Toyota updates Yaris Cross for 2024

TOYOTA has given its Yaris Cross compact SUV a mild makeover for 2024, gifting the model with updated technologies and the latest suite of Toyota Safety Sense systems – and removing petrol-powered models from the range.

Pricing for the all-hybrid Yaris Cross now begins at $30,900 plus on-road costs – a substantial $2900 rise over the entry point to the outgoing petrol-powered range – the model receiving a facelifted look inside and out, but with carried over hybrid mechanicals.

Front-wheel drive Yaris Cross models feature a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol/electric hybrid unit and 4.3Ahr battery to offer total system power of 85kW. All-wheel drive models gain an additional 3.9kW/52Nm rear motor/generator and Trail Mode to assist off-road traction.

FWD models continue to feature a torsion beam rear while AWDs receive a more advanced multi-link arrangement. Both utilise a MacPherson strut front set-up.

As before the model is offered in four front-wheel drive variants including the entry-level GX, mid-tier GXL and top-shelf Urban and GR. All-wheel drive variants include GX, GXL and Urban trims.

Key among the changes to the MY24 Yaris Cross is Toyota’s latest generation multimedia system now with a larger 8.0-inch (+1.0-inch) touchscreen, cloud-based and embedded satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB+ digital radio reception and a USB-C jack.

USB charging ports elsewhere in the Yaris Cross have also been upgraded to USB-C type outlets.

All grades now also feature a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster which can be personalised through nine settings and three themes: Casual, Smart and Sport.

Elsewhere, the upgraded Yaris Cross offers motorcycle recognition as part of its AEB system (in addition to cyclist, pedestrian, and oncoming vehicles), intersection collision avoidance (daytime only), and emergency steering assistance (daytime only).

The adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist functionality is enhanced with new cameras and sensors Toyota says operate over a wider area. GXL grades further benefit from a new parking brake, front and rear parking sensors, and safe exit assist functionality as part of the blind spot monitoring system.

Elsewhere, updates to the GX grade include vanity mirror lighting, rear-seat grab handles, and a soft armrest for the centre console. The GXL line now adds rear side, and rear privacy glass.

Toyota says styling changes to the Yaris Cross have been kept to a minimum with a new upper grille design and seat trim pattern for all grades except GR Sport. A larger rear spoiler features on all variants, and new colour 18-inch alloy wheels debut on the Urban grade.

In terms of the colour palette, we now find several new hues. The Yaris Cross is offered in Atomic Rush, Frosted White, Ink, Latte, Massive Grey, Mineral Blue, and Stunning Silver. Premium colours attract a $575 surcharge.

Two-tone colours are available on Urban grades (from $1350), combining a black roof with Atomic Rush, Frosted White, Latte, or Massive Grey.

All Yaris Cross variants are backed by Toyota’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with included capped-price servicing for the first five years or 75,000km (whichever comes first). Maintenance intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km with each service priced at $250.

“Since its launch in late 2020, the Yaris Cross has proven a popular choice with customers providing a strong mix of style, performance and practical functionality,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

“Now with the substantial improvements in safety and multimedia technology, along with its hybrid powertrain, it offers even greater value and more appeal whether for daily use around town or getting out into the country on the weekend.”.

2024 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.