Toyota Yaris Cross 2024: we test the update with the new 130H hybrid engine

We travelled to Mallorca, specifically to the Hacienda Son Antem Golf Resort, where Toyota welcomed us with the exclusive art car signed by Los Pepes, and where it presented us with the latest version of its popular Yaris Cross Hybrid, the best-selling model of the brand in Europe and a model that, in just two years, has established itself as the undisputed leader of the B-SUV segment. With this update, Toyota expects sales forecast of 15,000 units for this year.

This vehicle, which has already been awarded City Car of the Year in its first year on sale, has managed to sell more than 30,000 units since its launch in 2021. That is why the Japanese brand has decided to update it by adopting the necessary improvements, giving it a little more punch, with its Yaris DNA and a size similar to that of the first RAV4, without losing its undeniable advantages. The most basic version has a price of 26,450€ (Active Plus 120H), and the entry version with the 130H engine has a price of 27,450€ (Style 130H).

Hybridisation with 16 more CV of power

In addition to receiving an engine update, this model also joins Toyota’s range to fill the gap that, in terms of volume, existed between the Aygo X Cross and the Toyota C-HR. This 2024 model incorporates a more powerful and efficient engine: the new 130H version of the hybrid system with its fifth-generation engine, available in the Style, GR SPORT and Premiere Edition trims. It has seen a 12% increase in power over the previous 120H version, figures that translate into 16 more CV of power, bringing this update to exactly 130 CV of power, an improvement achieved thanks to the update of the hybrid transaxle and the incorporation of a more powerful “MG2” electric motor, as well as improvements to the power control unit.

The result of these improvements is faster acceleration: it now reaches 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, half a second less than its predecessor, and a torque that gains 44 Nm, increasing from 141 Nm to the current 185 Nm. All these improvements have been achieved thanks to better lubrication, an intercooler and a new oil with 50% less viscosity.

Greater comfort with notable quietness

Acoustic comfort is another of the points that Toyota has paid most attention to, thanks to feedback from its customers. Various improvements to the insulation of the vehicle have been implemented to reduce engine, aerodynamic and rolling noise. Among these novelties are a dynamic damper on the left engine mount, a resonator in the intake tube, a three-layer dashboard silencer and an additional layer of felt on the bonnet. Likewise, the thickness of the windscreen and side windows, both front and rear, has been increased, providing a quieter and more pleasant driving experience than the previous version.

Toyota Safety Sense

The 2024 Yaris Cross Hybrid not only improves in performance and comfort, but also raises safety standards. The update to the Toyota Assist system includes advanced functions such as Low-Speed Unintended Acceleration Control, Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS). In addition, the Radar Dynamic Cruise Control and the Lane Tracing Assist have been optimised.

The Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system, fitted as standard across the entire range, has been modernised with a new data communication module (DCM) that allows software updates to be downloaded wirelessly. Safety and driver assistance are conveniently managed from the steering wheel controls, allowing configuration of the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and the Lane Keeping System.

Up to 4 trims available

The new Yaris Cross Hybrid range is offered in four trims: Active Plus, Style, GR SPORT and Premiere Edition, each with distinctive features and notable updates.

Active Plus 120H: Includes the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and a 7-inch instrument cluster, wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense. It is the entry version with a starting price of 26,450€.

Style: This trim, the most popular, incorporates the new 130 engine, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10.5-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system. It starts from 27,450€ (29,950€ if we want 4WD).

Premiere Edition: Offers an exclusive two-tone Urban Khaki or Pearl White paint, 18-inch wheels and an interior with green details matching the bodywork. It features AWD technology, leaving the boot with a capacity of 320 l (instead of 397 l in 2WD versions). It has a price of 31,650€.

GR SPORT: Inspired by the success of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, this trim includes several details that enhance its sporty style, with 4 two-tone colour options, and has a price of 28,450€. It has 18-inch alloy wheels in dark grey, sports seats with red stitching and GR badges. In addition, the suspension has been tuned for more dynamic driving. The GR SPORT PLUS pack (from 30,150€) adds a digital smart key, a 10-inch Head-Up Display and a hands-free tailgate.

The Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 130 is now available at the official Toyota dealer network in Spain, with a starting price of 27,450 euros or 150 euros per month with the Toyota Easy Plus financing programme, which includes four years of maintenance and warranty.

We test the Premiere 130H update

A bestseller, a model that manages to sell more than 30,000 units, deserves to be updated to continue meeting consumer needs. That is what they have done with this new Toyota Yaris Cross. We had the opportunity to test the Premiere Edition over 200 km around the Balearic island. Its improvements are noticeable as soon as you get into the vehicle: the seats have been substantially improved, with a plush feel and a pleasant touch, as is the steering wheel.

The sensations of driving comfort have also improved: the steering is pleasant, neither soft nor hard, and is perfectly complemented by firm, stiff suspension that helps you trace bends with greater precision and with less body roll than the previous version. It is a very pleasant car to drive, both in urban areas and on the open road; it has an homologated consumption of 4.8 l/100 km, and the AWD version, which is the one we tested, 5.1 l/100 km.

The car moves with ease; the combination of the two engines makes it very pleasant, above all because it allows us to drive in electric mode, and when the car requires it, the combustion engine kicks in, although the transition is hard to perceive. Another point in favour of the update is the soundproofing of the cabin: vibrations, engine noise and road noise are almost imperceptible unless we are travelling at 120 km/h, thanks to the improvements we mentioned earlier. I have to thank Toyota for achieving the brake pedal we all wanted, an adaptive pedal that does not lock the car as soon as you touch it and that allows progressive braking without compromising safety.

It is a car that fulfils its functions perfectly and its target audience, with sufficient performance. However, if we press the accelerator firmly, we can clearly observe that it has a delay of about 2 seconds in building revs.

Image gallery Toyota Yaris Cross 2024

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverToyota Yaris Cross4 versions · from 30,750 €