Toyota has given the Yaris Cross a little bit more edge, introducing a GR Sport variant into the small SUV’s line-up.
The Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport grade slots in as the most expensive of the front-wheel drive variants of Toyota’s small SUV at $35,840 before on-road costs.
Available in just one drivetrain layout, Toyota’s 1.5-litre hybrid-assisted three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission, the Yaris Cross GR Sport makes 67kW/120Nm from the engine alone – the electric motors bringing the total output to 85kW.
But the output being the same as the rest of the Yaris Cross hybrid range isn’t the headline, as Toyota has actually tweaked the chassis and suspension of the GR Sport, much like it did with the C-HR GR Sport.
The stiffened shocks and springs, as well as an altered underfloor bracing, other chassis strengthening, and suspension lowered by 10mm, aim to create a sharper driving experience in the Yaris Cross.
A set of 18-inch alloys unique from the rest of the range, as well as redesigned bodywork with black trim and GR badging differentiate the GR Sport from other Yaris Cross variants, while inside there are GR logos on the headrests, steering wheel and even the key fob.
A series of ‘gun metal’ trim elements are found on the shift knob, instrument panel, and inner door trim, with suede complementing the latter. An extra USB-C port is also found in the dash.
As with the GXL ‘2WD’ spec it borrows from, the Yaris Cross GR Sport scores LED headlights, a leather-accented steering wheel, 7.0-inch multimedia screen and system with smartphone mirroring and panoramic parking view monitor.
Keyword: Yaris Cross scores some spice! Pricing and specs for tweaked 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport