Toyota Yaris Cross 2021 review

NOTE: The graphic in this video for the time codes is incorrect. Nevermind, though, we've got the correct time codes here:
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
01:04 Pricing and specs
02:26 Design
03:02 Interior
05:13 Engine specs
09:15 Fuel use
09:39 Safety
09:56 Ownership
10:11 Verdict
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Toyota's Yaris family expands with its second entry - the Yaris Cross small SUV. Remember when automakers used to build wagon variants of popular hatchbacks? Well you can think of the Yaris Cross as essentially today's version of that trend.

It takes the components of the Yaris hatchback and re-packages them into a unique-looking small SUV body, adding a healthy dose of ride-height and a new electric all-wheel drive option in the process.

Can it offer buyers better value than its controversially-priced hatchback sibling? We've driven it at its Australian launch to find out. In this review we'll break down this car's individual grades, its price and relative value, its safety features, its looks and design, as well as how practical it is.

We'll also weigh it up on paper against its popular rivals, like the Volkswagen T-Cross, Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Venue, and even the Subaru XV which is its closest hybrid competitor.

We'll also asses what it's like to drive, and take a look at its fuel consumption, both the claimed/combined figures, and those we extracted in the real-world.

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[craigthacker]

Good to note that the larger CH-R has 318L cargo space, while the smaller Yaris Cross 390L (2WD) 314L (AWD without a spare tyre).

[cordelia]

Seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I think it’s cute

[Noname-izuo]

Just a hint to everyone interested in this car: make sure you test drive it on the highway - see if it’s too noisy for you.

[Singdollar]

The gauge cluster in this car is awesome. Drives well too.

[VintageRKO]

Great design and the Hybrid is definitely the one to get, unless Toyota decides to put the 3 cylinder turbo engine from the GR Yaris into this car

[Nahduge]

Why do all reviewers sit at the back, comment about how much legroom and headroom they have, but FAIL to mention their height? It means nothing unless we know how tall you are.

[EvendimataE]

i like hard plastic interior....easy to clean and very durable

[louisban]

Guys, I thought I would get some genuine reviews. My wife and I have been looking for a small SUV. We test drove:- Mazda CX3, Mazda CX30, Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundia Kona, Kia Seltos, VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq, and a Toyota Yaris Hybrid, RRP approx $35k. I got as far as around the block from the dealership in Sydney. The car was gutless, noisy, vibration in the steering, steering just vague, interior with lots of empty cheap plastic empty places for switches, hard plastic everywhere, uncomfortable seats. SHOCKING. For $35. This is a car for $16, 999. and even then, I would not buy it. Little wonder that Korean cars were able to penetrate the market.

[quantumalight]

Tom speaks Australian and is driving through gum trees. Yay... Now I finally get this cars capabilities in Australia. Look forward to an update when released on the Australian market with different colours to view. Overall good review. 👍

[PM-doyu]

What is the obsession with hard plastic? Most of people he surfaces are not touched anyway and if so, so what? I had no idea our fingertips were now so delicate. Had reviewers never raised hard plastics as an issue, it wouldn’t have become one.

[mohammadakbari]

Too expensive for that price. I would spend little more to buy RAV 4.

[rsoul]

One day the whole SUV styling language will be consigned to the dustbin of history, like tail fins and pop up headlights, seeing little hatchbacks dressed up like this makes me hope that that day comes soon.

[andrew]

This car has already made the Yaris obsolete. Most people want SUVs anyways, and would be happy to pay the extra few thousand to get the Yaris Cross.

[phil]

I hope that the build quality is better than the standard Yaris. With the standard Yaris the door close with a tinny "clang", the metal is very thin and the screen surround on the dash easily falls off. Here in the UK the standard Yaris starts at a really pricey 20k (UK pounds) If the Yaris Cross has the same poor build quality as the standard Yaris, I will be buying a Suzuki Vitara mild hybrid, which in the UK starts at £20k (UK pounds.) Thanks for a great review.

[HoofHeartedDAY]

That shifter look like it came from a 1993 Toyota Corona

[craigthacker]

The Hyundai Venue is $8000 cheaper for the base model. I don't think the Yaris Cross is priced correctly for its segment.

[NoName-bqwz]

In which factory it is produced.
Is the engine atmospheric or turbo?
What is the engine code and transmission code?
How many horsepower is the engine?

[HarmonicResearch]

The most important part of the car is the TRANSMISSION. If it's a CV transmission, it will not last very long. What is it??? How big is the engine??? A 1 litre GEO Metro had plenty of power. How big is this one?

[mikaereaubrey]

Toyota seem to forget that kids travelling in the rear seat normally use tablets... so where are the charge points?

[Mo.Jo.]

I hope they bring this to the US/Canada.