Toyota Yaris Cross gets updated styling and more powerful hybrid engine
Toyota has updated the Yaris Cross, giving its small SUV refreshed styling, additional standard equipment and the more powerful Hybrid 130 powertrain across the entire range.
The changes amount to a relatively modest update for the current Yaris Cross, which sits below the larger C-HR in Toyota’s SUV range. It competes with small SUVs including the Ford Puma, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and Hyundai Kona.
The most obvious exterior change is a redesigned front grille with a new honeycomb pattern that’s now finished in the same colour as the bodywork. Toyota has also introduced redesigned headlights and new alloy wheels for some versions.
The sportier ‘GR Sport’ gets its own revised front bumper, while three new paint colours – ‘Precious Bronze’, ‘Persian Salt’ and ‘Storm Grey’ – join the range.
‘Hybrid 130’ now standard
More significantly, Toyota has dropped the less powerful hybrid option previously offered on cheaper versions of the Yaris Cross.
Every model now uses the ‘Hybrid 130’ powertrain, which produces 129hp and was previously reserved for higher-specification versions.
Toyota quotes combined fuel economy of between 55mpg and 64mpg, depending on specification. Most versions remain front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive continues to be available as an option on the ‘Excel’.
More equipment across the range
The entry-level ‘Icon’ trim now comes with automatically folding door mirrors and LED headlights with automatic high beam. Its existing equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera and nine-inch infotainment touchscreen.
‘Design’ adds wireless phone charging and parking sensors, together with new sports-style front seats and redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels.
The ‘Excel’ gets new 18-inch wheels and revised upholstery combining leather with Toyota’s recycled ‘SakuraTouch’ material. It also comes with a powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, 12-inch digital instrument display and 11-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Its standard driver assistance equipment includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera and automated parking assistance. A contrasting black roof and pillars can now be specified as an option.
The range-topping ‘GR Sport’ also gains a powered tailgate and blind spot monitoring, alongside its existing sports-themed styling, Ultrasuede upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels. A panoramic glass roof remains optional on ‘Excel’ and ‘GR Sport’ versions.
Pricing and availability
The updated Toyota Yaris Cross is available to order now, with the first UK customer deliveries due in September 2026.
Prices start at over £27k for the ‘Icon’, rising to £30k for ‘Design’ and around £34k for Excel. The GR Sport tops the range at just north of £35k.
The Toyota Yaris Cross holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 75%. It scores top marks for its five-star safety rating, as well as its low running costs and low CO2 emissions. Its media review scores are good, but Toyota’s new car warranty cover is only average.
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