Toyota Yaris Cross Review 2024

Toyota Yaris Cross At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Toyota Yaris Cross is a surprisingly desirable alternative to the Renault Captur and Vauxhall Crossland. It'll be very cheap to run, while it's easy to get comfortable in its ultra-functional cabin. Throw Toyota's excellent reliability record into the mix, and it's one of the most sensible small SUVs you can buy today.

+Easy and fun to drive. Hybrid power means it'll be cheap to run. Generous equipment levels.

-Not as affordable as some alternatives. Ride could be softer. Other small SUVs are more practical.

New prices start from £23,280
On average it achieves 0% of the official MPG figure

Set to compete with the Nissan Juke, Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a new addition to the firm's range. It's closely related to the latest Yaris, with stylish looks and an efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. Read our full Toyota Yaris Cross review to find out if this small SUV should be on your shortlist.

It's the Toyota Yaris Cross's hybrid power which sets it apart from rivals. It combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, resulting in impressive around-town refinement and incredible fuel economy. Officially, you should be able to see up to 64.2mpg from the Yaris Cross, which might be impressive enough to make you think twice about electric alternatives like the Hyundai Kona Electric.

It's easy and fun to drive, with the hybrid setup providing whizzy acceleration around town. Rivals are more suited to motorway driving, though, and the Yaris Cross's relatively firm suspension means we'd suggest treading carefully when the salesperson suggests one of the higher-spec trim levels.

Prices start from around £22,500 for the entry-level Toyota Yaris Cross Icon, but most buyers are expected to stretch to the Yaris Cross Design. This retails from around £24,000 and brings with it 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, interior ambient lighting and rear privacy glass.

Higher-spec models include the Excel, Dynamic and – for a limited time – the Premiere Edition. The latter two are available with four-wheel drive; not necessarily something we'd recommend unless you live somewhere particularly remote.

While the exterior of the Yaris Cross is just as stylish as the most attractive of rivals (we're looking at the Peugeot 2008 and Volkswagen T-Roc here), its interior isn't quite so fancy. It's functional, though, with everything laid out neatly and a choice of two very good infotainment displays (depending on trim level).

You sit higher up than in a Skoda Kamiq, so you feel noticeably off-the-ground compared to a standard Toyota Yaris. It's a comfortable choice – or at least, it is for front-seat passengers. The rear's a bit claustrophobic, but you'd probably be better looking for a bigger SUV anyway if you regularly carry people in the back.

Ultimately, the Toyota Yaris Cross is almost perfectly judged. There are rivals that are more affordable, while some are a little more fun to drive. But the Yaris Cross is a great small hybrid car that will be reliable and cheap to run, while its also a lot more stylish than you might expect for a Toyota.

Toyota Yaris Cross handling and engines

Driving Rating
With its efficient hybrid engine, the Yaris Cross is easy and relaxing to drive. It's also fun, in a way, but its firm ride will make you wince over potholes.

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Handling and ride quality

The Toyota Yaris Cross is 25mm higher than the standard Yaris, which doesn't sound like a lot. You do, however, get that desirable SUV seating position and a good view of the road ahead. That means it's easy to drive around town, although rear visibility isn't quite so good – fortunately, a reversing camera is standard across the range.

Its relatively compact dimensions and light steering means you can duck and dive out of spaces easily. It can hold its own out of the city, too, although a Ford Puma is ultimately more fun to drive on the open road.

While we've only sampled the Yaris Cross on 17-inch alloy wheels, it is a bit firmer than rivals like the Skoda Kamiq or Citroen C3 Aircross. We reckon it's probably worth avoiding higher-spec models with their bigger alloys if you're looking for a comfortable small SUV.

 

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Engines

The Toyota Yaris Cross combines a small three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 116PS and 120Nm of torque. It's not that quick, taking 11.2 seconds to reach 62mph, but that doesn't really reflect how the Yaris Cross drives. It feels much more eager than that around town, with the hybrid setup filling any gaps in the rev range.

It can run on electric power alone at speeds of up to 81mph. Not for any great distance, though (look at the plug-in hybrid Renault Captur E-Tech or electric alternatives like the Hyundai Kona Electric if you want zero-emissions driving). It's good for refinement, only creating a din when you really mash the accelerator.

While the majority of Toyota Yaris Cross buyers are expected to opt for the two-wheel-drive model, there is a four-wheel-drive version on offer. Badged the AWD-i, this uses an extra electric motor on the rear axle to provide a little more grip when required.

