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Toyota Yaris Cross

Since its launch in 2021, the Yaris Cross has attracted virtually all buyers to the hybrid powertrain. Only a scant 15 percent of buyers preferred the conventional gasoline engine. This is not surprising, as the price difference between the gasoline and hybrid powertrains was not significant, and the hybrid offered an extra dose of economy and smoothness, making the choice for many buyers a quick one.

Toyota has now decided to stop offering the regular gasoline powertrain. Only the hybrid powertrain remains available, but it comes in two flavors from now on. The Hybrid 115 remains available, but in addition the brand also offers the Hybrid 130. We already know the new powertrain from the updated Yaris, which we drove recently. Both hybrid variants use the same 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, but the difference is in the electric motor. In the case of the Hybrid 115, when combined with the gasoline engine, it produces 116 horsepower. The HYBRID 130 features – you guessed it – wrong! 132 hp. Torque additionally increases to 185 Nm in the Hybrid 130, and 0-100 km/h acceleration improves by 0.5 second, to 10.7 seconds.

More torque

Behind the wheel, you notice the improved performance. Of course, you don’t notice that you get to 100 in half a second faster, but what is noticeable is that you don’t have to press the accelerator pedal as deeply to move forward smoothly. The electric motor can do more work, and thanks to more torque throughout the rev range, the gasoline engine does not have to work as hard as a result. It provides a comfortable and quiet driving experience.

Sound insulation

The quietness inside the car comes not only from the extra power, but also from the extra sound insulation that Toyota henceforth applied to the updated Yaris Cross. The brand has taken several measures to make the interior significantly quieter, including the use of more insulation material in the dashboard, which now consists of three layers. In addition, an extra layer of felt was added to the muffler on the inside of the hood. To reduce wind and tire noise, both the windshield and front and rear side windows have thicker glass. This keeps noise levels contained, although you will still hear some wind noise on the highway. It could hardly be otherwise in a car in this price range; the Yaris Cross is no Rolls-Royce.

New screens

In the interior, Toyota also revamped a few things. For example, there is a brand new infotainment screen, already familiar from other Toyota models. It comes in two variants: 9 or 10.5 inches. Unlike its predecessor, the physical buttons that sat next to the screen are now gone, giving way to digital hotkeys.

The updated system has significantly more computing power and is noticeably faster than the infotainment screen found in the old Yaris Cross models. It feels almost as fast as your phone. Of course, it supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. The menus are simple, allowing you to quickly get to the functions you are looking for. Do you prefer to keep your hands on the wheel? Through voice recognition – with the command “Hey Toyota” – you can control various functions in the car with your voice. “Hey Toyota, I’m cold” and the heater goes up. No sense talking to a car? Physical buttons allow you to easily control the climate control, without having to fiddle with the screen, as many cars from other automakers have to do these days.

In addition to the new intofainment screen, there is also a new digital instrument cluster. You get a 7-inch display as standard, but for the more luxurious versions, an impressive 12-inch display flaunts itself. The permanent Internet connection allows the car to download updates without having to visit the dealer.

No facelift

On the outside, Toyota left the car largely untouched. Nevertheless, two new colors have been added: Urban Khaki and Juniper Blue. One notable detail is the plain Toyota logo that now adorns the nose. Previously, hybrid vehicles used a logo with a blue glow. But given the increasing dominance of hybrids within the brand, the Japanese manufacturer has decided to use the standard brand logo on hybrids from now on as well.

smart key

For the Yaris Cross, there is now also the so-called Smart Digital Key, which is linked to the MyToyota app. This digital key allows up to five users to control the car via their smartphone, including locking, unlocking and starting, without having to take their phone out of their bag or pocket. Later this year, it will be possible to leave the physical key at home altogether and you will have enough with the digi key on your phone.

Space offer

With the Yaris Cross, Toyota is targeting buyers looking for just a little more space than the regular Yaris can offer. In addition, you naturally sit higher in the Yaris Cross than in its hatchback counterpart. With a height difference of 90 mm, getting in and out is much easier. The wheelbase of 2.56 meters means that the rear seat is still not the best place for passengers with long legs.

As for luggage space, the Yaris Cross offers 397 liters of space, expandable to 1,097 liters with the rear seats folded down. Thanks to the so-called Smart Cargo system, the cargo floor can be easily adjusted to two levels, making it easy to transport both groceries and tall objects. An optional power tailgate is useful if you often arrive at your car with your hands full of groceries. After kicking your foot past the foot sensor, the flap opens automatically. While both hybrid powertrains of the Yaris Cross make for a pleasant and economical ride, there is one drawback: towing capacity is more limited. At up to 750 pounds, it is considerably lower than the pure gasoline version, which could tow up to 1,350 pounds.

Conclusion

The updated Yaris Cross is undoubtedly going to be another hit. Toyota sold 200,000 units of the small SUV last year, making it the most popular Toyota in Europe. A piquant detail: all examples roll off the assembly line at the Toyota plant in France, making it also immediately the most produced car in France. The update brings the crossover back up to date with a modern infotainment system, the latest safety and driving assistance gadgets and an extra powerful, but still fuel-efficient, powertrain. The SUV is on the same chassis as the Yaris, making it a pleasantly steering car that allows you to drive economically without sacrificing dynamics.

Yaris Cross pricing

The updated Yaris Cross Hybrid 116 comes from 33,200 euros. For the Hybrid 130, the brand is asking a minimum of 39,300. The Hybrid 130 GR Sport version we tested features a slightly modified suspension, resulting in a slightly sportier ride. It is also equipped with sporty details, such as tough 18-inch wheels, GR Sport logos, black headliner and red stitching. For all this beauty, the brand is asking a minimum of 41,495 euros. For the Yaris Cross – as with all Toyotas – a warranty period of up to 10 years applies, as long as the car is serviced at an official Toyota dealer or Authorized Repairer. In the video below, we tell you more about the new Toyota Yaris Cross.