Want a car that's quick in the city and performs well on country roads? Toyota thinks they've done it with the Yaris Cross. But is it really good at both?
Can this small SUV be as reliable as the Yaris hatchback? Is it powerful and big enough to be called an SUV? And most importantly, is it worth the money?
In this review, we'll test the Yaris Cross. We'll check if its hybrid engine saves you money, how much stuff fits in the back, and if it's fun to drive.
The Final Verdict
If you are after a small SUV that is exceptionally economically, well-built, and drives well, then the Toyota Yaris Cross should be on your shortlist.
What is in the Review?
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Specific Trim: 1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
A Quick Overview
55.4 to 64.2 mpg
Mileage
10.3 - 11.8
Acceleration 0-62
116hp or 130hp
Power Outputs
5 Stars
Euro NCAP Ratings
401 - 460 litres
Boot Space
About the Toyota Yaris Cross
The Yaris Cross is a compact SUV that combines the efficiency of Toyota's renowned hybrid technology with the practicality and style of a small crossover.
The Yaris Cross is an extension of the popular Yaris hatchback line-up. The vehicle carries all the attributes of the hatchback version combined with the extra benefits of a small SUV.
The vehicle is equipped with Toyota's efficient 1.5-litre petrol hybrid system, available in 116hp and 130hp versions. It offers excellent fuel economy, reaching around 60 mpg in the real world.
What has Changed in the 2024 Variant?
The new variant comes with critical updates and features.
A new engine option—a more powerful 130hp version of the 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain—has been added to the line-up. This addresses the issue of low power in the earlier version and improves highway driving performance.
The new premiere edition trim is launched to compete with popular high-performance compact SUVs. It offers luxury features and the same powerful engine as the hatchback variant to dispel the myth of its lesser performance.
The 2024 variants also come with wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, which was critically missing in the earlier variants. This improves user convenience.
Other improvements include improved sound insulation, which addresses the main criticism that the earlier variants were having—it reduces road noise and enhances the overall experience. To enhance the overall value proposition and improve practicality across all models, all 2024 models come with a standard adjustable boot floor.
Is Toyota Yaris Cross a Good Car?
Excellent fuel efficiency, practicality and reliability are three major reasons that the Yaris Cross should be on your list of shortlisted small SUVs.
It has unique features, like all-wheel drive, which is uncommon in this class, and a stylish interior and exterior, which give it an amazing look and feel.
It is not the quickest in its class. It is more than adequate to meet all your needs. It is an ideal car for a small family.
The ride quality is extremely good for a vehicle of its class.
Comparison With the Hatchback Variant
The extended version of the Toyota Yaris Hatchback shares many similarities. It has the same powertrain and is built on the same platform as the hatchback variant. Both use Toyota's 1.5-litre hybrid system and share the same TNGA platform.
The dashboard and control layout are very similar, and both offer identical infotainment systems and connectivity options.
Even though the Cross is a small SUV, the fuel economy is similar to the hatchback variant.
While the Yaris Cross shares similarities with the hatchback, it also has its own unique qualities that set it apart.
The most notable difference is its size and styling, which create a distinct identity for the Yaris Cross, piquing the interest of potential buyers.
Cross excels in practicality. It offers more interior space and a larger boot (397L vs. around 286L in the hatchback). As an SUV, it also has a higher driving position for better visibility.
The other key difference is the AWD (All Wheel Drive). The Cross is available with AWD, which is not offered on the standard Yaris.
The ride quality also differs due to the taller stance. Yaris Cross has a slightly firmer ride, whereas the hatchback is more agile, the Cross handling is better due to its lower centre of gravity.
There is also a price difference between the cross and the hatchback variant. The Cross is more expensive than the equivalent Yaris hatchback. However, if you are from the Motorfinity-eligible audience, you can get substantial savings through Motorfinity exclusive discounts.
Comparison in the Compact SUV Segment
The vehicle holds its own in the competitive compact SUV segment.
The Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, and Vauxhall Mokka are popular vehicles that compete in their class.
The Yaris Cross excels in the competitive compact SUV segment, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety features. Its all-wheel drive option and low emissions further enhance its appeal.
Though the driving is smooth, the vehicle faces strong competition in this area; the Ford Puma is considered the most engaging to drive in the compact SUV segment. Though spacious enough for a compact SUV, there are other spacious options, which include the Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq.
The Driving Quality
The Overall Driving Experience
Yaris Cross offers a driving experience prioritising efficiency and ease of use over sportiness.
The hybrid powertrain provides smooth and quiet operation in urban environments, with the electric motor offering nippy acceleration from a standstill.
How Good is it on Highways and Motorways?
The vehicle performs adequately on highways and motorways. Though the vehicle is more of a city car that does not mean that it falls behind when it comes to motorways and highways,
The hybrid engine is a powerhouse when it comes to highway cruising. The 130hp version, introduced in 2024, takes this efficiency to the next level. Its steady speed operation ensures good fuel economy, even on extended trips.
As mentioned above, the 2024 variant's sound insulation improvement reduces wind and road noise, making the cabin quieter than in earlier models and making highway cruising smoother.
The ride quality improves faster than urban driving, offering a more settled feel on smoother motorway surfaces.
The Hybrid Technology
It is not an overstatement to say that Toyota is a pioneer in hybrid technology, and the same hybrid excellence is carried out in the Cross as well.
The Cross's hybrid system seamlessly transitions between electric and petrol power or combines both, depending on driving conditions. This smooth and often imperceptible transition is a testament to the system's reliability.
One of the system's strengths is its efficiency, with real-world fuel economy often reaching around 60 mpg in mixed driving conditions. This efficiency is maintained even with the more powerful 130hp version, demonstrating the refined nature of Toyota's hybrid technology.
How Good is the Handling?
The vehicle has a good foundation for handling TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform credits. The overall handling is light and responds well to inputs. It does not create a problem in corners and provides a smooth experience.
While favouring comfort over sportiness, the suspension setup excels in handling most road imperfections, particularly at higher speeds. It maintains a smooth ride, instilling confidence in the vehicle's performance, even on rough roads.
The Ride Comfort
The ride comfort for the vehicle of its class is excellent.
Even at higher speeds, this vehicle maintains its composure, a testament to its well-balanced suspension that provides good handling and ensures a comfortable driving experience. This versatility in all driving conditions will instil confidence in potential buyers about its performance.
The seats in this vehicle are not just comfortable; they excel in providing a good level of comfort, particularly during long journeys. This feature significantly enhances the overall driving experience and is sure to appeal to potential buyers.
As with other compact SUVs, it has a hard time absorbing larger road insulations. However, the good suspension and road grip handle various road conditions well. It offers a consistent comfort level across different terrains and is versatile for urban and rural use.
How Good is it for City Driving
The vehicle is an ideal choice mainly for urban environments. Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre through tight city driving. Its excellent visibility also provides confidence in navigating busy urban traffic and aids in parking.
The light steering enhances the driving experience in cities. It makes low-speed manoeuvring and parking so effortless that you'll feel at ease even on the busiest city streets.
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Exterior - is it Impressive for a Compact SUV?
While maintaining the core of the Yaris, Toyota tried creating a compact SUV that stands out, and in many ways, it succeeded.
Coming to the front, it creates a bold statement; with its angular headlights and prominent grille, it is eye-catching. The exterior looks busy. It is not simple; a lot is going on, which offers a fresh and dynamic look that many drivers will find exciting.
When you move along the side, the raised ride height and black cladding give it that SUV look buyers crave. The pronounced wheel arches also add some muscle to the profile.
The rear is where things get interesting. The wrap-around taillights are pretty distinctive and give the Yaris Cross a modern appearance.
The two-tone colour options are a clever touch. They add visual interest and help disguise the car's height too.
