As the name suggests, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a crossover version of the
popular Yaris small hatchback bulked up to provide access to the booming
compact SUV market segment
Launched here in late-2020 Yaris Cross is available in four grades: GX, GXL,
Urban and GR Sport. The first three models each come with the choice of two-
or four-wheel drive. GR Sport is 2WD only.
Originally available with the choice of petrol or hybrid powertrains, effective
from the 2024 upgrade, all Yaris Cross variants are now exclusively hybrid.
Prices range from $31,790 for the 2WD GX through to $39,920 for our test car,
the Urban AWD.
Hybrid competitors include the MG ZS, Kia Kona, Honda HR-V, Tiggo 4 and the
new Suzuki Fronx
Standard in the GX are 16-inch alloy wheels and 8-inch touchscreen and
wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It does come with halogen
headlights
GXL adds LED headlights, blind spot monitor and a panoramic view monitor.
The top-spec Urban comes with 18-inch alloys, head-up display, heated front
seats and a powered tailgate.
The trendy GR Sport gets a unique 18-inch wheel design as well as sports
suspension and GR-branded interior. The Sport tag is a bit misleading
because there’s no difference in performance from the other models.
STYLING
Yaris Cross shares similar styling as the Yaris hatch. While they have the
same 2560 wheelbase the Cross is around 20 mm longer, 70 mm wider and 95
mm taller. than the hatchback. It also has 35 mm greater ground clearance.
The face of the Yaris Cross features a split grille with a lower diffuser, flanked
by deep-set LED daytime running lights and slimline headlight clusters,
The rear has a squared-off design with broad horizontal lines connecting
integrated taillights.
Yaris Cross comes with the choice of seven single colours including Frosted
White, Stunning Silver, Ink, Atomic Rush, Latte, Mineral Blue and Massive
Grey7.
The top-spec Urban models also get the option of four two-tones that combine
Frosted White, Atomic Rush, Latte or Massive Grey with a black roof.
INTERIOR
While the platform of the Yaris Cross is only slightly longer and wider than that
of the Yaris hatch, it features a longer, wider and taller body to increase
interior space.
Although larger than the Yaris hatch it’s still a small vehicle. Front space is
fine but the three rear seats are quite cramped and certainly not recommended
from three adult passengers.
The air conditioning controls sit below the screen and are make it quite
difficult to adjust the outlet directions.
The Urban and GR Sport variants come with nanoe X air ionisation technology
which helps to inhibit unwanted pollutants and viruses from the cabin.
The large gear selector in the centre console leaves little space for storage and
pushes the two drink holders backwards and makes them awkward to reach.
The centre arm rest effectively replaces a storage tub.
Boot space in the 2WD Yaris Cross is 390 litres but drops to 314 litres in the
AWD due to the addition of the rear electric motor.
POWERTRAIN
The hybrid system for front-wheel drive versions of the Yaris Cross Sport
combines a 67 kW / 120 Nm, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and two
motor generators on the front axle putting out a combined 85 kW.
The AWD models versions add a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels
and provide extra traction.
All variants get a continuously variable transmission with a mechanical first
gear for strong take-off. A 10-speed sequential shift function that can be
operated by the shift lever, or paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
SAFETY
All Yaris Cross models come with the latest version of Toyota Safety
Sense technology that includes a pre-collision safety system with day / night
pedestrian and day cyclist detection, emergency steering assist, lane trace
assist and lane departure alert with steering assist, intersection turn assist,
automatic high beam, road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
Standard equipment also includes eight airbags including two between the
front seat, reversing camera, parking sensors, seatbelt warning and Isofix
child seat anchors.
Urban also gets a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
INFOTAINMENT
The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is pretty basic and so uses a number of
physical buttons and knobs on the edges to access the most used functions.
That will be a positive for many potential buyers.
There’s a neat Multi Information Display in front of the driver with two raised
round displays on the sides of the 8.0-inch screen.
The system has AM/FM/DAB+ radio, full Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto with enhanced voice activation.
Audio is through a pretty basic six speaker system. There’s a single USB-A in
the centre console of the GX and GXL with a USB-C added in the Urban and
GR Sport models.
Satellite navigation with the SUNA traffic channel is standard on variants
above GX.
DRIVING
Although its under 4.2 metres in length, clever packaging makes it feel like a
larger vehicle. While Yaris Cross is relatively easy to access for front
occupants, small rear doors will challenge adult passengers.
It’s an ideal city car that’s easy to drive, manoeuvrable and easy to park.
When stretched the three-cylinder engine gives out an annoying harsh tone
Urban is the only variant to get a head-up display.
There have been adjustments to the tuning of the suspension which provide
extra firmness that was quite noticeable when we encountered bumps during
the rural component of our drive route.
Claimed fuel consumption from the 2WD Yaris Cross Hybrid is listed at 3.8
litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged a still impressive 4.6 L/100km during
our week in the Urban AWD.
SUMMING UP
Toyota Yaris and predecessors such as the Starlet and Echo have long been
popular choices for first time buyers – and their parents looking for an
affordable and safe car. Although it is more expensive, the Yaris Cross meets
the same criteria while adding the SUV styling that’s so much in vogue.
It’s neat, compact and attractive with excellent safety features and seven
variants from which to choose. The standard hybrid powertrain provides
outstanding fuel economy.
Standard warranty is five years with unlimited distance with the powertrain
increased to seven years if it is serviced on time. Service intervals are 12
months or 15,000 kilometres.
MODEL RANGE
1.5 GX hybrid 2WD: $31,790
1.5 GXL hybrid 2WD: $33,990
1.5 Urban hybrid 2WD: $36,930
1.5 GR Sport hybrid 2WD: $36,990
1.5 GX hybrid AWD: $34,790
1.5 GXL hybrid AWD: $36,990
1.5 Urban hybrid AWD: $39,930
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges.
Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Yaris Cross Ultra 1.5-litre Hybrid AWD)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.490 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Combined Maximum Power: 85 kW
Combined Maximum Torque: 120 Nm
Fuel Type: Standard unleaded petrol
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 3.8 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 90 g/km
DRIVELINE: Continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4185 mm
Wheelbase: 2560 mm
Width: 1765 mm
Height: 1580 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 1200 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
RATINGS:
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst : 9/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10
