Toyota has officially unveiled the updated 2026 Yaris Cross, bringing a refreshed exterior and a standard hybrid powertrain to the popular compact SUV. This model, which was Toyota’s best-seller in Europe in 2020 with over 200,000 units sold, now boasts a more modern look and enhanced features for the new model year.

The exterior redesign focuses on the front fascia, featuring a new grille with a honeycomb pattern that matches the body color. The front bumper has been streamlined for a cleaner appearance and now includes an aluminum-like skid plate. While the headlight shape remains the same, they incorporate new hammerhead-style LED graphics, giving the Yaris Cross a distinctive daytime running light signature. The rest of the bodywork carries over, but buyers will notice an expanded color palette. The Previous Bronze color is now available with a bi-tone finish, and Shimmering Silver has been replaced by Persian Salt. New wheel designs are also part of the update, with alloy options reaching up to 18 inches in diameter depending on the trim.

Inside, the cabin retains its familiar dual-screen setup, comprising a 10.5-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Seat upholstery sees updates, with the Design trim offering sports seats featuring platinum inserts and three-tone stitching. Higher trims, particularly the range-topping flavor, benefit from partial leather trim. Recycled materials are integrated throughout the interior, and the GR Sport model stands out with suede-like upholstery and unique styling elements.

For the United Kingdom market, order books for the 2026 Yaris Cross are now open, with customer deliveries set to begin in September 2026. The lineup consists of four distinct grades: Icon, Design, Excel, and GR Sport. All these trims are powered by the same new powertrain.

Under the hood, every 2026 Yaris Cross is equipped with the Hybrid 130 powertrain. This electrified 1.5-liter engine produces a combined output of 130 ps (128 hp/96 kW) and drives the front wheels through an automatic transmission. This setup achieves an impressive average fuel economy of 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to approximately 53.5 miles per gallon (US).

Pricing for the UK market starts with the Design grade, available from £29,995 (approximately $40,905). This trim includes 17-inch machined-face alloy wheels, a smart entry and start system, the 10.5-inch multimedia display with smartphone integration (including Apple CarPlay), and a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat.

The Excel trim, positioned between the Design and GR Sport, begins at £33,695 (approximately $45,950). It upgrades to 18-inch wheels and adds a kick-activated power tailgate, wireless smartphone integration for the Toyota Smart Connect system, heated front seats, a Nanoe-X air purifier, and the 12.3-inch multi-information screen. Notably, this trim includes a Hybrid AWD-i Trail/Snow switch but omits a reversing camera.

Topping the range is the GR Sport, starting at £35,095 (approximately $47,860). This model features distinct 18-inch wheels and benefits from exclusive visual enhancements both inside and out. According to Toyota’s official local website, the GR Sport does not include the Hybrid AWD-i Trail/Snow switch or a reversing camera.

All mentioned prices are on-the-road costs. The facelifted Yaris Cross is built on the TNGA-B platform and is assembled in France and Japan. It shares its underpinnings with models like the regular Yaris, Aqua, Sienta, Aygo X, Lexus LBX, and Mazda2 Hybrid. The Yaris Cross is considered the spiritual successor to the Urban Cruiser, which was sold in North America as the Scion xD. The Yaris Cross remains unavailable in the United States.