The small Toyota Yaris Cross crossover has been updated! And you didn’t notice? It’s not surprising, because the exterior changes are minimal; however, a lot has changed inside! From the title, it is clear that the car has a more powerful powertrain and a redesigned interior with the latest larger displays; how does all this affect the perception of the car? In general, what are the strengths of the Toyota Yaris Cross? Does this crossover have any disadvantages? I’ll tell you everything now!
Design: exactly as expected
Pour yourself some coffee… or tea… and slowly read the name of the car – Toyota Yaris Cross: this name encodes the whole essence of the crossover. It’s as if the compact Toyota Yaris model was created to be the ideal for a tight European city. But suddenly the word Cross was added and the corresponding hints: increased ground clearance, high body, wheel arch covers. From now on, this is it – a real crossover, a true adventurer!
Especially when it comes to the Toyota Yaris Cross Adventure version: as a test car. This variant immediately stands out with its gray front and rear bumper trims, dark gray 17-inch alloy wheels, and this two-tone paint job: a combination of gray-green khaki and black roof.
Frankly speaking, I’d never call the Toyota Yaris Cross a handsome car, but overall it looks quite modern, Plus, it immediately positions itself as a member of the Toyota family with its distinctive grille (like an inverted trapezoid) and hints at its relationship with the Yaris model with a massive dark stripe on the trunk lid. The Cross version has dark plastic overlays, while the Adventure version is further distinguished by gray elements on the bumpers. However, this is only a crossover B-SUV with the appropriate dimensions: length – 4.17 meters or 4.2 meters (for the Adventure version ); width – 1.765 meters; height – 1.595 meters; ground clearance is 170 mm. The overall appearance of the car has remained unchanged for more than four years, but the updated car displays the HEV logo.
If you have to look for changes in the exterior of the Toyota Yaris Cross, they are most striking in the cabin: a large 10.5-inch central display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Of course, these are the features of the maximum versions of the Toyota Yaris Cross crossover, but I can’t help but note that the multimedia system works quickly and smoothly, the menu is simple and clear, and the dashboard offers many design options and fine-tuning options. Generally speaking, this is a dashboard and multimedia system that we have already seen in Toyota C-HR and Toyota RAV4 GR Sport. That is: the smallest crossover gets the same technology as its “big brothers” – it’s nice, there’s nothing to say!
In addition to the immediately noticeable changes, there are several other interesting details in the cabin. For example, the new center display is supported by new ventilation deflectors – they are no longer hidden somewhere in the back, but protrude on the same level as the climate control unit. It seems like a small change, but the shelf next to these deflectors has disappeared – which is a pity, it was convenient. However, here’s a reason to be positive: beautiful combined seat trim, fabric and synthetic leather, color stitching. Yes, yes, yes, these are again features of the maximum versions; but the fact is that Toyota Yaris Cross Adventure knows how to interest! For example, to take your eyes off the too simple door trim, which openly contrasts with the soft “expensive” front panel coating.
There is not enough space in the back. Compared to a regular Toyota Yaris hatchback, the crossover at least offers minimal headroom. But still: the knees are close to the backs of the front seats, there is barely enough space in width – so it’s no wonder that the armrest is rather narrow. But the designers seemed to be trying to get even with the trunk: only an average volume (390 liters) and a lot of exposed metal or hard, noisy plastic; but there is an electric lid drive and a two-level floor; and the panels of the latter are divided asymmetrically in a 60/40 ratio – this allows you to flexibly adjust the space and allocate separate niches-shelves.
The expected design and heated steering wheel, nice soft plastic on the front panel and combined seat trim, a convenient climate control unit and a large niche with wireless charging underneath. There is more or less enough space in front, but the rear is frankly “on the edge”: the Toyota Yaris Cross crossover is clearly one of the least spacious cars in the class, but what did you expect from a 4.2-meter length. Updates in the form of a digital instrument cluster and a large central display are a definite plus. And the trunk is not bad: sufficient volume, well-thought-out transformation options, electric lid drive (which is not found in all competitors in this class). In general, the strong point of the Toyota Yaris Cross is its high level of equipment: heated lower windshield, 360-degree panoramic view, the aforementioned wireless charging and 2-zone climate, projection on glass, etc.
Technology: even more power for the hybrid
The Toyota Yaris Cross crossover is built on the TNGA GA-B platform: this stands for Toyota New Global Architecture, a variation of the GA-B platform used for B-class cars. Talking about the design of the Toyota Yaris Cross, it is impossible not to recall the Toyota Yaris hatchback, where this platform first appeared. Everything seems familiar: a load-bearing body, independent McPherson front suspension (lower arm and shock absorber with a spring around it), semi-dependent rear suspension based on a torsion beam (spring and shock absorber installed separately).
