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Why is Yaris discontinued in USA?


The Toyota Yaris, once a popular subcompact car in the United States, was officially discontinued after the 2020 model year. This decision left many fans of the vehicle wondering why Toyota chose to pull the plug on this affordable and fuel-efficient car. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Yaris in the U.S. market and what it means for car buyers.


Declining Demand for Subcompact Cars


One of the primary reasons for the discontinuation of the Toyota Yaris in the U.S. is the declining demand for subcompact cars. Over the past decade, American consumers have increasingly shifted their preferences toward SUVs and crossovers. These vehicles offer more space, higher seating positions, and better versatility, making them more appealing to families and individuals alike. As a result, subcompact cars like the Yaris have seen a significant drop in sales.


Competition from Other Toyota Models


Another factor contributing to the Yaris's discontinuation is internal competition within Toyota's lineup. The Toyota Corolla, a compact car that offers more space and features, has remained a strong seller in the U.S. market. Additionally, Toyota's lineup of SUVs, such as the RAV4 and the C-HR, has captured the attention of buyers looking for affordable yet practical vehicles. With these options available, the Yaris struggled to carve out its niche.


Cost of Compliance with Safety and Emissions Standards


Meeting stringent safety and emissions standards in the U.S. can be costly for automakers, especially for low-margin vehicles like the Yaris. As regulations become more demanding, the cost of updating and maintaining compliance for smaller, less profitable models can outweigh the benefits of keeping them in the lineup. This economic reality likely played a role in Toyota's decision to discontinue the Yaris.


Rebadging and Market Strategy


Interestingly, the final iteration of the Toyota Yaris in the U.S. was essentially a rebadged Mazda2, produced in collaboration with Mazda. While this partnership allowed Toyota to offer the Yaris without significant development costs, it also meant that the vehicle was not a core Toyota product. This may have influenced Toyota's decision to focus on other models that better align with its long-term market strategy.


What Does This Mean for Yaris Owners?


If you currently own a Toyota Yaris, there’s no need to worry. Toyota has a reputation for reliability, and parts and service for the Yaris will remain available for years to come. Additionally, the discontinuation of the model could make used Yaris vehicles more affordable, offering a great option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable car.


Conclusion


The discontinuation of the Toyota Yaris in the U.S. reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, including the growing popularity of SUVs and the challenges of maintaining profitability in the subcompact car segment. While it’s always sad to see a beloved model leave the market, Toyota’s decision highlights the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Toyota Yaris coming back to the US?


Toyota axed the Yaris from its U.S. lineup after the 2020 model year.



Why did Toyota get rid of the Yaris?


To sum up, Toyota bid adieu to the Yaris as it no longer aligned with the company's pursuit of a profitable and forward-looking product portfolio.



What was the worst year for a Toyota Yaris?


2008
2008 Toyota Yaris
Although the 2008 Yaris has fewer complaints, its problems are more severe and at low mileage. For this reason, CarComplaints gave the 2008 Toyota Yaris the distinction as the worst model year. The 2008 model suffered from peeling clear coats and paint like the previous year.



What is replacing the Yaris?


So, what's replacing the Toyota Yaris? It's the Toyota Corolla Cross. This new model is expected to fill the gap left by the departure of the Yaris. The Corolla Cross has a larger size compared to the Yaris, which makes it more suitable for families and those who need more space for their belongings.



What car is similar to a Yaris?


The Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit have nearly identical engines in a 1.6-liter four-cylinder.



What is the life expectancy of a Toyota Yaris?


200,000-250,000 miles
Most drivers will see 200,000-250,000 miles on their Toyota Yaris, especially with excellent care, maintenance, and driving. The high mileage for this discontinued car is around 200,000 miles, and good mileage for the vehicle is closer to the 180,000-mile mark.



Is a Toyota Yaris worth buying?


Is the Toyota Yaris worth buying? For most buyers, yes. It's economical to run, good to drive, and won't let you down. On the other hand, if you want a really spacious small car, you may prefer the Honda Jazz.



What is the main problem with the Toyota Yaris?


Improper Programming of Hybrid System
A recall was issued in November 2022 due to a software issue in the Toyota Yaris Hybrid system that could prevent the vehicle from entering a fail-safe driving mode. This issue could result in a loss of control in certain conditions. Affected Models: Toyota Yaris HEV (2020) .



What is a Yaris called in America?


In North America, most Yaris sedan models sold from 2015 to 2020 and Yaris hatchbacks sold from 2019 until 2020 were restyled versions of the Mazda2, produced and developed by Mazda.



Is it worth it to buy a Toyota Yaris?


Is the Toyota Yaris worth buying? For most buyers, yes. It's economical to run, good to drive, and won't let you down. On the other hand, if you want a really spacious small car, you may prefer the Honda Jazz.


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.