Yaris 2026 Powertrain: What Powers KSA's Favorite Subcompact

Saudi Arabia: The 2026 Toyota Yaris gets a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine that is tried and proven across diverse driving conditions in Saudi Arabia. It is reliable and highly efficient for everyday city driving without any issue whatsoever. Toyota has retained the same engine for a long time, which produces 97 hp of power and 122 Nm of torque.

What the numbers actually mean

• Fuel efficiency is claimed to be 22.1 km/litre.
• In real driving conditions, it comes close to 19-20 km/L.
• The 40-liter tank means about 800+ km between fill-ups 

The CVT transmission paired with this engine is smooth but may not feel the most exciting. It keeps the engine in its efficiency sweet spot, which matters when you are stuck on King Fahd Road. This essentially means no lurching or any real complaint, just predictable forward movement.

Toyota added Dual VVT-i technology, which continuously adjusts valve timing. This actually helps the engine work better in different conditions. Whether you are moving in bumper-to-bumper city traffic or merging onto the highway, the system optimises performance without you noticing.

The engine's simplicity is its strength; with four cylinders, naturally aspirated, there is no turbo complexity. Getting parts is easy, and any neighbourhood mechanic knows this engine inside out. If there is an uneventful breakdown or problem, you can fix it without paying much money or waiting for a long time. This is a real advantage.

Ownership reality

One advantage most buyers appreciate is the lower cost of service, as the oil change is cheaper, and the engine runs on 91 octane. You don’t need any special fluids or complicated maintenance schedules. This matters more than peak horsepower when you're looking at five years of ownership. The compact 4,425 mm length makes parking easier than with larger sedans. A width of 1,740 mm means you can navigate tight city streets without stress. 

The Yaris is undoubtedly a proven sedan and suited for first-time buyers, young professionals, or families needing a reliable, basic, capable everyday car.  The Yaris powertrain delivers exactly what it promises.