 

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Safety

Toyota offers a range of safety and driver-assistance tech as standard, helping you avoid a crash (or at least make it less severe). Standard equipment includes a Pre-Collision System which can detect other vehicles, pedestrians (during the day or night) and cyclists. There's also a Lane Departure Alert system, Automatic High Beam and Adaptive Cruise Control. On Excel, Dynamic and Premiere Edition models, the Yaris Cross also comes with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert systems.

The Toyota Yaris Cross is expected to achieve the same five-star Euro NCAP safety rating as the standard Yaris.

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Towing

The Toyota Yaris Cross has a braked towing capacity of 750kg. If you're looking to tow a caravan or a hefty trailer, we'd recommend looking at the bigger RAV4 or Highlander.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.5 Hybrid - 11.2–11.8 s 103–107 g/km

Toyota Yaris Cross interior

Interior Rating
The interior of the Yaris Cross isn't particularly practical, nor is it as trendy as the exterior. It feels well-built, though, while the seats are comfortable and easy to get in and out of.
Dimensions
Length 4180 mm
Width -
Height 1595 mm
Wheelbase 2560 mm

Full specifications

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Practicality

As small SUVs go, the Toyota Yaris Cross isn't the most versatile choice. The boot can carry 397 litres of luggage which, while adequate for a couple of suticases, isn't particularly impressive among alternatives. There's quite a big boot lip, too, which makes loading items tricky. Fortunately, higher spec Excel, Dynamic and Premiere Edition models come with a false floor to reduce this.

Getting into the back feels a bit awkward due to the oddly-shaped rear doors and, once there, it's not the most pleasant place to sit. It feels a bit claustrophobic but there are Isofix child seat mounting points on the outer seats.

The front is fine for a pair of adults, although the door bins aren't particularly big and neither is the glove box.

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Quality and finish

In typical Toyota fashion, the interior of the Yaris Cross feels robust if not particularly cosseting. There are some fairly scratchy plastics low down in the cabin, while you'll know about it if you accidentally bang your leg on the centre console.

Still, it feels classier than a Toyota cabin from just a few years ago, while we have no doubt that it'll stand up well to family life.

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Infotainment

There are two infotainment systems available in the Yaris Cross: an eight-inch display on Icon and Design models, or a nine-inch system on Excel, Dynamic and Premiere Edition models. Both come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but, if you want built-in navigation, you'll need the bigger system.

We've only tried the smaller unit and actually quite like it. It works well, with quick responses, and there are physical shortcut buttons to useful features. These are missing on the bigger display, which is reliant on touchscreen operation.

There's a seven-inch digital instrument cluster fitted as standard to most Yaris Cross models, while the Premiere Edition is available with a 10-inch head-up display.

Toyota Yaris Cross value for money

Value for Money Rating
There are cheaper alternatives to the Toyota Yaris Cross but it still represents good value for money. You get a lot of standard equipment, while running costs will only really be beaten by pure-electric competitors.

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Prices

You'll pay upwards of £22,500 for a Toyota Yaris Cross in entry-level Icon trim, while the popular Design trim level retails at around £24,000. That sounds a bit on the expensive side when you can pick up a Skoda Kamiq or Nissan Juke for around £19,000 – but you do get a hybrid drivetrain and fairly comprehensive equipment levels for the money.

If you want a slightly plusher Yaris Cross, the Dynamic model starts from around £26,500, while the desirable Premiere Edition model is a smidgen over £28,000.

As it's such a new model, Toyota dealers are unlikely to be offering huge savings on the Yaris Cross. Give it six months, though, and we reckon there'll be a few good nearly-new or pre-reg deals about.

Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: Running Costs

As a self-charging hybrid, the Toyota Yaris Cross will be very efficient with minimal effort. Officially, Toyota quotes up to 64.2mpg (depending on the trim level) for the standard two-wheel-drive Yaris Cross, dropping to 55.4mpg from the four-wheel-drive AWD-i.

Despite a hilly test route and unsympathetic driving, we saw mid-50s mpg from our two-wheel-drive Yaris Cross. That's pretty impressive, while Toyota always performs well in the real world according to our Real MPG data.

Toyota has an unfallable reliability record, too, so you needn't be worried if you're planning to keep your Yaris Cross for the long-term (and you can extend the warranty for free if you have the car serviced at Toyota dealers).

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Toyota Yaris Cross models and specs

Standard equipment on the entry-level Toyota Yaris Cross Icon includes 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch media system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a reversing camera. Intelligent adaptive cruise control is standard, as well as a pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Around half of Toyota Yaris Cross sales are expected to be the Design trim level, which builds on the Icon with 17-inch bi-tone alloy wheels, LED headlights, aluminium roof rails and privacy glass. Inside, you get a seven-inch digital information display, blue ambient lighting and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.

