Our multi-award-winning compact SUV has been gently but significantly enhanced, with the aim of maintaining the model’s position as the segment leader in Europe. This article reveals what has changed within the 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross line-up in the keys areas of technology, power and style.
Please note: the availability of vehicle features described in this article may be dependent on the grade of vehicle. Consult your local Toyota centre or visit toyota.co.uk for more information.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross: technology
The revised model introduces a completely new digital user experience. This includes new instrument displays that be configured and customised to suit the driver’s preference, and a new Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system that is more powerful, quicker to respond and offers a wider range of functions. The size of the displays are now class-leading: up to 12.3-inch for the driver’s combimeter and up to 10.5-inch for the multimedia touchscreen (both grade dependent).
In addition to wireless smartphone integration for both Apple and Android devices, a function of the new multimedia system is its ‘always connected’ cloud-based navigation, which uses up-to-the-moment information on routes, traffic and delays to offer optimal journey planning. The system also offers speech recognition through an on-board voice agent that can recognise and react to natural, conversational language and requests. For example, by saying, “Hey Toyota, I’m cold,” the system will automatically realise the need to raise the climate control temperature.
The revised car is also equipped with the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense. The advanced features of this system – now with increased scope for detecting risks thanks to a new camera and radar set-up – are provided as standard throughout the 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross range. It is linked to a new data communications module that allows seamless, over-the-air software updates.
Protection is also offered when the car is stationary with the availability of a system that provides a visual and audible warning to help guard against a door being inadvertently opened into the path of approaching vehicles and cyclists.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross: power and driving pleasure
The 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross joins its hatchback sibling in offering a second, more powerful version of its fifth-generation hybrid electric powertrain to further increase the model’s appeal.
This means that in addition to the established 1.5-litre full hybrid electric system, higher grade GR Sport and new Premiere Edition (see subheading below) models will be equipped with an upgraded system that features a new transaxle and a larger, more powerful motor-generator. Together with adjustments to the power control unit, output rises by 14% (from 114 to 130bhp), and maximum torque increases by 30% (141 to 185Nm). Acceleration from rest to 62mph is now reduced by half a second to 10.7 seconds, while emissions from the revised powertrain remain at a best-in-class 103-122g/km.
Statistics are only part of the story; equally significant is the impact the new powertrain has on the driving experience. It gives the 2024 Yaris Cross a more dynamic and responsive feel, with drive motor assistance also having been tuned to deliver a more linear relationship with accelerator input for faithful feedback.
Improvements have also been applied to how occupants are isolated from noise and vibrations through the powertrain. A dynamic damper has been added to the left-side engine mount; a resonator has been fitted to the intake hose; the inner dash silencer has been changed from a single layer to a three-layer construction; and an extra layer of felt has been added to the cowl top silencer. To combat wind and road noise, thicker glass is used across the windscreen and side windows.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross: added style with new Premiere Edition
The new Premiere Edition represents the halo model of the 2024 range. Among the body colour options is an exclusive new Urban Khaki bi-tone paint finish (below and lead images), which is paired with exclusive new 18-inch machine-finished five-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, upholstery stitching and deco lines on the instrument panel and doors coordinate with the green paintwork.
When will the new Yaris Cross arrive?
UK pricing and ordering details for the 2024 Yaris Cross will be announced before the end of the year.
All information was correct at the time of publishing
2024 model.The car is very good to drive and I am I am happy with it in every way apart from the fact that the 12volt battery is useless meaning it doesn’t start a significant amount of the time.Its been checked by Toyota who say the battery is fine but of course that doesn’t help me . Do you have a battery that can solve this. I’ve bought a solar panel from you.
I regret buying this car🫣
Hi David,
We are glad to hear that you are happy with the vehicle.
Regarding your point about the 12V battery, as we’re sure you can appreciate, this is difficult for us to advise on virtually as we rely on our trained technicians at Toyota Centres to inspect vehicles and provide a diagnosis.
However, please note that all modern cars will have some degree of a discharge.
If the car is not used very much then the battery will discharge over time but also when it is driven if it is not driven for long enough, it cannot recover the battery back to the maximum capacity.
In fact, short journeys can be worse as the electrical power consumed to actually start the car may not be replenished if the engine does not run for long enough so the battery’s capacity will drop slightly.
If this is repeated over a number of days the battery will eventually discharge.
If you are unhappy with this diagnosis your Centre has provided, you are welcome to seek a second opinion at another Toyota Centre.
Thank you.
Hi, Having finished caravanning and not needing a large car, a Yaris Cross seemed the answer, so ordering and taking delivery of a Dynamic with safety packs at the end May 22. Great, great little car, easy to get in and out, for my wife and self and NO problems!! So having such a reliable car and the new Yaris Cross Premium Edition 130 being released, we decide to order one (with the £1000 sub from Toyota, very nice) We took delivery at the end of June 24. Great little car, rides and goes better than the previous one, theeeen! the first shock. 17th December 2024, the FIRST flat battery. Toyota offered a complementary new battery so I thought great it will be an upgraded higher amperage battery and would be the end of my problem. But NO, again on the 25th February, 6th March and the 9th of March flat battery. The last two, 6th March after the AA once again had got started, I took it on long run as suggested by him. On the 7,8 and 9th the car was used. on the afternoon of the 9th I cleaned the inside of the car, dusted, washed floor mats, hoovered etc. doors open but everything switched of. Tried to start it in the afternoon, FLAT battery. When is this ever going to end!!!? Will I ever purchase another Hybrid, THAT is a VERY BIG QUESTION. The annoying thing is I offered to purchase a larger amperage battery and get local Toyota agents to fit it at my expense, but was told this would void the warranty and that only a 35ah battery can be fitted. How narrow and short sited Toyota is. But the when people start to boycott there Hybrids, they might see sense!! with so many people having the same problem, we shall wait and see, or they are going to loose a LOT of prospective customers. They could fit a system like the Hyundai a switch/button which I assume boosts the 12V battery from the Lithium pack, so enabling the car to start. We will see
Hi, in a 2025 Yaris Cross Premiere Edition could someone tell me if the 12 volt battery under the back seat, is an AGM type or an ordinary Lead Acid one please.
