2024 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross updates revealed, in line for Australia

The updated 2024 Toyota Yaris hatch and 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross light SUV have debuted in Japan, ahead of a potential Australian launch later this year.

Following similar updates applied to French-built Yaris models in Europe in 2023, the Japanese-built Yaris and Yaris Cross – where Australian models are sourced – receive a minor design tweak, a new infotainment system, and an updated active safety suite.

Wheels has contacted Toyota Australia to comment about local timing for the updated models.

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While the European Yaris is available with up to a 10.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, the Japanese Yaris and Yaris Cross retain an 8-inch touchscreen and switch to a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing analogue dials and a 4.2-inch multi-function display.

The updated touchscreen runs Toyota's latest infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates, 'Hey, Toyota' voice control, and new Connected Services features in other Toyota vehicles.

Design tweaks for the Yaris hatch include a revised grille pattern and a new “synthetic leather” and “tweed-like fabric” for the Japanese flagship variant, while the Yaris Cross also features a new upper-grille pattern – excluding the GR Sport – and a soft-touch centre console armrest. A new ‘massive grey’ exterior colour has also been added for both vehicles.

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The updated ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ suite now detects both vehicles and motorcycles at intersections, though it isn’t as advanced as the system fitted to the latest European models, which now include acceleration suppression, low-speed steering assist, deceleration assist, an emergency stop system, safe exit assist, and child presence detection.

There are no updates to powertrains for Japan-built models, unlike European models, which received a new hybrid powertrain – badged 'Hybrid 130' – with a new transaxle, a more powerful electric motor, and updated software.

In December, Toyota Australia confirmed the Yaris Cross has gone hybrid-only, with petrol-only variants deleted from the line-up due to strong demand for the electrified powertrain.

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“Production of Yaris Cross petrol variants for global markets ended this month (December 2023) in response to overwhelming demand for hybrid-electric variants,” said a Toyota Australia spokesperson.

“As a result, Toyota Australia stopped taking orders on petrol variants. We have sufficient stock of petrol variants in dealer hands and in transit to meet current orders.”

The Toyota Yaris hatch remains available in Australia with the option of petrol or hybrid.