USED BUYER'S GUIDE - Toyota Yaris Cross

FROM £16,000 Distinctive and economical SUV version of Japanese brand's smallest SUVs long-running Yaris supermini is a popular choice with British drivers, and it's easy to see why

- Richard Dredge

BELIEVE it or not, but it's more than 25 years since the Toyota Yaris first went on sale, replacing the Starlet in the process. It was back in March 1999 that the Yaris Mk1 arrived in the UK, and since then more than 10 million of them have been sold around the world.

While city cars and superminis are still very popular, the market has shifted towards SUVs, so it's no surprise the firm came up with the bright idea of a raised Yaris, in the shape of the Yaris Cross. It proved to be a good move, too, because buyers have embraced Toyota's smallest SUV; it has lots to offer, even if it isn't necessarily the very best car in its segment.

HISTORY

THE Yaris Cross arrived in summer 2021, priced from £22,515. There were five trim levels, all of which were fitted with a 1,490cc three-cylinder petrol engine with hybrid assistance. Together, the engine and electric motor produced up to 114bhp, and this was sent to the front or all four wheels via a CVT automatic transmission.

By the time the GR Sport was added to the lineup in autumn 2022, Premiere trim was obsolete; this new edition featured a sportier design for the exterior and interior, along with retuned suspension for a more engaging drive. A facelifted Yaris Cross arrived in summer 2024, priced from £25,530 and with a significantly updated exterior design, along with an upgraded powertrain for the GR Sport and relaunched Premiere Edition, which was now rated at 129bhp.

The 114bhp setup was still fitted to the Icon, Design and Excel cars, however. All models benefitted from extra standard equipment, including more or upgraded driver-assistance systems.

WHICH SHOULD I BUY?

GR Sport edition aside, all Yaris Crosses are mechanically the same, so it's just a question of choosing a colour and trim level, then going shopping.