The Toyota Yaris Cross has undergone a midlife update, introducing a variety of new features while retaining its familiar, beloved design. Its rivals with competitors like the Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.In this review, we cover the latest updates, key features, and some aspects that might need improvement.
Design & Exterior
Despite the updates, Toyota has chosen not to alter the exterior design of the Yaris Cross. However, this is not necessarily a downside, as the design remains modern and appealing. Depending on the trim level, there are slight variations in exterior treatments. For example, the GR version boasts a sportier grille, while the Premier version features chrome accents. Alloy wheels range from 16 to 18 inches, with 17-inch wheels standard on the reviewed model. The Yaris Cross also includes practical features like black roof bars (starting from the mid-level trims) and optional two-tone body paint on higher-spec versions.
Yaris Cross Interior
Toyota has made subtle but meaningful changes to the interior. All entry-level trims now feature an updated infotainment screen with faster response times, improved graphics, and better connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher-spec models also include a fully digital driver display, although the reviewed model features a mix of digital and analogue elements.
While the interior materials are generally good, with soft-touch plastics and fabric-covered surfaces, some areas feel a bit cheap. For example, the centre console has a flimsy feel, and the seats have a slightly raised area that can become uncomfortable during long drives. The top three trims have sports seats, which may alleviate this issue.
Storage is practical but could be improved. The glove box is spacious enough for large bottles, and the door bins are also generously sized. Physical buttons for climate control are a welcome touch in an era when many cars are moving to touchscreen-only controls.
Rear Seats & Practicality
The rear seats offer good headroom, even for passengers over six feet tall, although knee room might be tight for taller individuals. The seat base is deep, providing adequate under-thigh support, making the rear seats comfortable for long journeys. However, fitting three adults in the back is a bit of a squeeze due to the car’s narrow body.
The Yaris Cross offers a through-loading feature and integrated cup holders, although it lacks an armrest. The rear doors don’t open particularly wide, which can make installing child seats a bit challenging. Additionally, rear passengers might be disappointed by the absence of USB charging ports.
The boot capacity is 350 litres, which is on the smaller side for this category. However, the boot is versatile, with foldable rear seats that create a continuous floor, making it easier to load longer items. There are also useful hooks for securing cargo.
Cool Features
One of the standout features of the updated Toyota Yaris Cross is its cleverly designed load cover, neatly stashed underneath the boot floor. This load cover can be easily attached to create a functional and clean storage solution. Additionally, the vehicle now comes with adaptive cruise control as standard, allowing you to adjust the distance to the car in front with the press of a button. Lane Keeping Assist is another feature designed to enhance safety by keeping you in your lane with minimal effort.
A significant advantage of the Yaris Cross over its competitors is the availability of an extra electric motor on the rear axle, enabling four-wheel drive—a feature not commonly found in this class. The front seats offer quick recline levers for easy adjustment, ensuring a comfortable seating position for drivers of all sizes.
Toyota has also made improvements to the Yaris Cross’s cabin quietness. A thicker windscreen, thicker side glass, extra insulation in the dashboard, and a new engine mount collectively reduce vibrations and road noise, making for a more serene driving experience.
Yaris Cross Cons
Despite its many positives, the Yaris Cross has some drawbacks. For instance, the design trim version (one level up from the base) has several blanked-out switches, which can feel cheap. The absence of a light for the vanity mirror and the use of thin metal in certain areas contribute to a sense of cost-cutting. The rearview mirror is positioned quite low, slightly obstructing forward visibility.
Moreover, the lack of rear USB ports could be a dealbreaker for families with device-hungry children. Additionally, the location of the cup holders is problematic, as they can obstruct gear shifting. Lastly, the fuel filler cap requires manual opening from inside the car, which can be inconvenient if you forget.
Engine & Performance
The Yaris Cross now offers two engine options, both based on a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with electric motors. The standard version produces 116 horsepower, while a more powerful variant with 130 horsepower is also available. Both versions are front-wheel drive by default, but the addition of an electric motor on the rear axle enables four-wheel drive. A CVT automatic gearbox is standard across all models.
The hybrid system shines in town driving, where the electric motor provides instant torque, eliminating the lag common in turbocharged engines paired with automatic transmissions. The Yaris Cross has a turning circle of 11.2 meters, which is decent but not class-leading. The suspension handles urban bumps well, although it can become slightly unsettled at higher speeds.
The brakes are smooth thanks to Toyota’s experience with hybrid technology. The car transitions seamlessly between regenerative braking and traditional braking, making it easy to control. However, the Yaris Cross lacks full one-pedal driving, which some drivers might miss.
On the motorway, the Yaris Cross maintains a quiet cabin, thanks to the aforementioned soundproofing enhancements. The car’s performance is adequate for merging onto highways, though not particularly thrilling. Fuel economy is impressive, with the car achieving nearly 57 mpg, close to the official figure of 63 mpg.
Country Road Driving & Handling
The Yaris Cross surprises with its handling capabilities on country roads. Despite its higher ride height compared to a regular Yaris, the steering is responsive, and the car grips well through corners. The hybrid system’s instant torque delivery helps in maintaining momentum on twisty roads. The CVT gearbox, while not the most engaging, performs adequately for the car’s intended use.
0-60mph Test
In a 0-60 mph test, the Yaris Cross exceeded expectations, achieving a time of 9.59 seconds, faster than the official figure of 11.2 seconds. This performance is more than sufficient for everyday driving needs.
Yaris Cross Price
The Toyota Yaris Cross starts at around £22,000, with prices rising to £35,000 for fully loaded models.
Is the Toyota Yaris Cross a good car?
The updated Toyota Yaris Cross offers a compelling package with its hybrid efficiency, practical interior, and useful features like adaptive cruise control and four-wheel drive. While it has some minor flaws, such as limited rear seat space and a few cheap-feeling materials, the overall experience is positive. With good handling, impressive fuel economy, and the added benefit of a 10-year warranty, the Yaris Cross is a strong contender in the compact SUV market.
