Used Toyota Yaris Cross cars for sale
Shopping for a compact SUV that won't break the bank? The used Toyota Yaris Cross might just be your perfect match. Since its UK launch in 2021, this nippy crossover has carved out a loyal following amongst drivers who want something practical, efficient, and refreshingly easy to live with.
Built on the same platform as the acclaimed Yaris supermini, the Yaris Cross takes everything people love about its smaller sibling and adds a dash of versatility. You get more space, a higher driving position, and the option of all-wheel drive—all wrapped up in Toyota's reputation for bulletproof reliability.
Whether you're navigating city traffic or tackling the school run, a second hand Toyota Yaris Cross offers brilliant fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain, whilst the raised ride height gives you that commanding view of the road. Plus, with Toyota's generous warranty scheme often transferable to subsequent owners, buying used doesn't mean compromising on peace of mind.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about finding the right Toyota Yaris Cross for sale, from understanding the trim levels to spotting potential issues during your test drive.
Why buy a used Toyota Yaris Cross?
There are plenty of reasons why a used Yaris Cross makes brilliant sense, especially if you're after value without sacrificing quality.
First off, depreciation works in your favour. Let someone else absorb that initial hit, and you'll find yourself behind the wheel of a nearly-new example for considerably less than the original price tag. Given Toyota's strong resale values, you're still getting a car that holds its worth well.
Then there's the hybrid tech. Every Yaris Cross comes with a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system as standard, delivering impressive fuel economy—we're talking 50-60mpg in real-world driving. If you're doing lots of short journeys around town, the electric motor handles much of the work, keeping running costs refreshingly low. No need for charging cables either; the system charges itself as you drive.
Practicality is another big win. The Yaris Cross sits comfortably between a hatchback and a full-sized SUV, making it ideal for families who need space without the bulk. Boot capacity is generous at 397 litres with the seats up, and you get a proper split-folding rear bench when you need to haul something larger.
And let's not forget Toyota's legendary reliability. This isn't just marketing waffle—Toyota consistently ranks at the top of dependability surveys. When you buy a Toyota Yaris Cross, you're investing in a car engineered to last, with hybrid systems that have been refined over decades.
Toyota Yaris Cross overview
The Toyota Yaris Cross arrived in the UK market in August 2021, filling a gap in the brand's lineup between the Yaris supermini and the larger C-HR. Built in France using Toyota's TNGA-B platform, it shares much of its DNA with the award-winning Yaris whilst adding practicality and style.
Under the bonnet, you'll find a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 116PS. It's not going to set your pulse racing, but the smooth, refined delivery suits the car's character perfectly. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) keeps things simple, though it can feel a bit whiny under heavy acceleration.
Measuring 4,180mm long, the Yaris Cross is compact enough for city life but spacious enough for weekend adventures. Ground clearance sits at a useful 180mm, giving you confidence on rougher roads without making the car feel top-heavy. Toyota even offers an intelligent AWD system on higher trims, which automatically engages when sensors detect slippery conditions.
Safety kit is comprehensive across the range. Toyota Safety Sense comes as standard, bundling features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. It earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating with an impressive 86% adult occupant protection score.
The interior feels well put together, if a little conservative in design. You won't find flashy materials, but everything is intuitive and built to last. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims get a larger touchscreen with sat-nav.
Trim levels explained
Toyota keeps things refreshingly straightforward with three main trim levels: Icon, Design, and Excel. Each builds on the one before, so choosing the right spec depends on which features matter most to you.
Icon
This is your entry point into Yaris Cross ownership, but don't mistake 'entry' for 'basic'. Icon models come surprisingly well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control, and that full suite of Toyota Safety Sense features. You also get an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control.
The Icon uses front-wheel drive only and comes with fabric upholstery. It's perfect if you're after solid value and don't need all the bells and whistles. Most used Toyota Yaris Cross examples you'll find are likely to be Icon models, as they made up the bulk of sales.
