It has been revealed that an improved model of Toyota’s popular compact car, the Yaris, will be released on February 20, 2026. For those currently considering purchasing a Yaris, an important decision is whether to buy now or wait for the new model.
The release date for the 2026 Yaris has been decided! Here’s why you should wait
In this article, we’ll thoroughly explain the improvements, price, and equipment included in the 2026 Yaris, providing you with the information you need to decide whether to buy the current model or wait for the new model.
[Conclusion] Who should wait for the new Yaris and who doesn’t need to wait?
People who should wait for the new model
- Those who prioritize electric parking brakes (those planning to purchase a hybrid vehicle)
- Those who want a large 10.5-inch display (those planning to purchase the Z grade)
- Those who care about the latest equipment
- Those interested in the yellow color “Mustard”
- Those looking for the 6-speed manual transmission and special edition “Z URBANO”
People who are willing to buy now
- Those who are satisfied with entry grade (X, G)
- Those who wanted two-tone colors on the standard model (as they will be discontinued)
- If you need a car immediately
- Those who want to avoid price increases due to improvements (expected price increase of 150,000 to 200,000 yen)
Summary of major improvements to the 2026 new Yaris
1. Hybrid vehicles now feature an electric parking brake (EPB)
The biggest improvement is the adoption of an electric parking brake (EPB) on all grades of hybrid vehicles.
Key benefits:
- The handbrake lever is no longer necessary, keeping the area around the center console neat and tidy.
- Newly equipped center armrest for improved comfort on long-distance drives
- Parking brake can be operated with the push of a button
- The auto function automatically applies the brakes when the vehicle comes to a stop.
Until now, the Yaris Hybrid was one of the few compact cars to feature a handbrake lever, but it will finally be equipped on par with its competitors.
2. Z grade features a large 10.5-inch display audio
2025 Toyota Aqua
In the top-of-the-line grade “Z,” the display audio will be enlarged from 8 inches to 10.5 inches .
Improvements:
- Larger screen for improved visibility
- Navigation is now easier
- Connected navigation compatible for up-to-date information
- Improved usability of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Rival cars such as the Honda Fit and Nissan Note also use large displays, so the Yaris has finally caught up.
3. Changes to the exterior design
Door mirrors and shark fin antennas are all black
To enhance the sense of unity in the design, the door mirrors and shark fin antennas will be changed to black on all grades, giving a firmer impression and enhancing the sportiness.
Change body color
- Discontinued: “Coral Crystal Shine”
- New setting: “Mustard” (Z grade only)
“Mustard” is a vibrant yellow color that is also used in the new Prius, making it an attractive choice for customers seeking individuality.
Two-tone colors are only available on special edition vehicles
The two-tone body color has been discontinued for the standard model and is now exclusive to the special edition “Z URBANO.” If you want two-tone, you will need to choose the special edition.
4. A 6-speed manual transmission will be added to the special edition “Z URBANO”
The long-awaited **6-speed manual transmission (MT)** will be newly available for the gasoline version of the popular special edition “Z URBANO.”
The significance of the 6-speed manual transmission:
- Ideal for drivers who seek driving pleasure
- Excellent fuel economy (19.6km/L)
- Perfect match for sporty special edition vehicles
- A valuable option for MT enthusiasts
While the number of manual transmission vehicles has been decreasing in recent years, Yaris has been actively adding manual transmission vehicles to its lineup, earning high praise from users who prioritize driving performance.
5. Reorganization and abolition of equipment
While convenience will be improved, some equipment will be discontinued.
Equipment to be discontinued:
- Digital Key
- Toyota Teammate [Advanced Park] (Automatic Parking Assist)
- X-grade “Turn Tilt Seat”
- G grade “Comfort Seat Set”
The “Advanced Park” feature was particularly useful, but it was probably discontinued due to low usage rates. If you value these features, it’s worth considering purchasing the current model.
The price of the new Yaris? Expected increase of 150,000 to 200,000 yen
The new Yaris will be equipped with more features due to improvements, and its price is expected to increase .
Price increase forecast:
- Entry grade (X, G): 50,000 to 100,000 yen
- High-grade (Z): 150,000 to 200,000 yen
- Hybrid car: 150,000 to 200,000 yen
In particular, price increases are expected to be significant for grades equipped with electric parking brakes and large displays.
Reference: Current model price (2025 model)
Gasoline vehicles:
- X (1.0L): from 1,657,000 yen
- X (1.5L CVT): 1.811 million yen ~
- Z (1.5L CVT): 2.237 million yen ~
- Z (1.5L 6MT): From 2,134,000 yen
Hybrid vehicles:
- HYBRID X: from 2,200,000 yen
- HYBRID G: from 2,321,000 yen
- HYBRID Z: from 2,579,000 yen
Special edition Z URBANO:
- Gasoline: from 2,347,000 yen
- Hybrid: from 2,689,000 yen
New Yaris specifications and performance
Powertrain
1.0L inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine
- Maximum output: 69ps
- Maximum torque: 9.4kgm
- Fuel economy: 20.2km/L (WLTC)
1.5L inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine
- Maximum output: 120ps
- Maximum torque: 14.8kgm
- Fuel economy: 19.6km/L (6MT), 21.6km/L (CVT)
1.5L Hybrid
- System output: 116ps
- Fuel consumption: 36.0km/L (FF), 30.2km/L (4WD)
Fuel economy: 36.0km/L, best in its class
The Yaris Hybrid boasts a fuel economy of 36.0km/L (WLTC mode), one of the best figures in the compact car class.
