Toyota Yaris Cross with minor updates and more powerful drive
The small SUV should remain attractive with a gentle model revision. New features include infotainment and a more powerful drive, but not for everyone.
(Image: Toyota)
It's been a good two years since we had the Toyota Yaris Cross in the editorial office. We remember it as an unobtrusive but comparatively economical car. Toyota has addressed two points of criticism with a minor model revision. However, not all buyers will benefit from this.
In Germany, the small SUV is offered with three drive configurations and seven equipment lines. It is only available with power-split hybrid drives. The base model offers a system output of 85 kW, the new, slightly more powerful version 96 kW. Both use a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 68 kW. The power output is scaled via the electric motors, which deliver 59 kW in the weaker version and 62 kW in the top model. As is so often the case, the system performance is not the sum of the individual outputs. The 96 kW version is also available with all-wheel drive as an alternative.
With the more powerful engine, the torque increases from 141 Nm (85 kW drive) to 185 Nm. The performance figures quoted by the factory are only marginally improved: instead of 11.2 seconds, 10.7 seconds are quoted for the sprint to 100 km/h with the top model. The top speed is identical at 170 km/h.
In the technical data for the revised model, between 4.5 and 4.8-5.2 liters are specified in the WLTP for the model with all-wheel drive, depending on the version. In the test, we were able to reproduce these values even under unfavorable conditions. The Yaris Cross thus clearly undercuts its direct competitors – in practice, and not just on the test bench.
Faster infotainment
One point of criticism at the time was an outdated infotainment system. In this respect, Toyota is now improving the Yaris. A new system should be more intuitive to use and calculate much faster. Updates are provided over-the-air, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be integrated wirelessly. None of this is a sensation, but it raises the Yaris to a level that buyers of a new 2024 car can expect. However, the new top-of-the-range "Smart Connect+" version is only available to buyers who choose at least the "Style" equipment line and the 96 kW drive. There it costs 1500 euros in a package, in the "GR Sport" even 1700 euros. It only comes as standard in the "Premiere Edition".
Toyota Yaris Cross Facelift (7 Bilder)
(Bild: Toyota)
The fact that extras are linked to equipment lines is nothing new. However, Toyota's April price list for the Yaris Cross contains a few special features. Matrix headlights are standard in "Style". In "Style Plus" they are available as an optional extra, but not with the 96 kW drive. In "GR Sport", on the other hand, the Matrix headlights are only available with this drive system – which is not a major restriction, as this line can only be coupled with this engine. Toyota will presumably quickly follow up with a revised price list, as it requires explanation in some places.
Assistants with extended functions
Apart from this, Toyota claims to have worked on noise insulation and improved numerous assistants. The emergency braking system now also recognizes motorcyclists and oncoming vehicles. It can detect approaching cars at junctions. The adaptive cruise control has been expanded to include an overtaking aid and a cornering assistant. The speed limiter now works together with traffic sign recognition, and the high beam assistant is adaptive.
Some fine-tuning in the details, which should do the Yaris Cross some good. In the more modestly equipped models, however, the progress is so clear that prospective buyers could also opt for a Yaris Cross before the revision without any major restrictions.
(mfz)