2020 Toyota Yaris — Full Specifications
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The 2020 Toyota Yaris is a hatchback powered by a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) / 35 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 41–42 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Toyota Yaris workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2020 listings: Toyota Yaris Cross.
Compared with the 2019 Toyota Yaris: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 42 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| 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) | 42 combined / 38 urban / 48 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 35 combined / 32 city / 40 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 157 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 8 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2020 Toyota Yaris, all with the 1.5L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 34 to 35 mpg (US), or 41 to 42 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 (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (32/40) | 157 | $1,900 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 34 (30/39) | 164 | $1,950 |
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 2020 Toyota Yaris
Running Costs: 2020 Toyota Yaris
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 Toyota Yaris at 42 mpg combined, expect roughly 866 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,900 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.
2020 Toyota Yaris Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2020 Toyota Yaris (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V617000, reported 27 September 2021. Risk: A fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Toyota Yaris. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (3), Engine (3), Fuel system (3). That is well below the median of 15 complaints across the 11 Toyota Yaris model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 Toyota Yaris
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 3 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Engine (3 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Throttle & cruise control (2 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
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 2020 Toyota Yaris's 42 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 157 g/km CO₂ figure is 59 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 11 Toyota Yaris model years we cover, the 2020 is the most economical on its best configuration (42 mpg UK combined). 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 2020 Toyota Yaris
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Toyota Yaris have?
It's fitted with a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Toyota Yaris?
The most efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) combined, or 35 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 41 to 42 mpg.
How much does the 2020 Toyota Yaris cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,900 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 2020 Toyota Yaris have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 Toyota Yaris have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2020 Toyota Yaris (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (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 2020 Toyota Yaris?
Among the 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (3 complaints), Engine (3 complaints), Fuel system (3 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 2020 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.