Toyota Yaris Cross review - Reliability & safety

While the Toyota Yaris Cross hasn’t been featured in our Driver Power poll, the Yaris supermini it’s based on posted a top-three finish in our latest owner satisfaction survey. The Yaris Cross also got the top five-star safety rating from crash-test experts Euro NCAP.

Toyota Yaris Cross reliability

The Yaris Cross is closely based on the supermini, sharing an identical hybrid powertrain and much of the same technology. The Cross itself is still too new to evaluate, but it's reassuring to know the smaller Yaris supermini did very well in our latest Driver Power survey coming an impressive third out of the top 50 cars on sale in the UK. Its reliability and build quality were both praised, along with its engine and driving experience. Practicality was one of its worst categories (21st place), but the Yaris Cross has the advantage of offering more passenger and boot space, so should fare even better.

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Safety

The Yaris Cross was awarded the full five-star safety rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP in late 2021. That included 86% in the adult occupant category, 84% for child occupant safety, 78% for the protection of vulnerable road users and 81% for the safety assist category. It puts it convincingly ahead of the Ford Puma’s four-star rating.

The Yaris Cross is fitted with Toyota's latest Safety Sense technology, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and even the ability to help the driver steer around obstacles in an emergency. 

Notably for the small SUV class, the Yaris Cross is also fitted with a rear-view camera even in the most basic Icon trim level, making it easy to park. Safety kit is also available to warn the driver of vehicles in the car's blind-spot, and help prevent collisions when reversing in a car park or out of a driveway.

Toyota increased the level of safety kit for 2024, adding Acceleration Suppression that’s intended to stop accidents when the driver hits the throttle by mistake. An improved front camera and radar was also said to enhance the car’s ability to detect risks ahead and help mitigate collisions.