Every Yaris Cross features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, plus an electric motor to drive the front wheels. Most models offer a combined output of 114bhp and 141Nm of torque, however, top-spec cars now boast a more powerful setup with 129bhp and 185Nm on tap.
A CVT automatic transmission is standard throughout the range, with no manual gearbox available. However, buyers can upgrade to all-wheel drive, or ‘AWD-i’ as Toyota calls it, which adds another small e-motor to the rear axle for extra traction in slippery conditions.
The entry-level Icon trim provides a decent level of kit, including 16-inch alloy wheels, a nine-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a seven-inch instrument panel, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and automatic air conditioning. Design, Excel, GR Sport and Premiere Edition specifications make up the rest of the range, and add features such as a 10.5-inch central display, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless charging pad, a hands-free electric tailgate and larger alloy wheels.
It shouldn’t surprise you to read that a hybrid small SUV designed to be as efficient as possible is, on the whole, satisfying to drive rather than outright fun. For the latter, you’ll need a Ford Puma. It’s an easy car to pilot around town, very smooth, and generally quiet, thanks to its electric motor that allows it to trundle along in traffic without needing the engine. At higher speeds, thicker windscreen and side windows mean low wind noise, but there’s still plenty of tyre noise, making the Volkswagen T-Cross a better long-distance companion. Read more about the Toyota Yaris Cross’ engines, performance and drive…
The Toyota Yaris Cross scores big points in terms of fuel efficiency with its hybrid-only engine line-up. This also helps with emissions, which are noticeably lower than its petrol-only or mild hybrid rivals. Insurance costs are towards the more affordable end of its class thanks to plenty of standard safety kit, plus its resale values either meet or exceed those of its competitors. Read more about the Toyota Yaris Cross’ MPG, emissions and running costs…
The exterior of the Toyota Yaris Cross has been designed to look more rugged with plenty of black plastic body cladding and neatly integrated roof rails from Design trim and above. The interior looks functional rather than luxurious, and we prefer the smaller infotainment screen sizes because these retain physical shortcut buttons. Read more about the Toyota Yaris Cross’ interior, design and technology…
While those sitting up front should find plenty of space in the Toyota Yaris Cross, the rear is a bit of a squeeze for adults, and might make fitting a bulky child seat difficult. The Yaris Cross lacks some of the clever practicality touches of its rivals, such as the sliding rear seats of the Renault Captur and VW T-Cross, while its boot is on the small side, and most models have a sizable loading lip to contend with. Read more about the Toyota Yaris Cross’ boot space, comfort and practicality…
The Yaris Cross gained the maximum five-star safety rating from crash test experts Euro NCAP, scoring better than the four-star Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka. There’s plenty of standard safety technology, while high-end versions add blind spot monitoring and a rear cross traffic alert system. The Toyota brand’s reputation for reliability is backed up by a manufacturer’s warranty that can be extended up until 10 years or 100,000 miles. Read more about the Toyota Yaris Cross’ reliability and safety…
Should you buy a Toyota Yaris Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross will appeal to those who only occasionally need to put people in the back, and want a car that’s cheap to run in terms of fuel costs, insurance and depreciation. They’ll also value strong equipment levels with plenty of safety assistance technology. The Yaris Cross is a rarity in the small SUV class that can be had with four-wheel drive, which might be very useful to those who need the additional traction of four-wheel drive in slippery conditions.
It isn’t the most practical small SUV and misses out on some useful practicality features of its rivals, such as the sliding rear seats of a Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross, which allow you to trade boot space for rear leg room if you have taller passengers, or the Megabox in the boot of the Puma for some hidden underfloor storage
Toyota Yaris Cross Design: long-term test
Back in 2022, our then news and reviews editor, James Brodie, enjoyed six months of highly economical motoring in a mid-range Toyota Yaris Cross Design. It did everything expected of it and didn’t throw up any surprises in several thousand miles of motoring.
That being said, James didn’t find it to be the most interesting of small SUVs out there, and he wasn’t all that impressed with rear seat accommodation, which could, he thought, be a bit of a problem for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Toyota Yaris Cross looks the part, is easy to pilot around town and offers excellent real-world fuel economy courtesy of its efficient hybrid system.
While Icon trim comes with all the basics, the mid-range Design is the best value and adds benefits like LED headlights, adjustable lumbar support, and versatile 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.
During our time with a front-wheel drive Design version of Toyota Yaris Cross, we achieved over 60mpg on average.