Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota considers the Yaris Cross a "segment leader," so they are improving it to ensure everyone treats it as such - at least in Europe, where the refresh was recently introduced.
Keen on capitalizing on the automotive market's passion for all things crossovers, SUVs, and trucks, Toyota has a massive family of high-riding models. Although it's unavailable everywhere (like in North America), everything starts with the Yaris Cross subcompact crossover SUV. It's not an old nameplate – the original dropped in 2020 at home in Australia and 2021 in Europe based on the XP210 Yaris built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-B).
It has quickly become a prevalent model, including thanks to the availability of a hybridized version of the company's 1.5-liter M15A-FKS inline-three engine. Interestingly, no one can deny its success because Toyota even premiered a Lexus counterpart based on the same underpinnings – the slightly more powerful, hybrid-only 134-hp Lexus LBX. The latter incurs a significant premium over its lesser cousin from Toyota across several Old Continent markets, and Toyota is making it increasingly hard to be viewed as a good deal.
This is because the Japanese automaker recently announced the first slew of upgrades for the current Toyota Yaris Cross, adding more power, style, safety, and technology across the board. "The new Yaris Cross delivers stronger and more rewarding performance from its hybrid electric powertrain." Still, it is also safer and more accessible to drive, thanks to the latest evolution of the Toyota T-Mate suite of safety and driver assistance systems.
The revamp of Toyota's small car family is now almost complete – there are new Aygo X and Yaris hatchbacks, this fresh Yaris Cross B-segment CUV and the last one that needs some upgrades is the high-performance GR Yars. The little crossover gets better noise and vibration levels inside the latest Toyota Smart Connect multimedia package, is featured on a 7- or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9- or 10.5-inch touchscreen, and there's also OTA upgrades plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There is also a new Smart Digital Key, a fresh dual-tone Urban Khaki paintjob for the new Premiere Edition (which also gains exclusive 18-inch wheels), new seat upholstery plus soft lower instrument panel covering, and also a new Juniper Blue paint option available across all trim levels. So, now the Yaris Cross is almost as luxurious as the Lexus LBX in Premiere Edition form. Last but not least, it's also nearly just as powerful thanks to the new Hybrid 130 powertrain option – the combined system output increases from 114 to 130 hp, and torque jumps 30% from 141 to 185 Nm (104 to 136 lb-ft).
Naturally, that brings increased performance specifications: zero to 100 kph (62 mph) is now done in 10.7 seconds (0.5s faster), and Toyota says the CO2 impact is modest. Customers still have the option to choose the lesser engine combo; the lineup is offered with the Hybrid 115, whereas the Hybrid 130 is only available on top grades like the GR Sport and Premiere Edition.
It has quickly become a prevalent model, including thanks to the availability of a hybridized version of the company's 1.5-liter M15A-FKS inline-three engine. Interestingly, no one can deny its success because Toyota even premiered a Lexus counterpart based on the same underpinnings – the slightly more powerful, hybrid-only 134-hp Lexus LBX. The latter incurs a significant premium over its lesser cousin from Toyota across several Old Continent markets, and Toyota is making it increasingly hard to be viewed as a good deal.
This is because the Japanese automaker recently announced the first slew of upgrades for the current Toyota Yaris Cross, adding more power, style, safety, and technology across the board. "The new Yaris Cross delivers stronger and more rewarding performance from its hybrid electric powertrain." Still, it is also safer and more accessible to drive, thanks to the latest evolution of the Toyota T-Mate suite of safety and driver assistance systems.
The revamp of Toyota's small car family is now almost complete – there are new Aygo X and Yaris hatchbacks, this fresh Yaris Cross B-segment CUV and the last one that needs some upgrades is the high-performance GR Yars. The little crossover gets better noise and vibration levels inside the latest Toyota Smart Connect multimedia package, is featured on a 7- or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9- or 10.5-inch touchscreen, and there's also OTA upgrades plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There is also a new Smart Digital Key, a fresh dual-tone Urban Khaki paintjob for the new Premiere Edition (which also gains exclusive 18-inch wheels), new seat upholstery plus soft lower instrument panel covering, and also a new Juniper Blue paint option available across all trim levels. So, now the Yaris Cross is almost as luxurious as the Lexus LBX in Premiere Edition form. Last but not least, it's also nearly just as powerful thanks to the new Hybrid 130 powertrain option – the combined system output increases from 114 to 130 hp, and torque jumps 30% from 141 to 185 Nm (104 to 136 lb-ft).
Naturally, that brings increased performance specifications: zero to 100 kph (62 mph) is now done in 10.7 seconds (0.5s faster), and Toyota says the CO2 impact is modest. Customers still have the option to choose the lesser engine combo; the lineup is offered with the Hybrid 115, whereas the Hybrid 130 is only available on top grades like the GR Sport and Premiere Edition.
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