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Pros: good looks, high quality, great drive
Cons: not the cheapest-to-buy crossover
Toyota Yaris Cross Design
Although the Yaris Cross is built on the same underpinnings as the Yaris hatchback, it looks like a completely different model on the outside as it’s bigger than its sibling in every direction. In fact, it’s not far off the size of a Corolla hatch. In truth, the Yaris Cross has more presence than either of those cars because of its high ground clearance and SUV-like stance. That’s further enhanced in the range-topping GR Sport model tested here by a set of stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof and some GR badging and detailing. It particularly suits bright colours as they contrast with the black upper body, side sills and wheelarches.
Toyota Yaris Cross Interior
The dashboard of the Yaris Cross will be familiar to Yaris drivers, and there’s nothing wrong with that. While it trades soft-touch plushness for longevity in places, it’s still a high-quality cabin and there’s plenty of equipment included. A large touchscreen in the middle has wireless Apple CarPlay capability and the GR Sport model gets a lovely three-spoke steering wheel with a perforated leather rim and red stitching. GR Sport seats are also included, making the cabin feel more special than that of the rest of the Yaris Cross line-up.
As with those, the Yaris Cross has acceptable rear passenger space when compared to its rivals, though the boot is usefully large, holding nearly 400 litres. What’s more, it comes with a versatile split-level design that allows for a variety of layouts.
Toyota Yaris Cross Performance & Drive
Despite the sporty looks, the Yaris Cross GR Sport gets the same smooth hybrid drivetrain found in other versions. At the heart of the system is an efficient and quiet 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, working with an electric motor and an electronic ‘continuously variable’ automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Sometimes the engine does all the work, sometimes the electric motor does and sometimes they work together, depending on what the computer brain reckons is the most efficient or most powerful for a given set of circumstances.
Toyota quotes a peak power output of 116hp, which doesn’t sound like much, but the instant-torque effect of the electric motor means that the car feels nippy around town and never out of its depth anywhere else. The engine is regularly switched off completely, adding to the refinement.
Though the hybrid system is undoubtedly economical, the Yaris Cross is also really good fun to drive. The bigger wheels might detract a fraction from urban comfort and bump absorption, but in general it’s a really well sorted car.
Toyota Yaris Cross Pricing
Prices start at €30,305 for the Yaris Cross Luna, rising to €33,000 for the Sport model and €36,480 for the Yaris Cross Sol. The GR Sport’s generous equipment count is based on the specification of the Sol so seems reasonable value at €37,990 given its enhanced look inside and out.
Carzone Verdict
While the Yaris Cross is far from the cheapest car in the small crossover class, it justifies its pricing with solid engineering, an attractive look, good driving manners and a sense of high quality. It’s well-equipped, too and comes with the reassurance of the Toyota badge on the bonnet. No wonder it’s the fourth-best-selling new car of the year to date.