Toyota has (virtually) unveiled its Yaris Cross, a baby SUV, and essentially a Yaris with a raised ride height and four-wheel drive, plus some pleasingly chunky bodywork. “Motorists increasingly appreciate the robust, high-riding qualities of an SUV, but on a scale tailored to suit urban streets”, Toyota said at the unveiling.

Toyota Yaris Cross engine

The Yaris Cross has the Yaris hatchback’s hybrid powertrain, which uses a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine and comes with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. The combined power output is 116 horsepower. CO2 emissions for the front-wheel-drive model are below 120g/km, and below 135g/km for the all-wheel-drive version.

Toyota Yaris Cross looks and interior

The new car is taller and wider than its Yaris hatchback sibling, but has the same wheelbase, albeit with a longer overhang at the front and rear to enable more space inside - there’s a surprising amount, with a deep boot and lots of head room. It will rival cars like the Nissan Juke, VW T-Cross and Ford Fiesta Active when it appears, although the option of four-wheel drive makes this a genuine baby SUV.

Toyota Yaris Cross price and release date

The Yaris Cross joins Toyota’s SUV range which consists of the C-HR and RAV4. It will go on sale in June 2021, with prices announced nearer the time.
Learn more about Toyota Yaris.