Design
Step up to Design trim and you'll notice the exterior upgrades first—silver roof rails, privacy glass, and 17-inch alloy wheels give the car a more premium appearance. Inside, you get part-leather seats with power adjustment for the driver, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Design models also introduce the option of intelligent AWD, which is worth considering if you regularly drive in challenging conditions or simply want the extra reassurance. The system automatically distributes power to the rear wheels when needed, then disengages to preserve fuel economy when you're cruising.
Excel
At the top of the range sits Excel, where luxury meets practicality. You'll find full leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display. The infotainment upgrades to a 9-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, and you get a premium JBL sound system.
Excel models come with AWD as standard and add a few extra safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. If you're browsing second hand Toyota Yaris Cross listings and spot an Excel trim, expect to pay a premium—but you're getting a genuinely well-appointed small SUV.
What to look for when buying
Buying a used Toyota Yaris Cross is generally low-risk thanks to Toyota's reputation, but it's still worth being thorough during your inspection. Here are the key areas to check:
Service history: Toyota's Relax warranty extends the standard three-year cover by up to 10 years, provided the car is serviced annually at a Toyota dealer. Check the service book to ensure it's been maintained correctly. Missing stamps could affect warranty eligibility and resale value.
Hybrid battery health: The hybrid system is incredibly reliable, but it's worth asking about battery condition. Toyota dealers can run diagnostics to check the state of health. Most batteries are warranted for five years or 100,000 miles, though many last far longer.
Interior wear: Given the Yaris Cross's popularity with families, check the rear seats and boot for signs of heavy use. Look for stains, tears, or excessive wear on the upholstery. The fabric seats in Icon models can show dirt more readily than leather.
Alloy wheels: Kerb damage is common on any SUV. Inspect the wheels carefully—minor scuffs are expected on a used car, but deep gouges or cracks could indicate more serious impacts.
Panel gaps and paintwork: The Yaris Cross is well-built, so uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint could suggest accident damage. Walk around the car slowly and check alignment, particularly around the doors and tailgate.
Infotainment system: Test all the tech during your viewing. Make sure the touchscreen responds properly, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connects without issues, and the reversing camera displays a clear image.
Test drive essentials: Listen for any unusual noises from the hybrid system—it should operate virtually silently in electric mode. The CVT gearbox can sound strained under heavy acceleration; this is normal. Check the brakes feel responsive and that there's no pulling to one side. If you're viewing an AWD model, try to test it on varied surfaces if possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Yaris Cross a reliable used SUV?
Absolutely. The Yaris Cross benefits from Toyota's excellent reliability record and uses proven hybrid technology that's been refined over two decades. Owners report very few issues, and the car's simplicity means there's less to go wrong. Just ensure any used Toyota Yaris Cross you're considering has a full service history.
How fuel-efficient is the Yaris Cross hybrid?
Real-world fuel economy typically sits between 50-60mpg depending on driving conditions. Around town, where the electric motor does most of the work, you could see even better figures. The hybrid system works brilliantly in stop-start traffic, making the Yaris Cross ideal for urban driving.
What is the difference between Icon, Design, and Excel trims?
Icon covers the essentials with excellent standard equipment, Design adds premium touches like leather seats and optional AWD, whilst Excel brings luxury features including a panoramic roof and JBL audio. The right choice depends on your budget and which features you value most.
What should I check when buying a used Yaris Cross?
Focus on service history (critical for warranty retention), hybrid battery health, interior condition, and wheel damage. During your test drive, check the hybrid system operates smoothly and all tech functions properly. A thorough inspection of paintwork and panel gaps helps identify any accident history.
Does the Toyota Relax warranty apply to second-hand Yaris Cross?
Yes, provided the car has been serviced annually at a Toyota dealer. The warranty can extend up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, offering fantastic peace of mind when buying used. Always verify the warranty status with Toyota before completing your purchase.
Are there AWD versions of the Yaris Cross?
Yes, AWD is available on Design and comes as standard on Excel trims. The intelligent system automatically engages when sensors detect wheel slip, then disengages to preserve fuel economy. It's useful in winter conditions or on loose surfaces, though most buyers find front-wheel drive perfectly adequate.
