Toyota’s popular compact SUV, the Yaris Cross , will be released with an updated model on February 20, 2026. For those currently considering purchasing a Yaris Cross, an important decision point is whether to buy it now or wait for the new model.
Should I buy now or wait for the 2026 model?
In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the improvements made to the 2026 model and provide you with information to help you decide when to purchase.
Main changes for the 2026 model [Conclusion: Not many major changes]
Summary of improvements in February 2026
This improvement is not a “minor change” but a “partial improvement.” The main changes are as follows:
[Equipment changes]
- Expanded to a 10.5-inch display audio : The “Z,” “Z Adventure,” and “GR Sport” grades are enlarged from the previous 8 inches to 10.5 inches.
- Improved uniformity of appearance : Door mirrors and shark fin antennas are now black on all vehicles.
- Some functions discontinued : Digital key, Toyota Teammate “Advanced Park” discontinued
Price change forecast
Due to the improved equipment, prices are expected to increase by around 100,000 yen for the higher grade models.
Current price (reference)
- Gasoline X:FF 2,046,000 yen
- Hybrid Z:FF 2,887,500 yen
- Hybrid GR Sport:FF 3,031,600 yen
Criteria for deciding who should wait and who should buy now
[Who should wait for the 2026 model?]
✅People who care about large screen displays
- The 10.5-inch display significantly improves visibility and operability
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is now easier to use
- A great benefit for those who frequently use it as a car navigation system
✅ Those who are particular about the latest models
- Those who want to always ride with the latest specifications
- Those who value trade-in and resale value
✅If you’re not in a hurry
- Those who can wait about three months until February 20, 2026
- If you have no problems with your current car
[Who should buy now?]
✅ If you need a car quickly
- Needed now for commuting to work or school
- My current car is on the verge of breaking down and its inspection is about to expire.
✅Those who want to keep prices down
- The improved model is expected to increase in price by around 100,000 yen
- Possibility of discounts on current models due to inventory clearance
- December 2025 to January 2026 is the fiscal year end, making it easier to negotiate discounts.
✅People who don’t care about display size
- Those who feel that 8 inches is enough
- Those who can use smartphone navigation instead
✅Those considering lower grades (X, G)
- The X and G grades remain unchanged at 8 inches.
- There’s little point in waiting
Strengths and appeal of the Toyota Yaris Cross [Unchanging value]
Regardless of improvements or not, the essential appeal of the Yaris Cross remains unchanged.
1. Best-in-class fuel economy
Hybrid FF: 30.8km/L (WLTC mode)
- Far surpassing its rival, the Honda Vezel e:HEV (25.0km/L)
- Even compared to the Nissan Kicks e-POWER (23.0km/L), it is overwhelmingly
Difference in maintenance costs due to fuel economy (10,000 km per year)
- Yaris Cross (30.8km/L): Approximately 55,000 yen (gasoline 170 yen/L)
- Vezel (25.0km/L): Approximately 68,000 yen
- A difference of about 13,000 yen per year = a difference of 65,000 yen over 5 years
2. Compact and easy-to-handle body size
Total length 4,180mm x total width 1,765mm
- Easy to drive on narrow roads
- A size that won’t cause problems in parking lots
- Its size is just right: larger than the Raize (3,995mm) and smaller than the Corolla Cross (4,490mm).
