Dodge
Caliber
Owner report available
Toyota
Yaris
Owner report available
Dodge Caliber vs Toyota Yaris
The short answer
Based on available data, the Dodge Caliber comes out ahead of the Toyota Yaris on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Caliber
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The vehicle is widely characterized as unreliable, poorly built, and a poor value proposition, even at very low purchase prices. Positive feedback is extremely rare and isolated, typically from owners who report no issues with diligent, frequent maintenance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended.
Known issues
- CVT transmission failure: Complete loss of power, failure to engage gears, overheating, whining noise at highway speeds, throwing P0700 diagnostic codes. Described as a very common point of catastrophic failure. Frequency: very frequent.
- Major electrical system failures: Erratic dashboard behavior (lights illuminating, gauges spinning), vehicle entering limp mode, repeated failure of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), numerous communication error codes (U0100, U0141, etc…
- General mechanical unreliability: Serpentine belt failures, premature failure of water pumps, alternators, and other accessory components. Engine noises suggesting internal valvetrain problems. Frequency: very frequent.
Yaris
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding reliability, low running costs, and practicality. The Yaris is consistently praised as a "bulletproof," economical, and easy-to-maintain vehicle, particularly in its older iterations (circa 2009-2014). Long-term owner reports highlight minimal repair costs outside of standard maintenance, with many examples reaching high mileages (over 200,000 km / 124,000 miles) without major issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a single best trim or version. Feedback is generalized across the model line, with manual transmissions often implicitly favored over automated manuals (MMT) due to simplicity, and the 1.33L engine noted as a good balance of power and economy.
Known issues
- Intermittent starting/cranking issues (non-specific): Engine cranks but does not start, potentially related to fuel delivery, spark, or immobilizer/key. Frequency: recurrent.
- Clutch wear/failure: Particularly in higher-mileage manual examples; includes vague biting point and complete failure. Frequency: recurrent.
- Oil consumption: Linked to neglected oil changes in the 1.33L engine; can be remedied with maintenance. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Toyota Yaris is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Dodge Caliber, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Toyota Yaris are a dealbreaker, the Dodge Caliber is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Dodge Caliber or the Toyota Yaris?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Toyota Yaris than the Dodge Caliber. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Dodge Caliber or the Toyota Yaris?
The Toyota Yaris seats more passengers than the Dodge Caliber on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Dodge Caliber is classed as a Hatchback, the Toyota Yaris as a Hatchback.
Which has better fuel economy, the Dodge Caliber or the Toyota Yaris?
The EPA rates the 2012 Dodge Caliber at 24–27 mpg combined and the 2020 Toyota Yaris at 34–35 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Dodge Caliber or the Toyota Yaris?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Yaris than the Dodge Caliber. See the known issues comparison above.