Available in Europe from 2021, the Toyota Yaris Cross is loved for its sporty profile and efficient, responsive performance
Toyota has released another update for the Yaris Cross in Europe based on the 2024 update. This is quite relevant as the crossover SUV is Toyota’s best-selling model in the European market. Sales in 2025 were 200,000 units. Let’s look at the major updates introduced with the Yaris Cross in Europe.
2026 Toyota Yaris Cross – What’s new?
The new Yaris Cross is available in four trims – Mid, Mid+, High and GR Sport. Exterior updates include a refreshed front fascia, which includes a new grille design with a honeycomb pattern. With the grille finished in body-coloured paint, the 2026 Yaris Cross has acquired a handsome, more contemporary appearance.
This is coupled with strong SUV aesthetics, as evidenced by the prominent blacked-out bumper, flared wheel arches and thick body cladding. The LED headlamps have also been refreshed and have integrated DRLs as standard. Higher trims get new alloy wheels, 17-inch with the Mid+ and 18-inch with the High variant.
The 2026 Yaris Cross also gets two new color options – Precious Bronze and Celestite Grey. The latter serves as a replacement for the previous Shimmering Silver color option. The precious bronze color is introduced with the contrasting black roof and pillars.
internal updates
Inside, a new platinum colored trim has been introduced on the dashboard and door panels. This adds to the premium feel in the cabin. The Mid+ trim is now equipped with sportier front seats, offering better comfort and lateral support. This option was previously available with the High trim. The seats also get platinum colored inserts, which matches the overall interior theme.
One can also see a contrasting three-tone stitching. With the High trim, Toyota has introduced a partial-leather trim, which features contrast shoulder and bolster accents. The synthetic leather is made from premium SakuraTouch® material, which uses a combination of waste cork, plant-derived PVC and recycled PET.
It reduces production-related CO2 emissions by approximately 95% compared to genuine leather. In other updates, the Mid+ and above trims now get ambient lighting and wireless charger. A powered tailgate is now available as standard with higher trims. All variants of the 2026 Yaris Cross get automatically retracting ORVMs as standard.
Updated GR Sport Trim
Along with the 2026 Yaris Cross, the GR Sport trim gets both cosmetic and functional updates. Exterior highlights include a distinctive front bumper, featuring special aerodynamic side elements. These serve to highlight the wide body and athletic build of the SUV. The GR Sport trim also gets 18-inch machined alloy wheels.
Inside, major updates include special suede sports seats, with gray upholstery and contrasting red stitching. ‘GR’ badging can be seen on the steering wheel and front headrests. Another distinctive feature is the GR Sport-specific gunmetal silver trim inserts on the instrument panel and doors. The GR Sport trim is offered exclusively in FWD configuration. It has features like wireless charger, ambient lighting and blind spot monitor.
Same powertrain options
The 2026 Yaris Cross continues with the same powertrain options already available. The Hybrid 115 powertrain generates 116 hp and 141 Nm of torque. It is only available in FWD configuration with the base Mid trim. Higher trims feature a hybrid 130 powertrain, which was introduced in 2024. It generates 130 hp and 185 Nm torque. Both FWD and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD-i) options are available with the Hybrid 130 powertrain.
