Toyota's Yaris Cross undergoes a stylish makeover, trading its previous grille design for a bold honeycomb pattern. This update is a strategic move by Toyota to keep up with the fierce competition in the subcompact SUV market, particularly in Europe and the UK. The Yaris Cross, a top-selling model in Europe in 2025, has been refreshed with a focus on a redesigned face, new colors, and an enhanced interior. The honeycomb grille, reminiscent of the larger Corolla Cross and RAV4, is a standout feature that adds a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end.
The exterior changes don't stop there. The front bumper has been simplified with a cleaner design, featuring a discreet aluminum-style skid plate and the absence of side intakes. The headlights retain their shape but now incorporate hammerhead-style LED graphics, integrating the previously separate DRLs. The rest of the bodywork remains largely unchanged, with similar updates applied to the GR Sport trim, which boasts unique front and rear bumpers. The color palette has expanded with the introduction of the Precious Bronze shade in a bi-tone configuration, while the new Persian Salt color replaces the Shimmering Silver of the outgoing model. Alloy wheels have also been given a makeover, now measuring up to 18 inches.
Inside, the Yaris Cross maintains a familiar layout with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch infotainment display. However, the doors and dashboard gain new platinum trim, and the sports seats in the Design trim feature contrasting three-tone stitching. The high-spec Excel grade stands out with partial-leather trim on the seats and the use of SakuraTouch material, made from plant-derived PVC, waste cork, and recycled PET. All trims now come standard with auto-retracting door mirrors, and wireless charging has been added to the Design trim and above. The power tailgate is also standard on the Excel.
Safety tech has seen subtle improvements, with the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite now including the parking support brake from the Design trim and above. The Blind Spot Monitor is featured on the Excel and GR Sport grades. Under the hood, the Yaris Cross retains its hybrid-only powertrain lineup, with the Hybrid 130 generating a combined 128 hp and 185 Nm of torque, and the entry-level Hybrid 115 delivering 114 hp and 141 Nm. The GR Sport is exclusively available with the Hybrid 130 powertrain in a FWD configuration, offering a unique suspension setup for sharper handling.
Toyota has confirmed that the facelifted Yaris Cross range will be available to order in the UK market this autumn, with the Icon, Design, Excel, and GR Sport grades on offer. Pricing for the UK and European markets will be announced at a later date, while the Japanese-spec Yaris Cross will continue with its previous look and minor updates for the 2026 model year. This strategic refresh positions the Yaris Cross to maintain its popularity and compete effectively in the subcompact SUV segment.
