2026 Toyota Yaris Cross review

It’s a rare moment where a Toyota product isn’t an absolute leading light in its segment. It’s not that this Yaris Cross isn’t a popular seller — it was one of the best-selling crossovers of 2025. But, in its segment, the numbers don’t lie. Most punters wanting a similarly priced, similarly sized SUV buy the Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Seltos, and MG ZS.

And, this segment is only set to become increasingly crowded. The very sharply priced Chery Tiggo 4 landed here in late 2025, as did the Suzuki Fronx. So with all of these different candidates jostling for position, is the Yaris Cross an underrated gem? 

How much does the Toyota Yaris Cross cost?

The Yaris Cross is inexplicably one of the pricier options in its weight division, with pricing starting at $36,690 for the pictured based model GX and then topping out at a rather hefty $47,190 for the two-tone Limited variant. 

Mechanically, all three variants (well, three-and-a-half variants) are identical. Each shares the same 1.5-litre 3-cylinder hybrid petrol powertrain and front-wheel drive. It’s important to note that Toyota’s pricing includes all on-road costs, meaning no hidden surprises when talking turkey on the dealership floor. 

The Mitsubishi ASX and Kia Seltos are both cheaper than the Yaris Cross, both neither comes with a hybrid. And whilst the Suzuki Fronx does have an electrified powertrain, it’s a ‘mild hybrid’. This leaves the MG ZS and Chery Tiggo 4 as the Yaris Cross’ most direct competitors. 

Unlike the Toyota, the MG and Chery can be had in both non-hybrid and hybrid form. In regards to the latter, each is priced from $34,990 and a mere $29,990, respectively, not including on-road costs. As well as being cheaper at a base level, the ZS and Tiggo 4 hybrids are also cheaper at a flagship level — $38,990 for the ZS Essence and $34,990 for the Tiggo 4 Ultimate.

What is the Toyota Yaris Cross like on the inside?

The advent of cheap but lavishly equipped crossovers from China has spoiled me. This is something I didn’t necessarily realise until I hopped into this base model Yaris Cross GX. This looks and feels like a true ‘base model’ car, which will be endearing to some and maybe a little disappointing to others. 

Grey plastics, an armada of blanked off buttons where features in fancier spec variants go, a cheap urethane steering wheel, and dull fabric seat upholstery all mark this GX as an entry-level grade. Although that’s not to say the interior isn’t interesting. 

The wrap-around dashboard is rather daring for a mainstream crossover, as are the oddly shaped interior door handles that require you to reach into a dark mysterious cave of plastic each time you open the door. Storage is well thought out, with a handy phone-sized shelf in the middle of the dashboard and a deep centre cubby. Bonus points, too, for including a centre arm rest — not always a guaranteed feature in cars this size.

Standard kit in the GX is mostly as you would expect. There’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reasonably clear reverse camera, voice control, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering (on the topic of safety, the Yaris Cross has a valid 5-star ANCAP safety rating). But, there’s also a couple of pleasant spec surprises, too — namely the standard power tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, and a 7.0-inch digital cluster display.

Is it spacious? Sort of. The Yaris Cross packs a very useful 390-litre boot space, a 120-litre gain over the standard Yaris but 53-litres short on an MG ZS. Rear legroom and headroom is fair for the segment, but again trails behind what you get from either the ZS or the Chery Tiggo 4. The outboard seats are at least quite comfortable, and come with ISOFIX points. 

What’s under the bonnet?

As we mentioned before, it doesn’t matter which Yaris Cross you get, it comes with the same engine. The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre inline triple and wedded electric motor develop a humble 85kW of power combined and 120Nm of torque, with that output sent through a CVT.

A savage straightline monster the Yaris Cross most certainly is not. But, that’s obviously not really the point here. This is a fuel-sipping economy warrior, and in all likelihood ranks as one of the cheapest cars to run on the market. 

Toyota claims a mere 3.6L/100km combined fuel economy figure — a clear cut above the 5.4L/100km of a Tiggo 4 hybrid or the 5.2L/100km of a ZS hybrid. This economy figure is specific to the Yaris Cross GX and the Limited, with the GR Sport variant’s economy rated at a higher 4.2L/100km. The discrepancy likely lies with the latter’s unique tyre and suspension package.

How does the Toyota Yaris Cross drive?

The Yaris Cross is quick to establish itself as a car of very few surprises, although there is one quirk that I struggled with from the get go.

