2016 Toyota Yaris — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Toyota Yaris is a hatchback powered by a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 40 mpg (UK) / 33 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 38–40 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Toyota Yaris workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Toyota Yaris: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 40 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating. EPA passenger volume changes from 85 to 86 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 86 cu ft (2,435 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 40 combined / 36 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 33 combined / 30 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 168 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 8 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2016 Toyota Yaris, all with the 1.5L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 32 to 33 mpg (US), or 38 to 40 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (30/35) | 173 | $2,100 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (30/36) | 168 | $2,050 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 86 cubic feet (about 2,435 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Toyota Yaris
Running Costs: 2016 Toyota Yaris
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Toyota Yaris at 40 mpg combined, expect roughly 909 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Toyota Yaris Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota Yaris (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 19V319000, reported 23 April 2019. 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.
- Tires — campaign 16V236000, reported 22 April 2016. Risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota Yaris. The most-reported areas are Service brakes (2), Air bags (2), Structure (2). Complaints include 2 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 15 complaints across the 11 Toyota Yaris model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Toyota Yaris
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 2 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Tyres (1 recall campaign) — Check tyre age and wear and ask about any tyre recalls.
- Brakes (2 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Body structure (2 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Toyota Yaris's 40 mpg is 6 mpg above that make average. Its 168 g/km CO₂ figure is 48 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 11 Toyota Yaris model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (40 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Toyota Yaris year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Toyota Yaris
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Toyota Yaris have?
It's fitted with a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a manual 5-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Toyota Yaris?
The most efficient configuration returns around 40 mpg (UK) combined, or 33 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 38 to 40 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Yaris cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Toyota Yaris have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Toyota Yaris have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota Yaris (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Toyota Yaris?
Among the 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Service brakes (2 complaints), Air bags (2 complaints), Structure (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2016 Toyota Yaris have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 86 cubic feet (about 2,435 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.