Toyota Yaris Cross: everything you need to know

Introducing the new Toyota Yaris Cross compact SUV. The urban sprawl. It’s the context in which modern motorists increasingly appreciate the robust, high-riding qualities of an SUV. But this class of vehicle is often too large and unwieldy for the city, and neither as economical nor environmentally efficient as many road users would prefer.

It is into this familiar scenario that Toyota launches the all-new Yaris Cross compact SUV. It is a vehicle that combines our small car expertise and all-wheel drive heritage in one robust model specifically tailored to handle the rough and tumble of urban life, allied to a genuine emphasis on environmental performance.

Toyota Yaris Cross: true hybrid, true SUV

The Yaris Cross benefits from our fourth-generation hybrid powertrain technology. The Yaris Hybrid of 2012 was the first supermini with a full hybrid system, and since then more than half a million have been sold in Europe. Our unmatched experience and ongoing development of this technology ensures that the latest powertrain in the new Yaris Cross delivers exceptional performance and efficiency.

The new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine in the Yaris Cross is developed directly from the larger 2.0- and 2.5-litre powertrains used in the latest Corolla, Toyota C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. It offers a remarkable thermal efficiency of 40% and a maximum output of 114bhp, the result of which is responsive performance with high torque at low engine speeds and excellent fuel efficiency. Provisional WLTP emissions data suggests that the front-wheel drive model will start from below 120g/km of CO2 and the AWD-i version from below 135g/km.

As part of the next-generation Yaris family (as above, between GR Yaris and Yaris hatchback), the Yaris Cross shares the model’s new GA-B compact car platform. This ensures a high level of body rigidity and a well-balanced chassis, making the car responsive and agile. It also shares the big-small design and packaging concept that has characterised every Yaris model since 1999, presenting a roomy interior within compact exterior dimensions that make it highly suited to urban driving.

Special attention was paid to the new model’s practicality and versatility. Details include a powered rear hatch and a height-adjustable luggage deck, giving the flexibility of either a secure underfloor compartment or more space to carry larger items. The deck board itself can be divided in two and the luggage compartment has a new flexible belt system to keep items secure when driving.

Yaris Cross is also a genuine SUV, featuring a raised ride height, larger wheel and tyre combination, and the availability of intelligent all-wheel drive to reinforce its credentials. It benefits from our experience in originating the concept of the recreational SUV 25 years ago with the RAV4 – currently the world’s best-selling SUV – and more recently in producing the stylish and highly efficient Toyota C-HR. Indeed, arrival of the Yaris Cross will give Toyota an SUV range that spans the B, C and D segments.

The rear drive system is electric and therefore lighter and more compact than traditional mechanical alternatives. In normal driving, the Yaris Cross operates with front-wheel drive, but when low-grip conditions are detected, all-wheel drive is engaged automatically. The system also directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and accelerating.

In terms of size, the Yaris Cross shares its 2,560mm wheelbase with the new Yaris hatchback but is 240mm longer overall, with 60mm added to the front and 180mm to the rear, securing more interior space. The ground clearance is 30mm higher and the vehicle is wider and taller overall – by 20 and 90mm respectively.

Model range and specifications

The Toyota Yaris Cross is available with four core grades, Icon, Design, Excel and GR Sport.

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
• 4.2-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. 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 GR Sport grade adds a sporting touch to the Yaris Cross and acts as the second half of the high-grade dual strategy, sitting above the Excel model. It builds on the Excel specification with features including: –

• 18” Machined-face five double-spoke alloys
• GR Sport Suspension tuning
• GR Sport Leather steering wheel
• GR Sport Meshed lower front grille

Toyota Yaris Cross: Safety Sense

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.

Toyota Yaris Cross: Options

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 (Smart Connect) 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 the Excel model.