Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 HSD Active Drive 2023

The introduction of the Yaris Cross extends the Toyota Yaris family, joining the hatchback Yaris and GR Yaris thoroughbred performance car. It also gives Toyota the largest hybrid electric SUV model range in the market, alongside the compact C-HR, mid-size RAV4 and seven-seat Highlander, giving customers an exceptional choice of model size and capability to support their needs.

The theme for the development team was “Always On the Move,” expressing the priority of creating a car that’s “Easy, Fast, Smart.” That makes it perfectly suited to day-to-day use, but with an adventurous aspect that’s fundamental to a successful SUV. The design presents a stylish, urban look for a car that owners can feel proud to be seen in, blending the robust qualities of an SUV with more advanced dynamic driving appeal.

Under the skin, the Yaris Cross is constructed on the GA-B small car platform part of the Toyota New Global Architecture philosophy, giving it the basic strengths that have been so successfully delivered in the Yaris hatchback. This combined with a fourth generation Toyota hybrid electric powertrain to provide brisk performance, fuel efficiency, low emissions and urban-friendly manoeuvrability in an SUV package. The availability of Toyota’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD-i) reinforces the model’s authentic SUV character.

The lower body, with a high-set horizontal axis running from the nose to the rear lamps adds to the sense of a raised, powerful SUV stance. Larger-diameter wheels and tyres – up to 18-inch rims – add visual emphasis and also contribute to the car’s ability to tackle different driving conditions. The condensed look is heightened by the rear wings’ pronounced tyre overhang.

The front end presents a strong and robust urban image with the upper and lower grilles forming two stacked trapezoid shapes – a signature design feature for Toyota SUVs. Slim, lozenge-shaped headlights use LED projector lamps (on higher grades), with separate, vertical daytime running lights and circular LED fog lights set at the bottom corners of the lower grille. The rear is defined by the wide tailgate and a square central section that expresses the car’s functionality, framed by the wide rear haunches and C-shaped character lines cut into the lower corners. From Mid+ grade, all the rear lights use LED technology and offers sequential turn indicators.

The body shape is optimised for aerodynamic efficiency, with aero stability fins at strategic points. There is also an almost entirely flat underfloor with undercovers contributing to the car’s stability and helping make long-distance journeys less tiring for the driver.

Compared to the hatchback, Yaris Cross is 95 mm taller at 1,595 mm, 20 mm wider (1,765 mm) and 240 mm longer (4,180 mm). The wheelbase is unchanged at 2,560 mm, but an increase in ground clearance by 25mm to 170 mm reflects its authentic SUV design, together with a high eye-point and excellent visibility for the driver. Urban agility is secured with a 5.3 m turning radius/circle (tyre).

According to model grade, Yaris Cross offers 16-inch silver alloys, 17 and 18-inch bright machined or dark grey painted alloys or 18-inch machined alloys with black paint. There are 10 paintwork choices, including new pearlescent and metallic colours; a bi-tone finish with a black, gold or white roof and is available for higher grade models.