35 MPG combined is acceptable for the 2019 Toyota Yaris 1.5L. It’s not a hybrid trying to set fuel efficiency records, and it’s not a performance car excusing poor mileage because of high horsepower. It’s a basic car designed to be affordable to buy and, importantly, cheap to run. This fuel economy is aimed at the Yaris’s main customer base: budget-minded buyers, first-time car owners, and city residents who value practicality over style.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Yaris with its 1.5L four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission gets 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. The city number is especially important since many Yaris owners spend a lot of time driving in cities with frequent stops and starts. The 40 MPG highway number shows that even a small, inexpensive car can be efficient on longer trips, making it a good choice for commutes or weekend getaways where gas costs can add up quickly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Toyota Yaris 1.5L is $1,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how you drive and local gas prices, but $1,250 is a useful way to compare the Yaris to other cars in terms of running costs. It shows the Yaris is a cost-effective choice for drivers looking to keep their transportation costs low.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA ratings are helpful, real-world fuel economy can often be different. The Yaris’s light weight and simple engine help achieve fuel economy close to the EPA estimates in ideal conditions. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and high speeds can all lower fuel economy. Careful driving and regular maintenance can help you get fuel economy close to, or even better than, the claimed numbers. The 1.5L engine is sensitive to driving style; smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can significantly impact results. Check YARIS MPG across all years for user-submitted data points, too.

How it compares

The 2019 Yaris competes with other small, fuel-efficient cars. A direct competitor like the Honda Fit, known as the Honda Jazz in some markets, gets around 31 MPG combined with its automatic transmission, making the Yaris slightly more efficient. The Nissan Versa delivers around 35 MPG combined in SR trim, similar to the Yaris’s efficiency. These numbers can vary depending on the specific configuration and model year. Buyers in this segment carefully weigh fuel costs against purchase price. See all Toyota fuel economy data to understand commonalities among the brand’s efficient vehicles.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid quick acceleration and braking. The Yaris’s small engine is most efficient when driven smoothly, avoiding sudden changes that force the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Gentle acceleration and watching traffic will save gas.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t idle. Idling wastes fuel. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars are designed to restart quickly, and the fuel saved by not idling for long periods can add up, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.

Reduce weight. Carrying extra weight in your car reduces fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need from your trunk or backseat, like sporting equipment or extra supplies. Every pound matters, especially in a small car like the Yaris.

Consider cruise control. On highways, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed and prevent accidental acceleration, improving fuel efficiency. Avoid using cruise control in hilly areas, as the transmission may downshift often, reducing some of the benefits.