Toyota’s compact and clever Yaris Cross receives a stylish makeover

16 April 2026
  • A clean and elegant update for Toyota’s ingenious, efficient and practical compact SUV
  • New frontal design elevates Yaris Cross’s modern SUV character
  • GR Sport model features exclusive front styling, sharper handling and distinctive details
  • Yaris Cross is built in Europe and is Toyota’s best-selling model in the region

Toyota brings style and sophistication to its Yaris Cross hybrid compact SUV with a refreshed look for its European best-seller.

Yaris Cross emphasises the essential Yaris family qualities of ingenuity and innovation in packaging, powertrains and safety. Those strengths are combined in a compact SUV package, created for European customer lifestyles.

As a result, the model has been a hit in the UK and across the continent since its launch in 2021, becoming Toyota’s best-selling vehicle in Europe with 200,000 units sold in 2025. To date, more than 76,000 have been sold in the UK.

Inspired by Toyota’s commitment to kaizen – continuous improvement – the latest updates embody a spirit of uncompromising refinement and evolution to ensure Yaris Cross continues to offer a compelling all-round package in the B-SUV segment.

The latest Yaris Cross range, in Icon, Design, Excel and GR Sport grades, will be available to order in the UK this autumn.

Refined new look

Toyota has introduced a clean and confident update, centred on a newly designed front, to ensure the latest Yaris Cross stands out on urban streets.

The distinctive new grille has a honeycomb mesh pattern and is finished in the body colour, integrating seamlessly for an elegant, modern look. A black lower section combines with the flared wheel arches to project a strong SUV stance.

Redesigned LED headlamps sharpen the overall impression and include integrated daytime running lights as standard. New alloy wheels on higher grades – 17-inch on Design, 18-inch on Excel – further elevate the appearance.

Additionally, two new colours have been added to the palette. The rich and distinctive Precious Bronze will be available exclusively in bi-tone with contrasting black roof and pillars. It joins the expressive Persian Salt, which replaces the previous Shimmering Silver option.

Inside the cabin, a platinum-colour door trim creates a sophisticated first impression, and in harmony with an insert on the instrument panel.

Design grade now includes sports-style front seats – with more comfort and better lateral support – that were previously reserved for the Excel grade. They feature a matching platinum colour insert and contrasting three-tone stitching.

Seats in the Excel grade have a partial‑leather trim, with contrasting shoulder and bolster highlights. They include the new SakuraTouch® material, which incorporate plant-derived PVC, waste cork and recycled PET. This ramps up the style while reducing CO2 emissions during material production by 95 per cent compared to genuine leather.*

On Design grade and above, ambient lighting and a wireless charger are now standard. A power back door is also provided as standard on Excel grade and auto-retracting door mirrors are included on all models.

GR Sport

Inspired by the multiple World Championship-winning achievements of Toyota Gazoo Racing, the Yaris Cross GR Sport features exclusive exterior and interior features and retuned suspension for sharper, more rewarding handling.

A more technical, performance-driven appearance begins with a dedicated front bumper design. This incorporates side pods which emphasise a wide, athletic stance, together with GR Sport 18-inch machined alloy wheels.

In the cabin, exclusive suede-type sports seats with grey upholstery and red stitching deliver a premium feel and enhanced support. The GR logo is featured on the front headrests and steering wheel, and there are GR Sport-specific gunmetal silver trim inserts in the doors and instrument panel.

The Yaris Cross GR Sport is available exclusively in front-wheel drive specification with the Hybrid 130 powertrain. Standard equipment includes ambient lighting, wireless charger, a Blind Spot Monitor and power back door.

FWD and AWD choices

The Hybrid 130 powertrain is featured across all models in the new Yaris Cross line-up, available with a choice of front or intelligent all-wheel drive (according to equipment grade).

The full hybrid system was introduced to the Yaris Cross range in 2024 to deliver smooth, responsive acceleration, combined with the high efficiency and low emissions which are characteristic of Toyota’s hybrid technology. A system output of 129bhp (130 DIN hp/96 kW) and torque of 185Nm enable 0-62mph acceleration in 10.7 seconds (FWD model).

Authentic SUV qualities

Engineered for urban life and beyond, the Yaris Cross expresses its essential efficient and agile performance, combined with true SUV comfort and practicality.

Smart interior packaging creates a practical, easy-to-use load space with room for the day-to-day essentials, as well as leisure and travel kit. The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats allow each to be reclined separately, seating up to three rear passengers, or catering for longer pieces of luggage.

A programme of enhancements since the model’s launch in 2021 has focused on meeting customer needs and addressing feedback, ensuring the Yaris Cross strengthens its all-round customer appeal in its segment.

Reduction of noise and vibration – as well as multiple measures to counter road, wind and engine sounds – were part of a comprehensive upgrade in 2024.

This update also introduced the 1.5-litre Hybrid 130 powertrain, which included a more powerful electric motor-generator. Nimble powertrain performance is complemented by agile handling, supported by the fundamental GA-B platform benefits of low centre of gravity and a highly rigid body.

High specification entertainment and safety equipment have also been a core feature of the Yaris Cross since its inception, providing customers with a rewarding and convenient ownership experience.

Toyota Safety Sense safety and driver assistance are provided as standard on all models. On the latest Yaris Cross, a parking support brake is fitted as standard on Design grade and above, while Excel grade vehicles additionally feature a Blind Spot Monitor.

A fully digital user experience includes the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system with cloud-based navigation as standard and responsive voice recognition system and voice agent. Wireless smartphone integration for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures easy connectivity.

ENDS

*SakuraTouch is made from more than 40% of plant-derived PVC from the byproducts of wood craft pulping, and also incorporates cork chip waste from the wine industry and recycled PET, but without compromising durability. Only available on Excel grade.

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Toyota’s compact and clever Yaris Cross receives a stylish makeover

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