Best-selling Toyota Yaris Cross gets a fresh look and more tech

Toyota has opened UK sales for the updated Yaris Cross, its best-selling model in Europe and one of the most popular compact hybrid SUVs on the market. Four years after launch, Toyota has refreshed the Yaris Cross with a round of styling tweaks, new equipment features and a powertrain upgrade that makes its Hybrid 130 1.5 engine standard across the range.

With prices ranging from £27,445 to £35,095, and first deliveries due to begin this month, the updated Yaris Cross continues to offer a strong lease proposition, especially given the improvements in equipment and efficiency.

The Yaris Cross has always leaned heavily on its SUV-inspired stance, and the latest update strengthens that look.

The front end gets a new honeycomb mesh grille finished in body colour, helping it to blend more cleanly into the surrounding bodywork. A revised lower grille, flared wheel arches and chunky sills keep the car’s rugged proportions intact, while new headlights with integrated daytime running lights sharpen the overall design.

Design and Excel grades benefit from new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs, while the sportier GR Sport model gets a more technical front bumper with side pods and deeply recessed fog lights to emphasise its wider, more athletic stance. It’s a subtle update overall, but one that helps the Yaris Cross stay fresh in a crowded segment. Toyota has also added three new paint colours — Precious Bronze, Persian Salt and Storm Grey — giving buyers more choice when configuring their car.

Under the skin, the biggest change is the adoption of the Hybrid 130 powertrain across all versions.

Producing 129bhp, it offers official WLTP fuel economy of 55.3–64.1mpg, depending on trim. Toyota’s hybrid systems have long been praised for their real-world efficiency, and the Yaris Cross has form here — the previous model set a new average fuel-economy record in What Car?’s True MPG testing. Front-wheel drive remains standard, but buyers choosing the Excel grade now have the option to specify all-wheel drive for added traction in poor weather.

Inside, Toyota has focused on improving equipment levels across the board.

The entry-level Icon now includes auto-folding mirrors, LED headlights with automatic high beam, 16-inch alloys, a reversing camera and a nine-inch touchscreen. It’s a strong starting point for a compact SUV at this price.

The Design grade adds a wireless phone charger, parking sensors and new sports-style front seats, along with newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels. It’s likely to be the sweet spot for many drivers, offering a good balance of price and equipment.

Things take a noticeable step up with the Excel trim though.

This version introduces new 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded seat upholstery combining leather sections with Toyota’s new SakuraTouch recycled material, and a much more comprehensive technology package. Highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.5-inch Smart Connect multimedia system, heated steering wheel, power tailgate, front and rear under-runs and metallic paint as standard.

The Excel also gains Toyota’s Advanced Safety Pack, which bundles features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Change Assist, a Panoramic View Monitor and advanced parking assist. A bi-tone paint option and a Skyview panoramic roof are also available.

At the top of the range, the GR Sport builds on its sportier styling with Ultrasuede seat upholstery, 18-inch grey alloy wheels, GR-specific exterior accents and the same Advanced Safety Pack as Excel. It also gains a power tailgate and Blind Spot Monitor as standard, making it the most feature-rich Yaris Cross you can buy.

For drivers looking to lease a compact hybrid SUV that’s easy to live with, economical to run and now better equipped than ever, the latest Toyota Yaris Cross remains one of the most compelling options in the segment. Step this way for some great leasing deals.