Fuel economy comparison with competing vehicles:
- Toyota Yaris Hybrid: 36.0km/L
- Toyota Aqua: 35.8km/L
- Honda Fit e:HEV: 29.4km/L
- Nissan Note e-POWER: 28.4km/L
With gasoline prices rising, excellent fuel economy is a major attraction. The Yaris Hybrid is an ideal choice for those who drive long distances each year or who want to keep fuel costs down.
Safety equipment: Latest Toyota Safety Sense
The new Yaris comes standard with Toyota’s preventive safety package, Toyota Safety Sense , on all grades.
Key safety features:
- Pre-crash safety : Pedestrian and bicycle detection, oncoming vehicle detection when turning right
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) : Lane centering assistance
- Radar cruise control : Full-speed tracking function
- Automatic high beam (AHB) : Automatic high/low switching
- Road Sign Assist (RSA) : Road sign display
- Proactive Driving Assist : Risk Prediction Assist
- Low-speed acceleration suppression function : Suppresses acceleration when pedal is accidentally pressed
Proactive Driving Assist, added in the 2024 improvement, is an advanced function that detects the distance to pedestrians and vehicles ahead and provides gradual deceleration assistance in advance.
Body size and platform
New Yaris body size:
- Overall length: 3,940mm
- Overall width: 1,695mm
- Overall height: 1,500mm (1,515mm for 4WD)
- Wheelbase: 2,550mm
- Minimum turning radius: 4.8m
With a compact body and a minimum turning radius of 4.8m, it is easy to maneuver on narrow roads and in parking lots. It maintains its size as a 5-number vehicle and is optimized for the road environment in Japan.
Adopts TNGA GA-B platform
With the new generation platform “GA-B”,
- 50kg lighter than the previous model
- Body rigidity improved by over 30%
- Center of gravity height lowered by 15mm
The lightweight, highly rigid body combines excellent driving performance with fuel efficiency.
Comparison with rival cars
vs Honda Fit
Honda Fit
Fit Advantages:
- Spacious interior space “Center tank layout”
- Versatile seat arrangements
- High-quality interior
Yaris’ strengths:
- Excellent fuel economy (36.0km/L)
- Driving pleasure (TNGA platform)
- 6-speed manual transmission available
vs Nissan Note
Nissan NOTE
Notebook strengths:
- The smooth acceleration characteristic of e-POWER
- Advanced ProPilot
- e-POWER 4WD
Yaris’ strengths:
- Excellent fuel economy
- Compact body size
- Wide range of grades available
vs Mazda MAZDA2
MAZDA2
MAZDA2 Strengths:
- High-quality design
- Diesel Engine Settings
- European-style driving
Yaris’ strengths:
- Hybrid fuel economy
- The latest safety equipment
- Toyota brand reliability
When is the best time to buy?
The benefits of waiting for the new model in February 2026
○ Benefits
- Electric parking brake + armrest (hybrid)
- 10.5-inch large display (Z grade)
- Latest equipment and latest design
- Z URBANO 6-speed MT setting
- New color “Mustard” available
× Disadvantages
- Price increases by 150,000 to 200,000 yen
- You will have to wait until delivery (after February 2026)
- Some equipment has been discontinued (digital key, advanced park, etc.)
The benefits of buying the current model now
○ Benefits
- Available for purchase at current price (saving 150,000 to 200,000 yen)
- Will be delivered soon
- Two-tone color options available for standard models (if in stock)
- Digital key and advanced parking available
× Disadvantages
- No electric parking brake (hybrid)
- The display is 8 inches (Z grade)
- It quickly becomes “outdated”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How long will it take to deliver the new Yaris?
A. Due to the high demand immediately after release, delivery is expected to take approximately 3 to 6 months. Early reservations are recommended.
Q2. Will electric parking brakes be available on gasoline vehicles as well?
A. This improvement only applies to hybrid vehicles. Gasoline vehicles will continue to use the conventional handbrake lever.
Q3. What is the difference between the GR Yaris?
A. The GR Yaris is a separate vehicle, a sports model equipped with a dedicated high-performance engine and 4WD system. The regular Yaris is optimized for everyday use.
Q4. Can we expect discounts on current models?
A. It may be easier to negotiate discounts on in-stock vehicles between January and February 2026, before the new model is released.
Q5. Can it be used with KINTO?
A. Yes, the Yaris is available through Toyota’s subscription service “KINTO.” The new model is expected to be added to the KINTO lineup after its release.
Summary: Should I wait for the new Yaris? Decision points
[Who should wait] Hybrid + high-end model
- Those who are planning to purchase a hybrid car and want an electric parking brake
- Those who prioritize a 10.5-inch display in the Z grade
- Those who are particular about the latest equipment
- Those interested in the special edition Z URBANO 6-speed manual transmission
→ We recommend waiting for the new model to be released in February 2026.
[Buy now] Entry-level grade & cost-conscious
- Those who are satisfied with X and G grades
- Those who want to avoid a price increase of 150,000 to 200,000 yen
- If you need a car immediately
- Those who want the two-tone color of the standard model
→ Purchasing the current model is also very attractive.
[February 20, 2026] Towards the release of the new Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is Japan’s leading compact car, and is popular with many users for its excellent fuel efficiency, comprehensive safety features, and affordable price.
The improved model, which will be released on February 20, 2026, will have significantly improved usability, including the adoption of an electric parking brake for hybrid vehicles and a larger display for the Z grade.
If you are considering purchasing:
- If you want a hybrid and a premium grade, “wait for the new model”
- If you’re looking for an entry-level model with cost-conscious pricing, the current model is a good choice.
- In either case, visit a dealer early to gather information.
For more information on the new Yaris and test drive vehicle availability, please visit the Toyota official website or your nearest dealer.
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