality across markets.

In short, Toyota itself remains the maker of the Yaris engine, with production handled by its own facilities and supported by its broader supplier ecosystem.

Market variants and notes

Across regions, the Yaris may be offered with different engine options and tuning, but the underlying powertrains are still designed and built by Toyota. The hybrid variant reflects Toyota’s widely adopted Hybrid System, which is employed across many small Toyota cars globally.

Yaris Hybrid specifics

The Yaris Hybrid pairs Toyota's 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with electric motors and a battery; the system is designed and tuned by Toyota and integrated into the vehicle’s powertrain at Toyota facilities. Hybrid battery packs are produced within Toyota’s broader battery manufacturing network or by partner suppliers under Toyota oversight.

Non-hybrid specifics

Non-hybrid Yaris variants rely on Toyota’s small-displacement petrol engines, engineered for efficiency and low emissions, and manufactured in Toyota engine plants around the world to meet regional standards and regulations.

Summary

Bottom line: the Toyota Yaris engine is made by Toyota Motor Corporation within its own engine-building network. The hybrid version uses Toyota’s Hybrid System, and while core engineering is handled in-house, some non-core components may come from the broader Toyota group or its suppliers as needed. This integrated approach supports consistency, reliability, and efficiency across markets.

What is the common problem in Toyota Yaris?

Common problems reported for the Toyota Yaris include issues with the automatic transmission (especially older models), power steering failure, air conditioning problems, and paint peeling, particularly on the roof and hood. Other frequently cited issues are engine and transmission problems, such as engine mounts, clutch slip, and rough idling. Some models have also been subject to significant recalls, including issues with airbag inflators and steering components.
 
This video discusses common problems and weaknesses of the used Toyota Yaris (I generation): 59sMasterCarsProYouTube · Jul 20, 2023
Powertrain 

• Automatic Transmission: Can slip or have issues shifting, especially in older models, sometimes linked to a lack of regular fluid changes. 
• Clutch: Slipping is a common issue, often indicated by high RPMs without corresponding speed, a burning smell, or a change in pedal height. 
• Engine Mounts: Some owners report vibrations from damaged engine mounts. 
• Rough Idling: Can occur due to dirty throttle bodies or injectors. Cleaning and replacing spark plugs can help. 
• Oil Consumption: Some older models, particularly pre-2015, may burn more oil than expected. 

Steering and suspension

• Power Steering: Malfunctions have been reported, leading to steering difficulties. 
• Steering Wheel: Some owners report a loose or vibrating steering wheel, or a noisy steering system. 
• Wheel Hubs: Noise, such as squealing, has been linked to faulty front and rear wheel hubs. 

Electrical and accessories

• Air Conditioning: Malfunctions, such as leaks or the system not turning on, have been reported. 
• Airbags: Faulty inflators have been the cause of a major recall. 
• Headlights: Malfunction of headlight beams has been noted. 
• Media Computer: Issues with the radio, GPS, and Bluetooth have occurred. 
• Alarm System: Problems with alarm malfunction have been reported. 

Body and paint

• Paint Peeling: A common problem is clear coat peeling, especially on the roof and hood. 
• Scratches: Scratches can appear on the dashboard, around door locks, and in the trunk. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems of the Toyota Yaris iA: 59sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Dec 14, 2024

Who makes Toyota Yaris engines?

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland
Key components – engines and transmission – are supplied by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland. The first generation Yaris became the first Toyota to be named European Car of the Year, in 2000. That accolade was matched by the Toyota Vitz (the model's name in Japan) which won the Japan Car of the Year title.

Is the Toyota Yaris a Mazda 2?

No, a standard Mazda 2 is not a Toyota Yaris, but in certain markets, a specific model called the "Mazda 2 Hybrid" is a rebadged Toyota Yaris. The relationship is a bit of a role reversal from a few years ago, when the Yaris sedan sold in North America was a rebadged Mazda 2. 
This video explains the relationship between the Mazda 2 Hybrid and the Toyota Yaris: 1mAUTO TVYouTube · Feb 20, 2025
The Mazda 2 Hybrid

• Shared platform: The Mazda 2 Hybrid is built on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and shares its powertrain, which is a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder hybrid system.
• External differences: Mazda has added its own grille and bumper designs, but the cars are otherwise very similar.
• Interior: The interiors are also virtually identical.
• Key differences: The main differences are the badges, the longer warranty offered by Toyota, and the higher price of the Mazda 2 Hybrid compared to the equivalent Yaris. 

The Yaris iA/iA sedan

• Rebadged Mazda 2: For the 2015-2020 model years in North America, the Yaris sedan and Scion iA were based on the Mazda 2 and built by Mazda, making them Mazda 2s with a different front-end design and Toyota badging. 

Which Yaris has a Mazda engine?

The XP210 Yaris Hybrid-based Mazda2 Hybrid went on sale in Europe in 2022.