Of course, the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder largely performs exactly as you would expect it to. It isn’t what you’d call a firecracker, but packs enough punch to be as quick as you could need when ducking and diving through urban streets. The additional splash of electrification from its hybrid system helps make up for the lack of a turbocharger, too. 

It’s also a very simple, straightforward car to drive, too. The Yaris’ lane-keep software isn’t nearly as buggy and intrusive as that of its Chinese counterparts, and Toyota’s adaptive cruise system is nice and consistent. Rearward visibility isn’t a particular stand out, but is at least a lot better than that of the Yaris Cross’ more stylish sibling, the C-HR. And, although it’s quite ugly, the traditional gear lever between the front seats will no doubt please those who prefer it to the more new-school column-mounted shifter or dial selector solutions.

The Yaris Cross is also, surprise surprise, ridiculously frugal. We were able to very easily match Toyota’s 3.6L/100km fuel economy claims without making any particular effort to achieve a better figure — climate control was blaring the whole time we had it, and much of our driving was done on motorways. This means that someone out there with an even more urban route (and who is happy to brave a balmy cabin) could beat Toyota’s efficiency digits without much trouble.

Plenty to love about the Yaris Cross driving experience, then. But I do have one bugbear I have to raise, because the powertrain in the Cross (and presumably also the standard Yaris hatch) has one issue. And that’s its noise.

I’m not specifically referring to how it sounds under power, although the presence of a CVT does lead to a somewhat strained exhaust note from time to time. I’m actually talking about its coasting and low speed hybrid ‘hum’. This is the sound all hybrids produce when the petrol engine isn’t in use, in order to notify anyone nearby that a moving car is in their midst. In 4-cylinder Toyota hybrids like the RAV4 and Corolla we tested either side of the Yaris, it’s a pleasant enough sound. But the Yaris Cross gets a different sound generator — more shrill, high pitched, and loud. 

What was a mild irritation early on actually became quite frustrating by the end. I would encourage those keen on one of these to sample it for themselves first before they sign on the dotted line. 

What do you get? 

Toyota’s smallest SUV sports a reasonable equipment list, with a fairly well rounded safety suite to boot. There are some curious absences, like the lack of wireless charging across the board. It’s worth underscoring that whilst the GR Sport and Limited are separate trim levels, they are essentially equal top dog flagships with plenty of shared equipment.

Toyota Yaris Cross equipment highlights: 

• Voice recognition
• Miracast
• 2 x USB-C ports
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 6-speaker sound system
• 8.0-inch touchscreen
• 7.0-inch TFT display
• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic high beams
• Blind spot monitor
• Hill start assist
• 2 x ISOFIX points
• Reverse camera with dynamic guidelines
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Black front grille
• Black wheel arch mouldings
• Roof rails
• Power tailgate with kick-to-open
• 16-inch wheels
• Temporary spare wheels
• Halogen headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Power and heated wing mirrors
• Fabric upholstery
• Manual front seats
• Urethane steering wheels
• Push-button start
• Smart entry
• Single-zone climate control

Yaris Cross GR Sport adds: 

• Red brake calipers with GR logo
• GR Sport suspension
• Road sign assist
• Drive-start control
• Regenerative braking
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• GR Sport mesh front grille
• GR Sport lower rear bumper trim
• Two-tone roof
• Rear privacy glass
• Manual boot
• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• GR Sport bucket seats
• Synthetic leather appointed upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Sport pedals
• Head-up display

Yaris Cross Limited adds: 

• 6-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats

CarExpert’s take on the Toyota Yaris Cross

When it comes to the basics, the Yaris Cross is an incredibly strong performer. Its fuel economy numbers are the best in the segment for a hybrid, and the robust reputation and resale value attached to the Toyota brand put it in good stead. Those wanting a very competent and cheap-to-run grocery getter will be served well here. 

That said, I think the Yaris Cross has a bit of an issue. The entry-level GX is both more expensive and less glamorously equipped than its increasingly competitive rivals. And if you’re wanting to get a Yaris Cross with a similar level of tech and spec, it’s an almost fifty thousand dollar exercise — at which point you’re getting into proper mid-size SUV price territory. 

With the model only getting facelifted last year, a replacement Yaris Cross designed to take on these new challengers isn’t due for a few years. It’s not quite panic stations yet for Toyota, but they’ll want to get a move on with an update before the nameplate runs out of steam.