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Easy to see why Toyota’s Yaris Cross is such a hit
With sharp handling, a comfortable and well-laid-out interior, and a choice of two hybrid powertrains, the Yaris Cross offers a compelling blend of everyday usability and advanced engineering.
From the driver’s seat, the Yaris Cross immediately feels intuitive. It’s very easy to manoeuvre, whether threading through tight city streets or navigating busy car parks.
The steering is light but responsive, and the handling is reasonably sharp when out on the B-roads, with composed an agile cornering aided by Toyota’s GA-B platform, which provides a low centre of gravity and high body rigidity..
Inside, the Yaris Cross feels more spacious than its compact dimensions suggest. The cabin is well thought out, with a layout that makes smart use of space. For a smaller car, it’s impressively comfortable.
The seats offer good support, and there’s enough room for adults in both the front and rear. Materials are solid, and higher-grade models feature soft-touch surfaces that elevate the overall feel.
Toyota has also made strides in noise and vibration reduction. The result is a quieter, more refined drive, with road, wind, and engine noise kept well in check – a noticeable improvement that adds to the car’s grown-up feel.
One of the Yaris Cross’s biggest selling points is its hybrid tech. Toyota now offers two hybrid powertrains: the established 114bhp version and a new, more powerful 129bhp option. This dual strategy gives buyers more choice depending on their driving needs.
The 129bhp system, available on Excel and GR Sport grades (and optionally on Design), features a revised 1.5-litre full hybrid setup with a new transaxle and a more powerful electric motor-generator. Torque has been boosted by 30%, and acceleration is noticeably quicker – 0-62mph now takes 10.7 seconds, with improved mid-range performance for overtaking.
Despite the performance gains, fuel economy remains strong at 58.8mpg, and CO₂ emissions are kept in check at 109–115g/km. The 114bhp version still leads on efficiency, returning up to 62.7mpg and emitting as little as 101g/km, making it ideal for those prioritising low running costs.
On the road, both hybrid systems deliver a smooth and responsive drive. The increased torque in the 129bhp version gives the car a more dynamic feel. The hybrid system seamlessly switches between electric and petrol power, and the regenerative braking is well-calibrated.
Toyota has also introduced new predictive driving tech to enhance efficiency. These include Predictive Efficient Drive, which learns driver behaviour and road conditions to optimise battery use, and Predictive Deceleration Support, which suggests when to ease off the throttle to save energy. These systems are integrated with the car’s cloud-based navigation and work quietly in the background to improve fuel economy.
For those needing extra grip, the Yaris Cross is the only compact hybrid SUV to offer an intelligent all-wheel drive system (AWD-i). Available on Excel grade, it uses an independent electric motor on the rear axle to provide additional traction when pulling away, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. The system automatically adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Toyota has overhauled the Yaris Cross’s digital experience. Higher-grade models feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customised with different display styles, while the central touchscreen – up to 10.5 inches depending on trim – offers cloud-based navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and an upgraded voice assistant.
Toyota’s Yaris Cross
PRICE: From £25,495
ENGINE: 1.5-litre hybrid
0-62MPH: 10.7 seconds
ECONOMY: 58.8mpg and emissions of 109–115g/km
POWER: 114bhp or 129bhp options
WARRANTY: Up to 10 Years / 100,000 Miles