It is also worth noting the desire of the designers to lower the so-called hip-point, the driver’s seating position. But pay attention: the Toyota Yaris Cross crossover and the Toyota Yaris hatchback have a similar wheelbase and wheel track (2.56 meters and 1.53 meters, respectively), but the Toyota Yaris Cross crossover is much taller (almost 1.6 meters versus 1.5 meters) and has an increased ground clearance (170 mm versus 135 mm). That is, the whole story about the decrease in the hip-point was instantly raised simply because of the format of the higher crossover.
Next, the features of the hybrid system, which is also common to the Toyota Yaris and Toyota Yaris Cross. We have a 1.5-liter M15A-FXE gasoline engine plus an electric motor, as well as an e-CVT electromechanical variator (actually a planetary gear). The battery to power the hybrid system is located in the rear of the body, under the second-row seat. Since the launch of the Toyota Yaris and Toyota Yaris Cross models, this hybrid has been producing 116 hp and is still available today; but…
And now I propose to recall the Lexus LBX: it was on this example that we first got acquainted with a more powerful version of the hybrid. The gasoline atmospheric engine (68 kW or 92 hp and 120 Nm of torque) with dual variable valve timing remained unchanged. However, the electric motor has been significantly added: it now delivers 62 kW or 84 hp (versus 59 kW or 80 hp previously) and 185 Nm of torque (versus 141 Nm previously). The result was an increase in total power – now we have 130 hp; and it is the emergence of a new hybrid that has become one of the key features of the Toyota Yaris Cross update.
Speaking of Lexus LBX, this crossover also uses a similar platform, but – note – compared to the Toyota Yaris Cross, it has a longer wheelbase, wider track, and lower overall height. All the differences are a few centimeters; however, they are there, and in all key parameters. And one more thing by the way: just like the Lexus LBX, there are versions of the Toyota Yaris Cross with all-wheel drive (realized by adding a small electric motor to drive the rear wheels) somewhere in nature. But, unfortunately, they are not represented on the Ukrainian market – we have all versions of the model with front-wheel drive only.
We start with the basis in the form of the TNGA GA-B platform, continue with a hybrid based on a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor, and end with an updated version with increased power. From now on, the crossover Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 130 offers 130 hp, which should provide acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds (versus 11.2 seconds for the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 116 version) and 170 km/h top speed. Fuel consumption is stated at the level of: in the city – 3.4 liters per 100 km; on the highway – 4.3 liters per 100 km. So…
Behind the wheel: more power = better dynamics
I described all these design nuances above for a reason, because they really affect the behavior of the car. For example, while the Toyota Yaris hatchback is quite comfortable and stable on the road, the Toyota Yaris Cross crossover periodically sways in corners due to centrifugal forces or when driving at high speed on the open road due to gusts of side wind. It seems that the rather tall body with flat side surfaces with an unchanged wheelbase and wheel track is to blame. Here, remember the example of the Lexus LBX and its size; plus, I think it has either different shock absorbers or different springs, or both.
This behavior of the Toyota Yaris Cross’ chassis can be combated by clamping the suspension, but then the car can turn out to be very stiff, which will be especially noticeable due to the short wheelbase. All of this is already partially manifested in the character of the Toyota Yaris Cross, which sometimes gives a tangible kick to the rear suspension on the next large pothole. Although in most cases, the Toyota Yaris Cross crossover still somehow tries to hold on to the concept of comfort. To be more precise, it tries to demonstrate energy intensity on bad roads: you can race along ruts and asphalt surges almost like in more “adult” cars. But only if you agree to tolerate the body sway. Add a steering wheel with medium sharpness (just over 2.5 turns from stop to stop) and a slight background effort, and you get the picture that the Toyota Yaris Cross crossover clearly does not ignite the “fire of driving feelings”.
However, the hybrid justifies everything; any of the models in the lineup. I have already had the experience of driving a Toyota Yaris Cross with a 116-horsepower hybrid, and even it provides quite sufficient dynamics for moving around the city. After all, from the first moment you start moving, the electric motor starts working, so moving off and initial acceleration is brisk. Next, the gasoline engine is connected, which can be clearly heard: the gasoline engine is quite loud, because we have a 3-cylinder engine that immediately reaches 2-2.5-3 thousand revolutions when turned on. However, we forget about the sound and look at the speedometer – wow, the numbers change quickly! And they can go far, far away: the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 130 crossover easily hits all the highway limits allowed in Ukraine. And when moving from a standstill, it proves itself: the traditional 0-100 time is actually faster than the 116-horsepower version.
It is worth noting that the Toyota Yaris Cross offers three hybrid modes (ECO, NORMAL, POWER) and even in ECO mode, the latest 130-horsepower hybrid feels somewhere around the 116-horsepower level, definitely not worse. There is also a B-mode of the transmission selector for accumulating energy in the battery: it works well either on slopes, when the electric motor recovers energy; or it forces the gasoline engine to turn on and it works as a generator. Finally, there is an EV MODE button to activate the electric-only driving mode. However, all of this comes with a bunch of restrictions (speed, battery level, etc.), and you can only drive about 1 km in this way.