Overall, Toyota has managed to create a design that's recognisably 'Yaris' while still being its own thing. It is far from bland, considering there is no overstatement in saying that this vehicle is extremely attractive and a win in the segment.
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How Much It is Similar with the Hatchback?
At a glance, it does look like a taller version of the hatchback variant, but if you observe closely, the Yaris Cross has its own distinct personality.
The dimensions are a good 240mm longer, 90 mm taller and 20mm wider than the hatchback. The wheelbase is similar, which is quite interesting considering the good amount of height difference - though they don't look odd and fit the personality.
In terms of styling, the front end of the Yaris looks a lot like the hatchback counterpart, particularly in its headlight design. The Cross has a more pronounced grille and a chunkier bumper, giving it a more assertive face and making the vehicle overall more muscular - a kind of styling I suppose you want from SUVs.
At the rear, while both cars feature wraparound taillights, the execution is quite different. The Cross has a more upright tailgate and a chunkier bumper. It's styled to look more like an SUV, whereas the standard Yaris is unashamedly a hatchback.
The Difference in Exterior Across Trims
The Toyota Yaris Cross offers varied exterior features across its trims. From the base Icon's 16-inch alloys to the top-tier Premiere Edition's exclusive 18-inch wheels and chrome accents, each level adds progressively more stylish elements. The GR Sport trim introduces sportier aesthetics with unique alloys and a bolder grille design.
Toyota offers a bi-tone paint option across all trims. Lower trims feature a 116hp hybrid powertrain, while GR Sport and Premiere Edition boast a 130hp version. Higher trims progressively add larger wheels and premium styling elements, reflecting their increased price points.
The Interior Design Features - Do They Maintain the Boldness That the Exterior Offers?
The Overall Design - Is it Modern or Minimal?
The interior is quite similar to the hatchback variant, which results in it not carrying the boldness that the exterior has. It strikes a good balance between modern and minimal design, leaning more towards the modern end of the spectrum.
The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered and follows the current automotive design trends. It is minimalistic but trendy—as we say, less is more, and it is in trend, too.
And the Yaris Cross follows that.
A central touchscreen (8 or 10.5 inches) dominates the dashboard, reducing physical buttons for a cleaner look. This pairs with a digital instrument cluster (7 or 12.3 inches), giving the interior a modern feel.
Colour schemes tend towards the darker end of the spectrum, which can make the cabin feel a bit sombre, but higher trims offer contrasting stitching and trim pieces to liven things up.
While the Yaris Cross interior doesn't push any radical design boundaries, it successfully combines modern technology with a clean, functional layout. It's not as minimalist as some competitors or as avant-garde as others, but it strikes a sensible middle ground that should appeal to a wide range of buyers in this segment.
How Good is the Infotainment System?
The Yaris Cross infotainment system offers a pleasant, responsive user experience.
The touchscreen reacts promptly to inputs, ensuring that you are not left waiting or repeatedly tapping the screen.
The strong point has to be the smooth transition between menus. When navigating through different functions, the interface moves fluidly, creating a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
The Overall Interior
The Yaris Cross interior offers a well-balanced blend of practicality and modern design. It features a clean, functional layout with good built quality and materials, especially in higher trims.
Though not the most luxurious in its class, it provides a comfortable, user-friendly environment with adequate space and up-to-date technology, making it a solid choice for its target market.
The Front and Rear Space - How Good is it in its Class?
If you are carrying the notion that it's an upgraded version of a hatchback so that it will be quite compact for a small SUV, disregard that immediately. Yaris Cross will prove you wrong in that regard.
The Yaris Cross offers competitive space in both front and rear. Up front, the high seating position provides good headroom and visibility.
There's ample space for the driver and passenger, with comfortable seats and a decent adjustment range. The rear space is also adequate for the class.
The rear space is particularly practical for families with children. There's enough room to fit child seats quickly, and the slightly elevated rear bench gives young passengers a good view, potentially reducing travel sickness on longer trips.
