DecodedCars2016 Toyota Yaris
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 3dr Hatchback, 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatchback Le/Se
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 96–106 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 30 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 155.5–171.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,271–2,414 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 106 hp, versus about 197 hp for similar 2016 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Toyota Yaris is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 156 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 99-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,271 lb (3dr Hatchback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (30 city / 36 highway), 24% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Yaris — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Yaris →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2016 Yaris configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr Hatchback | 155.5 in | 66.9 in | 59.4 in | 98.8 in | 58.7 / 57.9 in | 2,271 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan | 171.7 in | 66.9 in | 58.7 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,414 lb | 61/39 |
| 5dr Hatchback Le/Se | 155.5 in | 66.9 in | 59.4 in | 98.8 in | 58.7 / 57.9 in | 2,392 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaris | 1.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 36 / 33 | +24% | $2,050 | 271 |
| Yaris | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 35 / 32 | +20% | $2,100 | 278 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Toyota Yaris.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Yaris (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mazda 2 | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Hyundai Accent | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Side/Window · Apr 23, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V319000 · 43,221 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the front seat side air bags and the curtain shield air bags.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, front seat side air bags and curtain shield air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wire harness assembly in the front doors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K1F/K0F.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 22, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V236000 · 94 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16A.
Not every 2016 Toyota Yaris is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Toyota Yaris buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Yaris. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Yaris years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Yaris | 35 | 161.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 10 |
| 2019 Yaris | 35 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 26 |
| 2018 Yaris | 35 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2017 Yaris | 35 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 31 |
| 2015 Yaris | 33 | 155.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 15 |
| 2014 Yaris | 33 | 153.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2013 Yaris | 33 | 153.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2012 Yaris | 33 | 153.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 31 |
| 2011 Yaris | 31 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2010 Yaris | 32 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 9 | 54 |
| 2009 Yaris | 32 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 9 | 54 |
| 2008 Yaris | 32 | 150.8 in | Not rated | 9 | 118 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →