Toyota killed the Yaris hatchback and sedan in the US after the 2020 mannequin yr. Nonetheless, the subcompact mannequin obtained a fourth technology in different markets, full with a high-performance model from Gazoo Racing. As well as, a Yaris Cross joined the lineup, and Mazda slapped its badge once more for a brand new Mazda2 hybrid. You’ll be able to’t have any of those vehicles within the US, however sellers are asking Toyota for the Yaris nameplate to return.
The brand new boss of the Toyota Nationwide Seller Advisory Council, Russ Humberston Jr., instructed Automotive Information he is aware of a “lot of sellers” thinking about promoting the Yaris in America once more. Nonetheless, it is not straightforward to make it occur. The entry-level mannequin was discontinued as a result of the new-generation automobile would’ve been too costly after spending cash to engineer the diminutive hatchback to adjust to security and emissions rules. A brand new Yaris would’ve been priced equally to the automobile from a phase above, the Corolla, which begins at $23,460 for the 2025 mannequin yr.
When the previous Yaris died within the US a couple of years in the past, Toyota thought it may promote extra Corollas to compensate for the smaller automobile’s demise. Nonetheless, Humberston stated that did not occur. In 2024, demand was nearly flat, with shipments growing by solely 0.2% to 232,908 models. This was sufficient for the Corolla to be the 11th best-selling automobile in America, proper behind the segment-rivaling Honda Civic.
Humberston stated he “would undoubtedly contemplate” the Yaris’ return, including {that a} cheaper automobile to fit beneath the Corolla “may work once more” since Toyota is conscious there’s untapped demand on this phase in America. With the Mitsubishi Mirage now useless within the US, the Yaris may not directly exchange it. The Nissan Versa is the one new automobile that begins at underneath $20,000.
Contemplating this Yaris has already been round for about 5 years, with a facelift launched in 2024, it is probably too late for the present mannequin to obtain a US visa. We’re all for having cheaper vehicles within the US, particularly a small hatchback. Nonetheless, if Toyota does determine to deliver again the Yaris, we cannot be too shocked if it prefers to promote one thing alongside the traces of the Yaris Cross to struggle the Chevy Trax, Nissan Kicks, VW Taos, and the opposite subcompact crossovers.
