Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Yaris Cross review - Interior & comfort

It's not the most stylish interior, but it feels tough and there's plenty of tech

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Interior & comfort Rating

3.5 out of 5

To ensure it handles securely, the Yaris Cross has slightly firm suspension, but it’s not likely to crash into bumps or upset passengers too frequently. That’s unless you go for the new 18-inch alloy wheel design which is exclusive to GR Sport, because they spoil the ride somewhat. Refinement is also good for a small car, especially when the petrol engine isn’t needed. It engages smoothly in hybrid mode, and only gets noticeably louder if you accelerate very hard, unlike older CVT models.

Toyota Yaris Cross dashboard

Like the vast majority of Toyota models, the interior primarily feels functional and tough, so the dashboard design of rivals like the Peugeot 2008 is more appealing. There’s also lots of black trim, so we found it darker inside the Yaris Cross than the Honda Jazz when we drove them back-to-back. It’s hard to argue with its simple layout, though, and it’s appreciable how easy its physical climate control knobs and switches are to use on the move. While the positioning of the central eight-inch infotainment touchscreen perched on the dashboard isn’t the most attractive, it’s closer to the driver for easier use, and it’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, opening up the use of familiar apps.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Smart Connect system comes with compatibility with the MyT smartphone app that can keep its content up to date and allow users to remotely access their car, too. The system itself has a cleaner interface than the Honda’s, so it’s easier to navigate. Like the Jazz there are physical shortcut buttons, this time running down the left side of the screen, although the audio volume buttons aren’t quite as intuitive to use as the Honda’s simple rotary knob. Wireless smartphone connectivity is offered, while physical climate controls are a welcome inclusion.

Equipment

The trim levels are Icon, Design, Excel and GR Sport. Two more trims known as Dynamic and Premiere Edition were previously offered but have now been discontinued. Entry-level Icon is still reasonably desirable, with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights, keyless entry and a rear-view camera. An eight-inch infotainment screen also comes as standard.

Design comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, LED exterior lighting, privacy glass and a black roof lining.

Step up to Excel, and 18-inch alloys are fitted along with folding door mirrors and a powered tailgate. Inside, there's a nine-inch infotainment display, part-synthetic leather seats, grey roof lining, dual-zone climate control and extra safety features.

The flagship GR Sport boasts styling inspired by Toyota’s GR performance sub-brand and builds on the list of equipment you’ll find on the Excel. Highlights include 18-inch five-double-spoke machined alloy wheels, a bi-tone paint finish, metallic paint, an eight-speaker JBL premium sound system, GR Sport styling pack, push-button start, GR Sport interior upgrades and sports suspension.

Options

There's a number of optional packs available for the Yaris Cross, along with dealer-fit accessories. The Tech Pack for Design trim adds the nine-inch infotainment set-up, while a City and Advanced Safety Pack for Dynamic and Premiere Edition brings a 360-degree camera view, all-round parking sensors and safety equipment to help avoid a collision while driving or parking. The GR Sport is available with the option of a ‘Scorched Orange’ paint finish, exclusive to the trim level.

Families may also want to consider solutions like the SUV Pack, adding rear seat protection, a boot liner, rubber floor mats, mud flaps and side steps, which can also be specified individually. A towing pack is also available with a detachable towing hitch and 13-pin electrics.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £25,530

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £27,130

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 Hybrid 130 GR Sport 5dr CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £31,320

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best small hybrid cars 2024
Best small hybrid cars
Best cars
28 Aug 2024

Top 10 best small hybrid cars 2024

Top 10 best used small SUVs to buy
Best used small SUVs
Best cars
12 Jul 2024

Top 10 best used small SUVs to buy

Top 10 best small SUVs 2024
Best small SUVs
Best cars
20 May 2024

Top 10 best small SUVs 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

Have You Considered

MG ZS review – even better value than before
MG ZS front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
20 Sep 2024

MG ZS review – even better value than before

Kia EV3 review – small electric SUV hits the right notes
Kia EV3
In-depth reviews
11 Sep 2024

Kia EV3 review – small electric SUV hits the right notes

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best cars
4 Oct 2024

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024