3. Practical luggage capacity of 390L
- Suitable for everything from everyday shopping to weekend leisure activities
- Height adjustable with 6:4 split adjustable deck board
- Electric tailgate (high-grade model) for added convenience
4. Toyota’s latest safety equipment, “Toyota Safety Sense”
- Pre-crash safety (pedestrian and bicycle detection)
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Automatic high beam
- Road Sign Assist
- Standard equipment for peace of mind on all grades
5. 4WD performance and off-road capability
Hybrid E-Four (electric 4WD)
- TRAIL mode: Assistance in getting out of a stuck vehicle
- SNOW mode: Stable driving on snowy roads
Gasoline 4WD
- Multi-Terrain Select
- 175mm ground clearance for SUV-like off-road performance
Comparison with rival cars: Yaris Cross’s position
vs Honda Vezel
| item | Yaris Cross | Vezel |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (HV/FF) | 30.8km/L | 25.0km/L |
| full length | 4,180mm | 4,330mm |
| Price range | From 2.04 million yen | From 2.27 million yen |
| Strengths | Fuel efficiency, price | Interior space, texture |
vs Mazda CX-3
| item | Yaris Cross | CX-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | HV/Gasoline | diesel |
| fuel economy | 30.8km/L(HV) | 23.2km/L |
| Strengths | Hybrid, fuel economy | Diesel driving feel |
vs Nissan Kicks
| item | Yaris Cross | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| fuel economy | 30.8km/L | 23.0km/L |
| 4WD | Yes (E-Four) | None (FF only) |
| Strengths | Fuel economy, 4WD setting | e-POWER driving |
Grade recommendations: Which grade should you choose?
Entry level: “X” grade
Recommended for:
- I want to drive a Yaris Cross cheaply.
- Minimal equipment is OK
Points to note
- The 2026 model will still have an 8-inch display
- There is little benefit to waiting → Buy now
Balanced: “G” grade
Recommended for:
- Cost-effectiveness
- I want sufficient equipment
point
- Better equipped than the X, cheaper than the Z
- The 2026 model will also have an 8-inch display
- If it’s urgent, do it now, if you’re not particular, wait.
High-quality: “Z” grade
Recommended for:
- Those looking for comprehensive equipment
- Those who want a 10.5-inch display
point
- The 2026 model will have a 10.5-inch screen
- The grade with the greatest benefits of waiting
- The price is expected to increase by about 100,000 yen, but it’s worth it.
Outdoor enthusiasts: “Z Adventure”
Recommended for:
- I like the SUV look.
- I often go outdoors and camping
point
- Exclusive exterior (orange accents)
- The 2026 model will have a 10.5-inch display
- Consider the difference and make a decision
For the sports enthusiast: “GR Sport”
Recommended for:
- Those who care about running
- I like the sporty design
point
- Special suspension and 18-inch wheels
- The 2026 model will have a 10.5-inch display
- FF only (no 4WD option)
Full model change information from 2026 onwards
The next model (full model change) will be in 2027-2028
The current Yaris Cross was released in August 2020, so considering the normal model cycle (6-8 years):
- Possibility of a full model change between 2027 and 2028
- Further evolution of the TNGA platform
- Possibility of electrification (PHEV, BEV)
Why it’s okay to buy the 2026 model
- The current model is still about five years old.
- The basic design is the latest TNGA GA-B
- Even if you purchase the 2026 model, you can expect a sufficient model life.
Maintenance Cost Simulation: Hybrid vs. Gasoline
Total cost simulation for 5 years (50,000km)
Prerequisites
- 10,000km driven per year
- Gasoline 170 yen/L
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance costs are roughly the same
Hybrid Z (FF)
- Vehicle price: 2,887,500 yen
- Fuel cost (5 years): 275,000 yen (30.8 km/L)
- Total: Approximately 3,162,500 yen
Gasoline Z (FF)
- Vehicle price: 2,513,500 yen
- Fuel cost (5 years): 420,000 yen (20.2km/L)
- Total: Approximately 2,933,500 yen
Difference: Approximately 230,000 yen
- If you drive a lot (over 15,000km per year), a hybrid is a good choice.
- If you drive less (less than 7,000km per year) then gasoline is more economical.
Advantages and disadvantages of different purchase timing
[Purchase the current model between December 2025 and January 2026]
merit
- It is easy to negotiate discounts at the end of the fiscal year
- Possibility of increased discounts due to inventory clearance
- Will be delivered soon
- It is about 100,000 yen cheaper than the new model.