Good afternoon Kevin,
The Yaris Cross features a Lead Acid 12v battery.
We hope this info helps, thanks.
Pls forward pic of Toyota Yaris 2024
Good morning,
You can explore our current models over on our website: http://www.toyota.co.uk
Thanks.
After 30 years Toyota ownership. I am getting rid this summer and trying alternative Brands.
My Local Toyota do not acknowledge I have poor 12v battery – causing multiple no starts in first year ownership.
Simple solution fit more substantial 12v battery from factory!!
Hello
Is it still possible, to obtain an all wheel drive Yaris cross
Hi Stephen, please see the following link for the AWD Yaris Cross options: https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/yaris-cross
Hi I’ve had to call the RAC out twice since November 2nd time today. He found a battery fault and changed it. Strange as I brought up the low battery warning on the app when my car was serviced on the 23 November. Found out there seems to be lots of groans re battery power on forums
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for your honest feedback. We greatly value the voice of our customer.
We are attentive to the situation which you have highlighted. To provide a bit of reassurance, less than 1% of our entire customer base encounters issues with their 12 volt Battery. All modern cars drain the 12v battery when they are switched off. This is due to the onboard electrical systems. If the 12v battery is not given a chance to recharge often enough, it will go flat.
We pride ourselves on performance and reliability so to ensure there is a continuation and we live up to our own standards, we have introduced a higher performance battery for some of our models if and when needed.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Many thanks,
Toyota UK
My Yaris Cross premare has failed to start 6 time and i have had to all the AA out 6 times. Its had two new battries and yet again today has failed to start. When will Toyota admit there is a fault with this model of car and stop just getting garages to charge the battery so it can go flat in 2 days.
Its that bad i have traded the car in and am waiting to collect my new car which i can not as i can not drive my cross to the garage as it is a non starter. I was told i have to do longer trips in it strange as the problem does not effect my Corrola.
There is in issue with this car, as for being told have to do longer journeys i was not told that when paid £35000 for it. Will you ever get around to fixing it?
Hello Martin,
Thank you for your comments. We absolutely understand your frustration.
Recommendations for maintaining 12V battery health:
1) Frequent use: Where possible, aim to take your car on a 30-minute journey at least once a week. If this is not possible or you plan not to use the car for a prolonged period, use a quality battery maintainer (also called a trickle charger) to keep the charge level topped up. Toyota Centre staff will be able to advise on whether a mains- or solar-powered option is the best for your circumstances.
2) Combine trips: Constant short trips will get your battery down, so try reducing their frequency by combining errands. And if these journeys require a couple of short stops, don’t worry too much. Less battery energy is required to start an already warm engine; and similarly, less energy is required to maintain the climate of an already warm cabin.
3) Avoid wasting energy: Remember that if the powertrain is not active it is not charging the battery. In that case, electrical accessories such as lights, ventilation and the audio system will all nibble away at the level of charge. So make it a habit to switch off these accessories before turning off the engine. Not only will this preserve the charge but it will stop the battery having to power the systems back up at the same time as starting the powertrain.
4) Check the battery’s condition: Regularly inspect your battery for corrosion around the terminals and ensure the cables attached to them are tight and clean. Your local Toyota Centre will check these connections as part of your car’s regular service programme, but will also be happy to offer advice outside of this schedule.
Please bare in mind that the difficulties you have experienced are not unique to Toyota, but are a consequence of increasing electrical systems such as heated seats, within hybrid vehicles.
Many thanks,
Toyota UK
I have been a loyal Toyota customer for many years and am currently considering the Yaris Cross Excel MY26. However, the ongoing 12-volt battery issue is giving me serious cause for concern.
As many owners have already mentioned on this forum, it is difficult to believe that Toyota’s only apparent solution is to advise customers to trickle-charge the battery or regularly run the vehicle to recharge it. This is meant to be a city car and should be perfectly capable of short journeys without repeatedly ending up with a flat battery.
You have stated that other hybrids experience the same problem. However, if you research this carefully, you will not find anything like the same volume of complaints about flat batteries for comparable vehicles from other manufacturers.
You have also said that “we have introduced a higher-performance battery for some of our models if and when needed”. Could you please clarify what this means? Is this higher-performance battery now fitted as standard to the MY26 Yaris Cross, or is it only provided after repeated battery issues occur? I do not understand what is meant by “if and when needed”.
I would appreciate clear clarification on this point so that I can decide whether to remain with Toyota or consider another brand that listens more closely to customer concerns. Thank you.
Morning Nick, apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
We are attentive to the situation which you have highlighted. To provide a bit of reassurance, less than 1% of our entire customer base encounters issues with their 12 volt Battery. All modern cars drain the 12v battery when they are switched off. This is due to the onboard electrical systems. If the 12v battery is not given a chance to recharge often enough, it can go flat. Read more here and pick up some tips that, if followed, can help ensure your Toyota remains in tip-top condition: https://brnw.ch/21wDfeR
From November 2024 production, Yaris Hybrid and Yaris Cross Hybrid are fitted with an enhanced 12v battery. We have seen, since its implementation, a considerable reduction in roadside assistance call outs.
We hope this offers you some reassurance when considering the 2026 Yaris Cross Hybrid.
Thank you.