This Is The All-New 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross Compact SUV

• It rides on Toyota’s TNGA-B platform, like the “regular” Yaris.

• It will be available with AWD and hybrid technology.

• It will hit the road in Europe in 2021.

We can tell right now, this very cool hyper-urban SUV will not be coming to North America. Toyota Canada has confirmed with us that the 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross was designed in Europe for the European market. The Yaris Cross is based on the all-new Yaris hatchback and features some true SUV DNA sourced from Toyota’s extensive experience in the matter.

Compared to the Yaris (not our rebadged Mazda2), the Yaris Cross is 240mm longer overall for more interior space. Ground clearance is raised by 30mm over that of the donner hatchback. Much of its exterior cladding and design reminds us of the Lexus UX. The UX’ configuration is very similar to that of the Yaris Cross…

The 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross will use Toyota’s latest 1.5 hybrid system. It features an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s 4^th-generation hybrid technology. Total output is rated at 116 DIN horsepower or 114-horsepower. The AWD-i system sends a signal to the rear-mounted electric motor when needed, much like the Prius AWD-e.

While we think this Yaris Cross could find some success in North America, if mostly because of our love of anything SUV, we assume the price tag would be far too great to justify a real business case for the company. Also, as we know, the Lexus UX hasn’t lived up to expectations as a small hybrid SUV.