The new 130-horsepower hybrid lives up to expectations: more power translates into real improvement in dynamics – the 0-100 acceleration is even slightly better than promised. However, fuel consumption has also slightly increased: on average, I got 5-6 liters per 100 km in the city; the highs reached 6.5-7 liters; the lows were within 4 liters. A similar crossover with a 116-horsepower engine loses about 0.5 seconds in acceleration – but, according to my previous memories and my own impressions, it gains about the same amount in efficiency when driving around the city. On the other hand, the power and dynamics reserve of the 130-horsepower version is such that it can be driven in ECO mode all the time and it will be approximately at the level of the 116-horsepower version – and then the fuel consumption will be approximately at the same level. In general, the Toyota Yaris Cross with any hybrid turns out to be very economical in the city cycle – one of the best in the class! But on the highway, the magic of the hybrid disappears: when driving at a speed of about 100 km/h, fuel consumption is about 5 liters. An interesting design feature is that both batteries are located in the rear; the hybrid system uses a Li-Ion battery; a conventional 12-volt car battery is also present, it is needed to power on-board systems such as headlights, audio, heating, etc.
Cost: how much does Toyota Yaris Cross cost and who is in the competition
The Toyota Yaris Cross is offered in Ukraine with two hybrids (Hybrid 116 or Hybrid 130) and in five configurations, and they are tied to specific engines. So…
The model lineup is opened by the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 116 Live with a price of UAH 1.06 million or $25.6 thousand. The equipment of this car includes: conventional headlights and LED running lights, 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, electric windows for all windows, leather steering wheel, seats with fabric trim and dual-mode heating, adaptive cruise control and speed limiter, a shifter, a 7-inch digital instrument panel, a multimedia system with a 9-inch touchscreen display and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear view camera, climate control, ABS and VSC, collision warning system with emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and information, seven airbags/curtain airbags, automatic high beam switching, central locking with remote control, etc..
The next option is the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 116 Active with a price of UAH 1.126 million or $27.3 thousand. The equipment is further expanded with the following: 16-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, interior background lighting, front and rear parking sensors, wireless charging, heated steering wheel, etc.
One level higher is the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 116 Lounge with a price of UAH 1.215 million or $29.4 thousand. The list of equipment for this car includes roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and vertical LED daytime running lights, tinted rear windows and trunk lid glass, dark ceiling, keyless entry, a multimedia system with an enlarged 10.5-inch display, and much more.
One of the maximum options is the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 130 Elegant with a price of UAH 1.345 million or $32.5 thousand. This car is characterized by the following: more powerful new hybrid, black glossy grille, two-tone body paint with contrasting black roof, combined seat trim (fabric and synthetic leather), 360-degree camera system with panoramic view, parking assistant, 60/40 split trunk shelf, dual-zone climate control and air ionization function, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, mirror blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assistant, etc. An additional package of equipment is also available for the Elegant trim level – almost at the Adventure level.
The maximum and most expensive option is the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 130 Adventure with a price of UAH 1.4 million or almost $34 thousand. This car additionally features the following: a front bumper with a gray overlay, a rear bumper with a gray overlay, gray 17-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, the ability to darken the potential dazzle zone of an oncoming car, an electric luggage compartment lid drive and the ability to control the luggage compartment lid without contact, a projection display, etc.
Here is the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 116 Lounge in the “I’ve had enough” style: still a hybrid (albeit a 116-horsepower one), alloy wheels and LED-headlights, a new multimedia system with a large display, climate control, a digital 7-inch instrument panel, fabric upholstery, a two-story trunk floor with a non-split panel. Such a car costs almost $30 thousand; another $4-5 thousand plus or minus, depending on the version, is the price range. What do competitors offer for this money?
First, let me mention the cars that were recently reviewed. First, it’s the Nissan Juke crossover, also with front-wheel drive only, more interesting to drive, but with a small and underpowered gasoline engine. Secondly, I’ll mention the 2008 Peugeot, which doesn’t have all-wheel drive, but it has an economical diesel engine and a lower price tag. The third option would be the Honda HR-V – a successful hybrid with good interior space and quite complete and expensive equipment. The fourth rival is the Hyundai Kona crossover – for the same money, it offers larger dimensions and a more spacious interior, plus good suspension comfort. Finally, the fifth option is the Suzuki S-Cross – also a Japanese brand, simple interior and equipment, but there are versions with all-wheel drive and more space in the cabin. Only five cars, but what a company has already gathered!
Not enough? Then here are a bunch of competing cars: Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Venue, Citroen C4, Opel Mokka, Skoda Kamiq, SEAT Arona, Suzuki Vitara; need I go on? My point is that there are a lot of compact crossovers for $25-30-35 thousand on the market now – buyers have options to choose from. And in order to win the competition for the wallet, you need to be “good” in key areas plus offer a few more of your own key advantages. So, summarizing the general impressions of Toyota Yaris Cross and highlighting its advantages…
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