2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GX: Quick Review

Australia's trend towards SUVs over the past few years has created an opportunity for manufacturers to introduce high-ride versions of much loved small classics.

In come the Yaris Cross.

As the name would suggest, the Yaris Cross is a crossover vehicle based on the incredibly popular Yaris hatchback.

The added comfort of an SUV comes from a higher view point on the road, and ease of entry and exit. You're also often getting an increased cargo capacity, legroom and headroom.

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The light and small SUV segments are some of the fastest growing in Australia right now, and Toyota aren't the only brand to jump on the bandwagon.

So let's find out what you'll pick up in the current-generation Yaris Cross.

Pricing and features

The entry-level Yaris Cross GX starts from $28,000 before on road-costs.

An extra $2000 can get you into a hybrid, and further $3k adds all-wheel drive.

The petrol vehicle is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers a maximum power output of 88kW and a peak torque of 145Nm. This power is transmitted to the front wheels through a Direct Shift CVT transmission.

The 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain produces a combined 85kw and 120Nm and can get as low at 3.8L/100km for fuel economy. Buyers also have the choice of a front-wheel drive or electric all-wheel drive.

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The Yaris Cross kicks off Toyota's SUV range, before the Corolla Cross, C-HR and larger RAV4.

There are currently four variants on offer: GX, GXL, Urban and the range-topping GR-Sport.

Yaris Cross' base offers 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, active cruise control, leather-accented wheel, keyless entry and start, cloth seats, and halogen projector-type headlights.

The family SUV is available in eight exterior paint colours, with metallic coming in as a $600 option.

With the Yaris Cross only $3200 more than the Yaris hatch, it's not hard to see how compelling the step up is.

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Yaris Cross Urban AWD shown

Safety

The Toyota Yaris Cross received a five-star ANCAP rating with testing conducted in 2021.

Impressively, the light car scored an 86% score for both adult and child occupant protection.

Buyers pick up 8 airbags and a reversing camera.

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Toyota Safety Sense suite of features is available across the range, which includes active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, intersection turn assist, lane keep assist, lane-departure warning and fatigue reminders.

Front and rear paring sensors, rear cross traffic alert, a panoramic view monitor and blind spot monitors are reserved for GXL and above.

Key rivals

Many major manufacturers have added a light SUV to their line-up, such as:

• Mazda CX-3
• Kia Stonic
• Hyundai Venue
• Ford Puma

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Yaris Cross Urban AWD shown: differences include wheels and two-tone roof

Should I put it on my shortlist?

As a hybrid offering, the Yaris Cross is a highly competitive option for someone looking for a small city runabout thanks to its stellar fuel economy and compact proportions.

It fits the equation for people looking for a small and nimble car with the added height of an SUV, without jumping into a large car.

While it may not have the bells and whistles of higher-end models, the GX offers a balanced mix of essentials in a package that's perfect for city life. If you're looking for an SUV that's nimble, efficient, and backed by Toyota's legacy, the Yaris Cross GX is worth a look.