The Toyota Yaris Cross Excel adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a kick-activated power tailgate and a heated steering wheel. There's a slightly bigger (nine-inch) media system, heated front seats and intelligent front/rear parking sensors.

Highlights of the Dynamic model include a black bi-tone roof, power-adjustable lumbar support (on driver's seat), 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels and the nine-inch media system.

The Toyota Yaris Cross Premiere Edition features 18-inch bi-tone alloy wheels, black leather seats, a JBL premium sound system, 10-inch coloured head-up display and heated front seats.

Dimensions
Length 4180 mm
Width -
Height 1595 mm
Wheelbase 2560 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1290–1360 kg
Boot Space 401–1097 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 10000 miles
Costs
List Price £23,280–£27,510
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands Alternative fuel, B
Official MPG -
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

Currently on sale

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Design VVT-h 116 E-CVT Auto Start/Stop 5dr £24,905 - 11.2 s
Excel VVT-h 116 E-CVT Auto Start/Stop 5dr £27,510 - 11.2 s
Icon VVT-h 116 E-CVT Auto Start/Stop 5dr £23,280 - 11.2 s

On sale until October 2022

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Dynamic VVT-h 116 AWD-i E-CVT Auto Start/Stop 5dr £29,590 - 11.8 s
Dynamic VVT-h 116 E-CVT Auto Start/Stop 5dr £27,230 - 11.2 s

On sale until August 2022

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Premiere Edition VVT-h 116 AWD-i E-CVT Auto Start/Stop 5dr £31,310 - 11.8 s
Premiere Edition VVT-h 116 E-CVT Auto Start/Stop 5dr £28,950 - 11.2 s

Model History

April 2020

Toyota Yaris Cross revealed

Toyota has revealed a new Yaris-based small crossover which is expected to start from around £20,000 when it goes on sale in 2021.

The Toyota Yaris Cross will be the smallest SUV in the firm’s range, sitting below the C-HR and competing against the Ford Puma, Nissan Juke and Volkswagen T-Cross.

Designed and developed in Europe, Toyota’s latest crossover will be built alongside the new Yaris at the firm’s manufacturing facility in France. It shares a platform and engine with the 2020 Yaris, following the brand’s well-established hybrid strategy.

As such, the Yaris Cross will use a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor. Fuel economy figures are yet to be confirmed, but Toyota promises ‘excellent fuel efficiency’ with WLTP CO2 emissions from below 120g/km.

While front-wheel-drive models make up the majority of sales in this segment, Toyota’s offering the Yaris Cross with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. This can send power to the rear axle when slip is detected - in snowy or wet conditions, for example.

With an extra 90mm in height (including 30mm of ground clearance) compared to the Yaris hatchback, Toyota says the Cross provides the high driving position and interior spaciousness demanded by buyers of small crossovers.

It’s yet to confirm exactly how big the boot will be but says it has a ‘large trunk volume’. A split floor system provides extra space if required, and the rear seats drop 40:20:40 to provide extra cargo capacity.

The Toyota Yaris Cross will go on sale later in 2020 with deliveries expected from 2021. UK prices and specifications will be announced at a later date.

April 2021

Toyota Yaris Cross priced from £22,515

Toyota has announced details of the model line-up equipment specifications and prices for Yaris Cross, the latest addition to extensive range of hybrid electric SUVs.

Yaris Cross is built on the same GA-B small car platform and uses the same hybrid technology as the all-new Yaris. This package promises, agile, rewarding handling, excellent efficiency with significant zero-emission all-electric capability together with the stance and performance that are expected of an SUV, says Toyota.

The UK pre-sales period for Yaris Cross begins on 4 May with vehicle reservations accepted prior to first test drives being available during August. Customer deliveries will commence in September.

Yaris Cross will be introduced as a full model range, with four core grades plus an exclusive Premiere Edition version, available for one year only.