Disadvantages
- 8-inch display (high-end grade)
- Becoming “outdated”
[Purchase a new model after February 2026]
merit
- 10.5-inch display (Z, Z Adventure, GR Sport)
- The satisfaction of riding the latest model
- Resale value is slightly better
Disadvantages
- Price increase of approximately 100,000 yen
- No discounts immediately after release
- Delivery may take longer
[Wait until late 2026]
merit
- Negotiable price even for new models
- Avoiding the risk of initial defects
Disadvantages
- Until then, you don’t have a car (or you’re still driving an old car)
- You have to wait more than six months
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How long will it take to deliver the new model?
A. Immediately after the release (February-March 2026), delivery times for popular models are expected to be around 2-3 months . However, as Toyota has established a production system, it is unlikely that you will have to wait more than six months.
Q2. How much of a discount can we expect on the current model?
A. If the fiscal year ends in December 2025 – January 2026:
- Vehicle body discount: 100,000 to 150,000 yen
- Option discount: 50,000 to 100,000 yen
- Trade-in appraisal surcharge: 50,000 to 100,000 yen
- A total discount of around 200,000 to 300,000 yen is possible.
Q3. Is a 10.5-inch display worth 100,000 yen?
A. This depends on your personal values:
- It’s equipment I use every day, so I’m very satisfied.
- Not necessary if you can use a smartphone navigation system instead
- It’s well worth it if you use it as a genuine navigation system.
Q4. Is the new model better in terms of resale value?
A. There is a slight advantage, but the difference is limited:
- The Yaris Cross has good resale value overall.
- The difference in trade-in after three years is expected to be around 50,000 to 100,000 yen.
- It is possible that the difference in price of a new car (100,000 yen) will be almost offset.
Q5. Which should I choose: hybrid or gasoline?
A. Based on mileage:
- Over 10,000km per year → Hybrid recommended
- Less than 7,000km per year → Gasoline OK
- For those who require 4WD → Consider the performance of E-Four
Q6. Is the special edition “Z URBANO” worth buying?
A. Special edition vehicles available in February 2025:
- Exclusive design (urban style)
- The price is a little high
- If you like the look, it’s a good choice, but the standard Z is good enough.
Expert’s View: What Automotive Journalists Think
Reasons for only minor improvements
The small scale of this update is a testament to the high level of perfection of the current model. The January 2024 update:
- 7.0-inch TFT meter standard
- Connected navigation compatible
- Toyota Safety Sense Enhancement
Since these improvements have already been made, the 2026 model is a “finishing touch” improvement.
The current design is fine until a full model change
The TNGA GA-B platform is the latest design and will be in use until the full model change in 2027-2028. There’s no need to worry about it being an “outdated” model.
Summary: What should you do?
[Who should wait for the 2026 model?]
✅ I’m considering a Z grade or higher and want a 10.5-inch display
✅ I can wait until February 2026 (3 more months)
✅ I want to always drive the latest model
✅ The 100,000 yen price difference is within my tolerance
[People who should buy the current model now]
✅ Considering the X or G grade (few changes)
✅ Need a car now
✅ Want to maximize the discount (now is the time as the fiscal year ends)
✅ Not particular about the display size
✅ Prefer something cheaper even if it’s 100,000 yen
[Final Recommendations]
Overall, we recommend the following:
- Need it urgently → Buy now (take advantage of the year-end discount)
- Prefer Z grade or higher → Wait for the 2026 model
- X, G grade desired → Buy now (few changes)
- I want a GR Sport → I’ll wait for the new model (the 10.5-inch screen is a big plus)
The most important thing is your lifestyle.
The Yaris Cross, both the current model and the new one, is an excellent compact SUV with class-leading fuel economy, a practical size, and comprehensive safety features. Rather than considering whether it has been improved or not, we recommend that you decide based on when you need the car and which grade you want to choose.
