Like the Yaris sedan, the Yaris Cross also receives updates in 2024, three years after its debut. This is a crucial model as it is the brand’s best-seller in many european countries, and it now features the new 1.5 Hybrid 130, boasting 130 horsepower, aiming also at fleet customers where the Yaris Cross wants to make a stronger impression.
This powertrain is much more suitable for the model and is the only option available for the top-tier trims Elegant, GR Sport, and Premiere. It comes with a new trim, a new color, and some new aesthetic details.
Toyota Yaris Cross 130: our tops and flops
Let me say that the Toyota Yaris Cross really needed a performance boost. 116 horsepower in a car significantly heavier than the traditional Yaris felt inadequate, while 130 horsepower with increased torque makes for a much smoother and more comfortable drive, with a bit more satisfaction – and even Toyota acknowledges this, as they plan to discontinue the 116 horsepower option in the future, leaving it only on the base versions for now. Thus, the Yaris Cross truly becomes a B-SUV suitable for all uses, with new colors and updated safety systems from Toyota Safety Sense. Fuel consumption is also a positive point, following the typical Toyota hybrid system that never disappoints. Unfortunately, the promised improved sound insulation is still a ways off.
What we like:
- The new, much smoother hybrid system;
- The overall practicality for a still compact car;
- The stable and safe design;
What we don’t like:
- The interior finishes are below expectations;
- The engine is really loud;
- The ADAS warnings are annoying.
Toyota Yaris Cross 130: prices in Scandinavia
- Yaris Cross Hybrid 115: from 269.990 DKK;
- Yaris Cross Hybrid 130: from 329.990 DKK;
- Yaris Cross Hybrid 115: from 286.900 SEK
- Yaris Cross Hybrid 130 not available yet
- Yaris Cross Hybrid 115: from 397.900 NOK;
- Yaris Cross Hybrid 130 not available yet
How do the 130 HP perform?
For now, the Yaris Cross doesn’t abandon the previous 116 HP powertrain, now called Hybrid 115, but it remains only for the entry-level trims. This indicates how much better the higher power is seen, much more suitable for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drive in a car that, yes, belongs to the Yaris family, but is larger and heavier.
It’s not just 15 more horsepower; the new 1.5 engine also has a new transaxle with a larger, more powerful motor-generator. The control unit has also been modified to allow for a total power increase of 12%, with an even more significant increase in torque, up by 30% from 141 to 185 Nm. These notable differences make the Yaris Cross more suitable for long journeys.
Comfortable trips and a strong presence on the road are also thanks to the design and the GA-B platform, which places the heaviest components lower to reduce the center of gravity and stiffens the chassis. The car remains tall but never feels unbalanced and is quite stable. Body roll is also reduced.
Credit also goes to a revamped ADAS suite, with Toyota Safety Sense now present on all trims, even the base one, and significantly improved. For example, the Pre-Collision System now recognizes motorcycles, approaching vehicles, and crossing vehicles, and it has low-speed acceleration suppression to avoid sudden braking.
The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control now includes Turn signal-linked control with deceleration assistance and Overtaking prevention support, distance setting, and detection of incoming/outgoing vehicles.
Other New Features:
- Speed limiter in cooperation with RSA;
- Emergency Driving Stop System;
- Adaptive High-beam System;
- Proactive Driving Assist with obstacle pre-detection, deceleration assistance, and steering assistance.
Less noisy?
Toyota also claims that the work done has reduced noise and vibrations, based on customer feedback.
Some improvements have indeed been made, and the audio system helps a lot, especially the JBL system in the top trims. However, while vibrations are indeed reduced, the engine noise is still significant, even without pushing the accelerator hard. This is due to the usual CVT transmission, which is noisier here compared to other Toyota models.
Fuel Consumption
Another strong point, as always, is fuel consumption. The range easily reaches 700 km, emissions are between 101 and 116 g/km, among the best in the segment, and fuel consumption remains around 4.5 liters per 100 km, about 5 on highways. When driving more aggressively, it rises to around 5.8, which is still not bad.
The car often runs in electric mode, especially in the city where it can cover over 50% of the time in EV mode. On the highway, the percentage drops to around 20-25%.
Helping with this is the Predictive Efficient Drive system, which learns the driver’s behavior and understands road and traffic conditions through cloud navigation, optimizing battery charge and discharge control.
New details
Aesthetically, there are few changes. The car maintains its compact size (it is 4.1 meters long, though it seems larger) but now includes a new Premiere trim, featuring a dedicated Urban Khaki paint with contrasting glossy black elements, and 18” dark gray five-spoke alloy wheels, making it more dynamic and robust.
The Premiere also has a new design for the seat upholstery and more soft materials for the lower areas. The Yaris Cross GR Sport, on the other hand, has a sportier exterior look and interiors with sporty seats and contrasting red stitching.
Inside, there is also a new 12.3” digital cluster with different screens based on preferences and driving mode. It is also matte, which greatly helps visibility, especially now that summer is approaching.