Yaris Cross Icon provides a well-specified entry point. Key equipment features include: –

  • 16-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels
  • Toyota Safety Sense (details below)
  • Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with eight-inch touchscreen, DAB, Bluetooth and six-speaker audio system
  • Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Smart entry and push-button start
  • Reversing Camera
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • 2-inch multi-information display
  • Power windows with auto up/down control
  • Automatic headlights and wipers

The Yaris Cross Design further provides: –

  • 17-inch dark grey/machined five-double-spoke alloys
  • LED projector headlights
  • LED rear lights and sequential indicators
  • Light blue ambient cabin lighting
  • Aluminium roof rails
  • Black headlining
  • Seven-inch multi-information display
  • Rear privacy glass

The Yaris Cross Excel model is one half of the dual high-grade strategy (together with Dynamic, details below). It builds on the Design specification with features including: –

  • 18-inch dark grey/machined five-triple-spoke alloys
  • Power tailgate with kick sensor
  • Nine-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system
  • Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake
  • Intelligent parking sensors, clearance sonar and automatic braking
  • Door mirrors with auto-retracting function
  • Power lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated front seats
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning

The Yaris Cross Dynamic offers a more distinctive SUV appearance and can be specified with front or all-wheel drive. Its key equipment features (in addition to the Design specification) include: –

  • 18-inch dark grey five-triple-spoke alloys
  • Bi-tone paint finish with black roof
  • Nine-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system
  • Door mirrors with auto-retracting function
  • Power lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat
  • Heated front seats
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Optional intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i)

The Yaris Cross Premiere Edition offers an even richer array of premium features, most notably: –

  • 18-inch dark grey/machined 10-spoke alloys
  • Black leather seat upholstery
  • JBL eight-speaker premium sound system
  • 10-inch colour head-up display
  • Power tailgate with kick sensor
  • Bi-tone paint finish with black roof
  • Heated front seats
  • Optional intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i)

All Yaris Cross models will benefit from Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems as standard. This equips the car with intelligent features that can recognise many of the most common accident hazards, warn the driver and initiate steering and braking control if necessary, to help avoid or mitigate the effects of a collision.

The package includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist recognition and Emergency Steering Assist; full-range intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Departure Alert and Lane Trace Assist; Road Sign Assist; and Automatic High Beam. Yaris Cross also come with eCall which can automatically summon emergency services assistance in the event of a serious impact.

Yaris Cross customers will be able to extend their car’s specifications with a choice of options and option packs.

The Tech Pack (Design grade) provides the latest, 2021 Toyota multimedia system while the City Pack (Excel grade and above) introduces semi-automated parking and satellite navigation. A Toyota Skyview panoramic roof and the JBL sound system are available for Excel and Dynamic models.

On-the-road prices for the new Yaris Cross are as follows: –

MODEL OTR PRICE
Yaris Cross Icon FWD £22,515
Yaris Cross Design FWD £24,140
Yaris Cross Excel FWD £26,745
Yaris Cross Dynamic FWD £26,465
Yaris Cross Dynamic AWD-i £28,825
Yaris Cross Premiere Edition FWD £28,185
Yaris Cross Premiere Edition AWD-i £30,545

July 2024

2024 Toyota Yaris Cross on sale, priced from £25,530

Toyota has upgraded key aspects of its Yaris Cross, including the addition of a higher-power hybrid powertrain on higher-grade GR Sport and Premiere edition models. The 130PS hybrid joins the existing 116PS version, and gives buyers the option of all-wheel drive. 

Other features new to the Yaris Cross range include both a 12.3-inch driver’s instrument display that can be configured and customised to suit the driver’s preference, and a 10.5-inch multimedia system that’s more powerful, quicker to respond and offers a wider range of functions.

The Yaris Cross joins the new Yaris Hatchback in offering owners a Smart Digital Key. Linked to the MyToyota app, this gives up to five users access to the vehicle using their smartphone.

Toyota has also announced that all Yaris Cross models will get the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense systems as standard. These include the potential for over the air updates, a new camera and radar system which can scan further and wider than before, and Acceleration Suppression that intervenes to slow any sudden acceleration when it recognises the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead.

The final change is the addition of the Yaris Cross Premiere Edition, complete with Urban Khaki paint with matching interior flourishes and new 18-inch dark grey/machined five-spoke alloy wheels.

Toyota Yaris Cross pricing

Icon 116PS 1.5 Hybrid FWD £25,530
Design 116PS 1.5 Hybrid FWD £27,130
Excel 116PS 1.5 Hybrid FWD £30,565
Excel 116PS 1.5 Hybrid AWD £32,925
GR Sport 130PS 1.5 Hybrid FWD £31,320
Premiere Edition 130PS 1.5 Hybrid FWD £32,500
Premiere Edition 130PS 1.5 Hybrid AWD £34,885

What to watch out for

22-02-2022:

Water leak reported on 2022 Yaris Cross. Water appeared in the boot after heavy rain. The fault is linked to the fitment of the tow bar. The wiring loom off the rear light cluster and a sealing grommet in the rear quarter has either failed or not been located correctly allowing rainwater to enter. Fixed by dealer under warranty.

05-07-2023:

Report of 12v battery failing on 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid. 

What does the Toyota Yaris Cross cost?