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TOYOTA Yaris Cross Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2020
Engines: Hybrid gasoline, Gasoline
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
TOYOTA Yaris Cross photo gallery

Toyota entered into the crossover B-segment in 2020 with the Yaris Cross and didn’t wait too long until it refreshed it in 2023 for the 2024 model year, slightly improving the vehicle in several areas.

Even if it came late to the B-Segment crossover party, Toyota quickly recovered lost ground in this segment with the Yaris Cross. While most automakers offered front-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with internal combustion engines, the Japanese brand brought hybrid drivetrains to maximize fuel efficiency. All it had to do was match the GA-B platform used for the Yaris with an all-wheel drive system and a gas-electric powertrain. While it’s easier said than done, it’s also what the automaker did, and then it added a crossover-looking bodywork that sported the Yaris Cross badge.

While most of the Yaris Cross range kept the same exterior design as the original model, the automaker also added a new halo model named Premiere Edition. It sported a version-only Urban Khaki (army green) paint, but customers could also get it in white or silver metallic, with two-tone options. The GR version sported a distinct grille design with a hexagonal pattern and was adorned by the specific GR badge. From its profile, this version boasted a new set of 18” light alloy wheels. The car’s black trims around the wheel arches were complemented by matching-colored side sills and lower body decorations under both bumpers.

Toyota was often criticized for its infotainment systems, which were difficult to use and somehow not as friendly as other brands. The automaker tried to fix that and improved the 2024 Yaris Cross with the introduction of new systems. Customers could get the car with either a nine-inch or a 10.5” touchscreen for the multimedia system. However, the most significant improvement was for the instrument cluster that fronted the driver. The entry-level, Mid, and Mid+ received a standard seven-inch display, while the upper grades, such as the GR Sport and the Premiere Edition, boasted a 12.3” screen.

Along with the new infotainment unit, Toyota installed Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which customers requested for years. Furthermore, thanks to the new system, the Yaris Cross can be accessed via the MyT designated app for both operating systems that transformed users’ phones into digital keys. That was a significant improvement for the Yaris Cross—furthermore, the cloud-based navigation system allowed for up-to-the-moment information for the selected route.

The 2024 Yaris Cross came with an improved 1.5-liter full hybrid system that provided more power and higher torque at lower rotations per minute. The new system was equipped with a transaxle system that sent power in all corners via an eCVT and provided better acceleration than its predecessor by half a second in the 0-62 MPH (0-100 kph) sprint. That was possible thanks to the 14% increase in the system’s total output and 30% higher torque.

full description and technical specifications
TOYOTA Yaris Cross photo gallery

The Yaris nameplate is around for quite some time, proof of its success in Europe. But this time, Toyota decided to enter the B-SUV market, confident that the brand’s fans would be excited.

Extremely versatile, the Yaris Cross offered features of an SUV combined with a nice design, a mud’s friend and a family’s trusted companion.

Talking about versatility, the Yaris Cross was designed to do well in all different situations. The trunk would open if tapped with the foot, and the cargo area was equipped with holding straps to prevent luggages from falling over. Once the trunk floor was lowered, the space increased considerably.

The exterior design was based on the image of a diamond, having sharp and strong lines.

As we said, a bit of mud was never an issue for the new Yaris, having a high ground clearance and bold fenders on top of the 18-inch wheels.

We already concluded that the car was versatile and suited every need, but Toyota focused on the CO2 emissions as well. The Yaris had the 4th generation of hybrid technology, with emissions lower than 90 g/km CO2 for the 4WD.

Both the 3-cylinder 1.5-liter petrol engine and the 59 kW Li-Ion battery provided a total of 116 hp, thus making it an agile car that was great in overtaking.

The new Yaris was based on TYNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) and offered a higher driving position, body rigidity, a low center of gravity and a reduced body roll.

Fuel efficiency, SUV styling, spacious and practical, what else would someone need more?

full description and technical specifications