Overall, the Yaris Cross strikes an impressive balance between exterior compactness and interior spaciousness.
While there may be other class leaders in terms of raw space, the Yaris Cross offers a very competitive package that will satisfy the needs of most small families and urban dwellers.
Space and Practicality
The Toyota Yaris Cross impresses with its practical and well-designed boot space, offering a competitive cargo capacity for its class. With 397 litres available with the rear seats up, it provides ample room for everyday needs and weekend getaways.
The Boot and the Cargo Space?
The Yaris Cross provides a well-designed, flexible cargo space that balances capacity with the vehicle's compact exterior dimensions.
We like the low-load lip, which further enhances the practicality. It makes it easier to slide in heavy or bulky items.
The boot opening is wide and square, simplifying loading larger objects. Higher trim levels even offer a hands-free power tailgate, adding a touch of convenience for those times when your hands are full.
It's worth noting that opting for the all-wheel-drive version does reduce the boot space slightly to 320 litres, but this is a reasonable trade-off for the added capability.
How Good is the Cabin Storage?
Front cabin storage is particularly praiseworthy. The door bins are generously sized, easily accommodating large water bottles alongside other items.
The reasonably sized glovebox offers enough space for the vehicle's manual and other essentials.
The centre console provides additional storage under the armrest. Rear storage is limited but includes door and seatback pockets on most trims.
The storage options are thoughtfully placed and should meet most users' daily needs, contributing to a practical and organised interior space.
Is it Best When it Comes to Practicality in its Class?
The Toyota Yaris Cross offers competitive practicality in its class!
With a boot capacity of 397 litres (expanding to 1,097 litres with seats folded) and thoughtful interior storage solutions, it holds its own against rivals.
While competitors like the Skoda Kamiq or Ford Puma offer slightly more space in certain areas, the Yaris Cross balances practicality with compact exterior dimensions.
The Resale and Depreciation Value
How Strong is the Residual Value?
The Yaris Cross holds its value well against key competitors in the small SUV segment.
When compared directly with the Nissan Juke, the Yaris Cross was found to be cheaper to own over a three-year period and worth marginally more at the end of that time.
Its excellent fuel economy, low emissions, and high reliability make Toyota among the most reliable car brands globally, contributing to its high residual value over time.
How Competitive is the Overall Price?
The entry-level Toyota Yaris Cross Icon is positioned as slightly more expensive than the entry-level Renault Captur E-Tech but less costly than the Nissan Juke Hybrid. This places it in a competitive middle ground among its hybrid SUV rivals.
The Insurance Cost
The entry-level Toyota Yaris Cross Icon is positioned as slightly more expensive than the entry-level Renault Captur E-Tech but less costly than the Nissan Juke Hybrid. This places it in a competitive middle ground among its hybrid SUV rivals.
While the Yaris Cross may have a slightly higher initial cost compared to some non-hybrid rivals, its competitive pricing among hybrid SUVs, combined with lower running costs and strong fuel economy, make it an attractive and competitively priced option in the small SUV segment when considering the total cost of ownership.
Price
The Toyota Yaris Cross offers a competitive price for its class, considering the overall value it brings. With its blend of SUV styling, hybrid efficiency, and Toyota's renowned reliability, it's an attractive option for many buyers.
Through Motorfinity, you can save even more on this already well-priced vehicle.
If you're part of our eligible audience, you can save big on the Toyota Yaris Cross. For the entry-level Yaris Cross, you can save £2,579, whilst on the top-spec model, you can save a whopping £3,808.
Do bear in mind that prices in the electric vehicle market tend to fluctuate frequently, so these figures are accurate as of this review. It's always wise to check for the most current offers.
Motorfinity and the Toyota Yaris Cross
Motorfinity offers exclusive discounts on the Toyota Yaris Cross and other vehicles, potentially saving you thousands. Our personalised account managers handle the entire process, from enquiry to delivery, ensuring a seamless experience.
Are you eligible?
Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
