With a not inconsiderable 14.2 per cent market share of the ‘SUV Light’ segment (VFACTS, May 2024), the Toyota Yaris Cross demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to plug every single niche and gap in the Australian new car market.
Want a small SUV? Corolla Cross has you covered. Too big? Try the Yaris Cross. Too small? Perhaps we could interest you in a RAV4. Not sporty enough? C-HR it is.
The top of four tiers which include GX, GXL, and Urban, the GR Sport ‘Gazoo Racing Sport’ variant features sporting enhancements aimed at enhancing visual flair, and, sayeth Toyota, some chassis enhancements too.
For reasons we struggle to comprehend, the now very dated Mazda CX-3 continues to dominate the segment, with 28.2 per cent market share, Yaris Cross is third behind it and the Kia Stonic, but some recent changes to the range might flip the script before 2024 is done.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid
Electrical: Lithium-ion battery, 59kW/141Nm e-motor
Output: 85kW(combined)
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.0, 215/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1215kg
Power-to-weight: 14.29:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 4.1L/100km
Our consumption: 4.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 36L/91 RONPower efficiency: 20.73kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.93 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.96 seconds*
60-110km/h: 8.27 seconds*
1/4 mile: 18.07 seconds at 127.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.464g*
100-0km/h braking: 42.88m in 3.19 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.026g*
Decibel at idle (standby): 22*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 84*
Starting price: $36,930
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport: How much does it cost?
Priced from $36,930 before on-road costs, the Yaris Cross GR Sport positions itself as an accessible entry into the world of performance-flavoured mini SUVs. Fuel efficiency is a strong suit, with an official consumption rate of 3.8L/100km. Our testing yielded a slightly higher but still impressive 4.6L/100km under hard driving conditions, showcasing the vehicle’s balance between performance and efficiency.
Happy to accept peasant-grade 91 RON regular unleaded, it doesn’t cost much to fill the Yaris Cross’s diminutive 36-litre fuel tank. Even with the median fuel price in Sydney being on the high side at $2.03/L at the time of writing, a $73.22 fill from dead empty is enough to trigger waves of relief from the opioid receptors in this age of extremely expensive living.
Toyota’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and Service Advantage program, capping service costs at $250 for every 12 months or 15,000km, up to 120,000km or ten visits, further sweeten the deal.
If you want the best Uber car for Australia, perhaps the entry level GX 2WD hybrid from $28,990 is a better proposition. For the asking price, the GR Sport still represents good value for a compact hybrid SUV with sporting pretensions.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport: Interior & packaging
Inside, the Yaris Cross GR Sport boasts a modern look with a mix of hard surfaces and injection-moulded soft surfaces on the dashboard. Alcantara-suede on the doors and even the headlining enhance the premium feel.
No sunroof though, sadly. The binoculars-style instrument cluster is a standout feature, offering clarity and ease of use with large digital numerals and a central information panel that you can toggle through. A sporty GR-branded three-spoke steering wheel for the driver adds a level of excitement.
In terms of dimensions, the Yaris Cross measures 4485mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1580mm in height, with a 2560mm wheelbase and 160mm of ground clearance.
Despite its compact dimensions, it provides good space inside, although those needing more room might consider the Corolla Cross or RAV4. Rear seat space is decent for this class and against its rivals.
How safe is the 2024 Toyota Yaris GR Sport? It scored exceptionally well in ANCAP testing, with a 5-star result meaning you can use this car for Uber and other ride-sharing services. You can read the full safety report here.
The Yaris Cross GR Sport weighs in at 1215kg and can tow up to 400kg, while the boot – complete with a dual-level floor – offering 390L of cargo space further underlines its practicality.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport: Powertrain & handling
Combining a naturally-aspired 1.5-litre three-cylinder of a meagre 67kW and 120Nm with an electric motor assist results in a yawn-inducing combined system output of 85kW. We clocked 0-100km/h in 10.96 seconds using a Vbox.
The Yaris Cross GR Sport’s powertrain sometimes feels strained, with the three-cylinder coarseness becoming apparent through the CVT’s drone. However, the ‘B’ mode offers useful engine braking, and once on the move, the car progresses with relative swiftness.
Handling is decent, with retuned and lowered suspension contributing to improved high-speed stability and eager cornering compared with the regular variants. Although, the ride can be harsh over sharp bumps due to the low-profile 215/50 tyres and 18-inch wheels.
Driving dynamics reveal a vehicle that’s nimble with direct steering, but prone to body roll and pitching if too much speed is carried through corners. The EV mode’s longevity is limited, likely due to the vehicle’s tiny battery and relative heft compared to the regular Yaris. The ADAS driving support systems perform admirably, despite the adaptive cruise control being unavailable in ‘B’ mode.
The lower-to-the-ground Yaris offers less compromise in the handling department and is arguably a funner car to drive, but for its intended function, the higher ground clearance and added practicality of the Yaris Cross serves its purpose well.
Considering the upcoming Lexus LBX will be utilising the Yaris Cross as its basis, we are really excited to try it out when it arrives in Australia, to see how much of the Lexus feel can be translated to a car like this.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Fuel efficient: Achieving an impressive 4.6L/100km in real-world driving conditions, the Yaris Cross GR Sport offers exceptional efficiency.
- Modern interior: There might be a few too many hard surfaces, but the application of Alcantara-suede, and an ergonomically delightful instrument cluster make the cabin a pleasant place to be.
- Service Advantage: The overall service cost of the Yaris Cross is lower than any of its rivals and contributes to very low overall running costs
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport: Key considerations before you buy
- Underwhelming acceleration: The combination of a three-cylinder engine and CVT can feel strained, especially under hard acceleration.
- Average handling: Despite the sporty aspirations, there’s noticeable body roll and a middling handling experience compared to its platform siblings. And…
- Ride compromises: The low-profile tyres and 18-inch wheels, while visually appealing, contribute to a harsher ride on the sharpest of bumps.
2024 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
As you might expect from a Toyota, the Yaris GR looks and drives well enough, with an unparalleled ownership package, as well as excellent safety. While it excels in interior design, fuel efficiency, and high-speed stability, it falls slightly short in outright performance and handling finesse.
