Toyota Yaris Cross gets a more powerful hybrid system

The Toyota Yaris Cross remains the Japanese brand’s smallest SUV, and this year it achieved the notable feat of overtaking the Yaris hatchback to become Toyota’s best-selling model in Europe.

Just two years after arriving on the market, it has now received a package of upgrades intended to make it even more appealing and competitive.

There is no point looking for visual changes, as there are none. Every update to the ‘new’ Yaris Cross sits beneath the surface.

More powerful

Arguably one of the most significant changes is the introduction of a more powerful hybrid powertrain, available only on the better-equipped versions in the range. The existing 116 hp option remains in place for all other versions.

It still uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine, but it is now paired with a larger, more powerful electric motor. As a result, combined maximum output rises from 116 hp to 132 hp, while combined peak torque increases from 141 Nm to 185 Nm.

The extra power and torque cut half a second from the Yaris Cross’s 0–100 km/h acceleration time, which now stands at 10.7 seconds, while also improving in-gear acceleration.

A more refined Toyota Yaris Cross cabin

Toyota has placed considerable emphasis on reducing noise inside the updated Toyota Yaris Cross. To achieve this, the brand has improved the engine mounts and added further layers of sound insulation between the engine bay and passenger compartment. The windscreen and side windows are now also made from thicker glass.

The cabin experience has become more digital too, with a customisable instrument display and the option to use a smartphone as the car key. This is enabled through Toyota’s MyT app, which also provides other connected functions. Naturally, remote over-the-air (OTA) software updates are included as well.

Rounding off the package is an enhanced suite of active safety systems, adding to the already extensive equipment list offered by the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Yaris Cross Premiere Edition

With this update, a new Premiere Edition is available for buyers looking for something more exclusive, bringing together the best features offered on this model.

The bodywork is first treated to a two-tone finish, with a black upper section and a lower portion in the exclusive Urban Khaki shade, as shown in the gallery below. Two further choices are also offered: Platinum Pearl White and Silver Metallic. Elsewhere in the range, a new Juniper Blue colour is available too.

The look is completed by 18-inch alloy wheels featuring a two-tone design. Inside, the trim includes stitching in the same exclusive colour as the bodywork, alongside other upgrades.

When will it arrive?

The brand says online reservations will open later this month in several European markets. The first units are expected to arrive in Portugal during the second quarter of 2024.