Toyota introduces a facelifted Yaris Cross across Europe and the UK. The update centers on a redesigned front end with a honeycomb grille. It continues with a hybrid-only powertrain lineup across all variants. The Yaris Cross was Toyota’s best-selling model in Europe in 2025 with 200,000 sales, proving that Europeans have a thing for subcompact SUVs. However, the model has been around since 2021, and despite the updates introduced in late 2023, it was in need of a refresh. Toyota is aware of the fierce competition and launched a facelifted version of the Yaris Cross, focusing on a redesigned face, new colors, and fresh interior trim. A Baby Hannibal Lecter Starting with the exterior, the highlight of the 2026 model is the new grille with a honeycomb pattern and a body-colored finish. This follows the example of the larger Corolla Cross and RAV4. More: Baby Land Cruiser FJ Lands At Top-End Corolla Cross Money And It Didn’t Show Up Alone The new front bumper adopts a cleaner design with simpler plastic cladding, a discreet aluminum-style skid plate, and the omission of side intakes. Finally, the headlights retain the same shape but gain hammerhead-style LED graphics integrating the previously separate DRLs. The rest of the bodywork remains largely unchanged. Toyota has applied similar changes to the GR Sport trim that comes with unique front and rear bumpers, while they have yet to show us the more rugged Trail version. More: Europe’s 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Copied One Big Thing From America The color palette has been expanded with the addition of the Precious Bronze shade in a bi-tone configuration, while the new Persian Salt color replaces the Shimmering Silver of the outgoing model. Finally, Toyota has introduced new designs for the alloy wheels, measuring up to 18 inches. Small Changes Inside The interior looks familiar, with a carry over 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.5-inch infotainment display, but the doors and the dash gain new platinum trim. Matching platinum inserts can be found on the sports seats which are now featured in the Design trim, along with contrasting three-tone stitching. The high-spec Excel grade is distinguished by the partial-leather trim on the seats, and the SakuraTouch material made from plant-derived PVC, waste cork and recycled PET. All trims come standard with auto-retracting door mirrors, ambient lighting and wireless charging have been added to the Design trim and above, while the power tailgate is standard on the Excel. More: TRD Gives The New RAV4 GR Sport An Even Sharper Edge The flagship GR Sport has the coolest interior with suede-style upholstery on the sport seats, red stitching and GR emblems all over the cabin, and gunmetal silver inserts on the door cards and the dashboard. Safety tech sees subtle improvements. The standard Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite now includes the parking support brake from the Design trim and above, and Blind Sport Monitor is featured on the Excel and GR Sport grades. Carry-Over Hybrids There are no surprises under the hood, with the Yaris Cross retaining its hybrid-only powertrain lineup in Europe and the UK. The most potent Hybrid 130 that was introduced in late 2023 generates a combined 128 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) and 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) of torque, sending power to the front or to all four wheels depending on the variant. The entry-level Hybrid 115 also carries over, delivering 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque. More: Toyota Keeps Gas-Only RAV4 Alive, Just Not Where You Live The GR Sport is exclusively available with the Hybrid 130 powertrain in a FWD configuration, and benefits from a unique suspension setup promising “sharper, more rewarding handling”. Note that all Yaris Cross trims received NVH improvements for the 2024 model year, including thicker glass and better sound insulation. Coming This Fall Toyota has confirmed that the facelifted Yaris Cross range will be available to order in the UK market this autumn, including the Icon, Design, Excel, and GR Sport grades. Pricing for the UK and European markets will be announced at a later date. As for the Japanese-spec Yaris Cross, this carries on with the previous look and minor updates for the 2026 model year. The Yaris Cross Excel (left) and the GR Sport (right).
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