Overview
Toyota has been at the top, or near the top, of the new car sales leagues for decades and in 2022 it has cemented its place as Ireland’s most popular car maker outstripping its nearest rivals by over 3000 units. The fact that Toyota’s range is almost exclusively hybrid is a major factor in this. Hybrid vehicle power seems to work well in Ireland, appealing to drivers on both environmental and economy grounds. It allows a driver to go semi electric without the worry of charging points and range anxiety, something that plays out especially well in rural Ireland.
So when Toyota wanted to enter the lucrative crossover SUV market, hybrid seemed like a natural choice. What was less obvious was to give its new entry the Yaris name rather than create a new model identity. However, the Yaris name does carry a lot of weight and is highly regarded, which must have been a key consideration when introducing the Toyota Yaris Cross.
The car is a 1.5 Hybrid, loosely based on the Yaris hatchback. But the result is a very different car that is likely to appeal to a very different audience.
So when Toyota wanted to enter the lucrative crossover SUV market, hybrid seemed like a natural choice. What was less obvious was to give its new entry the Yaris name rather than create a new model identity. However, the Yaris name does carry a lot of weight and is highly regarded, which must have been a key consideration when introducing the Toyota Yaris Cross.
The car is a 1.5 Hybrid, loosely based on the Yaris hatchback. But the result is a very different car that is likely to appeal to a very different audience.
Pros
- Low running costs
- 5 star safety
- Very reliable
Cons
- Steering
- Price range
Exterior
Although actually based on the same platform as the Yaris, the Yaris Cross at first glance seems to have more in common looks-wise with the RAV or C-HR. It may only be 240mm longer than the Yaris, but sitting higher on the road it looks like a much bigger car. Side on it looks like a chunky SUV, complete with squared off wheel arches and two tone trim, although the front end has more of a softer, friendlier look.
Toyota exterior design may not have been its best selling point in recent years, but the styling on the cross is interesting and up-to-minute. Although it may not have the eye-catching appeal of competitors such as the Peugeot 2008 or the Opel Mokka, the Yaris Cross looks like a stylish, substantial and practical car with some neat design features.
Toyota exterior design may not have been its best selling point in recent years, but the styling on the cross is interesting and up-to-minute. Although it may not have the eye-catching appeal of competitors such as the Peugeot 2008 or the Opel Mokka, the Yaris Cross looks like a stylish, substantial and practical car with some neat design features.
Interior
Based on the Yaris interior, the inside of the Yaris cross feels more spacious and you get the impression that Toyota has only used the best from the Yaris when it comes to build and materials.
The main feature is the infotainment system which has Toyota Touch 2 software. This updated system has crisp and clear graphics and all the connectivity you need, as well as links to a reversing camera. The dash is neat and tidy and features lots of built in storage areas, while the centre console houses the primary USB socket and a wireless phone charging pad on some models.
The seating position is much higher than the Yaris, giving you a good view of the road. The front seats are comfortable and there is plenty of up-front room. The rear seats are adequate rather than spacious, but can easily accommodate two adults, or three at a push.
Behind there is a 397 litre boot space which is excellent for a car of this type. It also offers various seat folding configurations and an adjustable height floor section which gives you almost limit-less options when it comes to carrying luggage and shopping. It is all very practical and well thought out and even the lower spec models come very well equipped.
The main feature is the infotainment system which has Toyota Touch 2 software. This updated system has crisp and clear graphics and all the connectivity you need, as well as links to a reversing camera. The dash is neat and tidy and features lots of built in storage areas, while the centre console houses the primary USB socket and a wireless phone charging pad on some models.
The seating position is much higher than the Yaris, giving you a good view of the road. The front seats are comfortable and there is plenty of up-front room. The rear seats are adequate rather than spacious, but can easily accommodate two adults, or three at a push.
Behind there is a 397 litre boot space which is excellent for a car of this type. It also offers various seat folding configurations and an adjustable height floor section which gives you almost limit-less options when it comes to carrying luggage and shopping. It is all very practical and well thought out and even the lower spec models come very well equipped.
Performance
With a 1.5 Hybrid engine you may expect the Yaris Cross to feel under powered, but it actually performs well. The performance is adequate rather than the spectacular when compared to the acceleration in particular you get with some all-electric rivals. For the record the power unit produces 116hp providing a 0-100km/h time of 11.4 seconds and the top speed is 170km/h, but these stats are never going to be key buying considerations for the target customer.
What does impress you is the smoothness of automatic transmission when starting and pulling away in electric hybrid mode and the seamless transition to the petrol engine power. Less impressive is the way the power feels a little lacking when you need extra acceleration at speed or when climbing a steep hill.
However, as with EVs the key consideration aspect is range, with a Hybrid the important element is likely to be economy and the Yaris cross does not disappoint. Officially Toyota says the Cross can achieve 4.5 litres/100 km or 63mpg if you prefer. While the range quoted for an EV is usually wildly optimistic the 4.5 litres per 100km claim is not whole unrealistic in real world driving as in an urban setting the car works on electric power only around two thirds of the time.
Overall performance is smooth, refined and economical rather than exciting, which is exactly what most drivers of such a car are looking for.
What does impress you is the smoothness of automatic transmission when starting and pulling away in electric hybrid mode and the seamless transition to the petrol engine power. Less impressive is the way the power feels a little lacking when you need extra acceleration at speed or when climbing a steep hill.
However, as with EVs the key consideration aspect is range, with a Hybrid the important element is likely to be economy and the Yaris cross does not disappoint. Officially Toyota says the Cross can achieve 4.5 litres/100 km or 63mpg if you prefer. While the range quoted for an EV is usually wildly optimistic the 4.5 litres per 100km claim is not whole unrealistic in real world driving as in an urban setting the car works on electric power only around two thirds of the time.
Overall performance is smooth, refined and economical rather than exciting, which is exactly what most drivers of such a car are looking for.
Reliability
As a relatively new model, reliability data on the Yaris Cross is scarce at present, but this is a Toyota, so unless you are very unlucky you can expect the Yaris Cross to be a reliable car that is unlikely to ever let you down. Added to this there is a 3 year Toyota Warranty and a wide network of dealer support across Ireland, making this a package with plenty of peace of mind.
Running Costs
Like its Yaris sibling, the Yaris Cross is a low tax, low insurance model that should provide reliable motoring to keep costs down. Of course the key consideration is fuel cost and the Yaris Cross is near the top of the pile when it comes to Hybrid efficiency. In fact if it is used in primary in an urban driving environment, the Yaris Cross will easily exceed its already impressive 63mpg fuel consumption making it one of the most economical petrol cars you can buy. It might not have the zero tailpipe emission credentials of an EV, but not having to worry about charging, or longer journey planning, makes this a very attractive option for many buyers and perhaps a good stepping stone towards EV.
Handling
The Yaris Cross is not a car that sets out to increase the heart rate on the road and the handling is in keeping with the rest of the car as smooth and refined rather than exciting. The car does everything it needs to do on the road with no fuss and always feels reassuringly well connected. The steering does feel a little light and lacks feedback, but overall driving the Cross is reasonably satisfying. Compared to similar sized EVs the Cross is also lighter and this allows the car to provide a softer more comfortable ride without the bumps and jolts.
Safety
The Yaris Cross comes with the impressive Toyota Safety Sense package as standard so has a host of advanced driver assistance systems. These include a Pre-Collision System, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, lane-keeping assistance, which does seem a little over sensitive, road sign recognition and more. The fact that most safety features are standard also gives the Cross the edge on some competitors. A maximum Euro NCAP five star rating adds to the package and makes the Yaris Cross a class leader in terms of safety.
Summary
- Exterior
- 80%
- Interior
- 80%
- Performance
- 80%
- Reliability
- 100%
- Running Costs
- 100%
- Handling
- 80%
- Safety
- 100%
The Yaris Cross comes in four trim levels with the base Luna starting at €29,700 to the GR Sport at €37,530. This makes the Cross a little more pricey than you might expect, especially when you look at some of the competition. However, it is a very solid, practical and economical car that ticks lots of boxes and with the Toyota brand name carrying a lot of weight in Ireland you can expect it to be a very popular model.