It has been revealed that Toyota’s popular compact SUV, the Yaris Cross , is scheduled for a full model change in 2027. For those currently considering purchasing one, an important factor to consider is whether to buy now or wait for the new model.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain everything from the latest information on the new Yaris Cross to comparing it with the current model and deciding when to buy it.
2027 New Yaris Cross: Innovative Changes
Installation of a new generation engine: a major shift from 3-cylinder to 4-cylinder
Toyota’s 1.5L inline 4-cylinder engine under development
The biggest change to the new Yaris Cross is the revamped powertrain, which will replace the current model’s inline 3-cylinder 1.5L engine with a newly developed inline 4-cylinder 1.5L engine .
New engine features:
- 10% reduction in volume
- Overall height reduced by 10%
- Improved combustion efficiency increases output
- Compliant with stricter exhaust gas regulations “Euro 7” scheduled to be introduced in 2028
This change allows the hood to be lowered, improving aerodynamic performance and fuel economy.
Spec Comparison: Current Model vs. New Model
| item | Current model | New model (predicted) |
|---|---|---|
| engine | Inline 3-cylinder 1.5L | Inline 4-cylinder 1.5L |
| Gasoline Output | 120ps/14.8kgm | 130ps/15.0kgm |
| Hybrid Output | 116ps (system) | 100ps+100ps (motor) |
| Fuel economy (hybrid) | 30.8km/L | 33.0km/L |
| Fuel economy (gasoline) | 20.2km/L | 21.5km/L |
Evolution of design: New generation style with emphasis on aerodynamic performance
The new Yaris Cross will feature a design that emphasizes functionality.
Exterior changes:
- Lowering the bonnet position improves aerodynamic performance
- Adoption of thin headlights
- Wide stance for enhanced presence
- Improved driving stability
Body size (estimated):
- Total length x width x height: 4190 x 1695 x 1580mm
- Wheelbase: 2560mm
- Compared to current model: total length +10mm, total width -70mm, total height -10mm
Strengthening advanced equipment
The new Yaris Cross will be equipped with the latest technology.
Main new equipment:
- AI-enabled infotainment system
- Improved voice recognition
- An evolved version of the latest Toyota Safety Sense
- Expanded parking support functions
Price estimate and release date
Pricing
The price of the new Yaris Cross is expected to be around 100,000 to 200,000 yen higher than the current model.
Expected price range:
- Gasoline model: 2 million to 2.8 million yen
- Hybrid model: 2.4 million to 3.4 million yen
Current model price (reference):
- Gasoline model: 1,907,000 yen to 2,822,000 yen
- Hybrid model: 2,295,000 yen to 3,156,000 yen
Release Schedule
- 2026 : Development completed, production preparation
- Spring 2027 : New Yaris Cross scheduled for release
- 2025 : Possibility of a second minor change to the current model
Should I wait for the new model or buy the current model?
People who should wait for the new model
If any of the following apply to you, we recommend you wait for the new model:
Those who value environmental performance
- High environmental performance compliant with Euro 7
- Improved fuel economy (2-3km/L improvement)
Those seeking the latest technology
- AI-enabled infotainment
- Advanced safety equipment
Those who value performance
- Smooth running with a 4-cylinder engine
- Output improvement (up about 10ps)
Those who are not in a rush to purchase
- I can wait until 2027
- My current car is enough
Who should buy the current model?
We recommend purchasing the current model if the following conditions apply to you:
If you need a car immediately
- My current car is not working properly
- Changing lifestyles mean you need a car
Those who care about cost
- Want to reduce initial costs
- A new model three years from now will be enough
Those who value performance
- The reliability of the current model has been proven
- Want to avoid the risk of new defects
Those hoping for a discount
- You can expect discounts around the time of the new model announcement.
- Possibility of special clearance prices
The appeal of the current Yaris Cross and the benefits of purchasing it
Advantages of the current model
The current Yaris Cross also has many attractive features:
Proven and reliable:
- On sale since 2020, with a proven track record
- It is easy to understand the defect information
- A maintenance system has been established
Cost performance:
- 100,000-200,000 yen cheaper than the new model
- There is a lot of room for price negotiation
- There is a large amount of stock in the used car market.
Adequate performance:
- Even today, fuel economy is excellent
- Safety equipment is also at a high level
- Just right for everyday use
Details of the 2024 minor change
The current model underwent a minor change in January 2024, with the following improvements:
- Minor design changes
- Some safety equipment updates
- Price review
Comparison with competing models
Main competitors
Let’s compare the new Yaris Cross with its competitors:
Honda Vezel:
- Price range: 2,279,000 yen to 3,299,000 yen
- Fuel economy: 25.0km/L (hybrid)
- Features: Coupe-like design
Nissan Kicks:
- Price range: 2,799,000 yen to 3,159,000 yen
- Fuel economy: 21.6km/L (e-POWER)
- Features: e-POWER system
Mazda CX-3:
- Price range: 2,123,000 yen to 2,849,000 yen
- Fuel economy: 19.0km/L
- Characteristics: Sporty driving
Competitiveness of the new Yaris Cross
The new Yaris Cross is expected to be competitive in the following areas:
- Fuel economy : 33.0km/L is the best in its class
- Price competitiveness : entry-level pricing
- Toyota brand reliability : comprehensive after-sales service
The best time to buy
Strategy for 2025
2025 could be a great time to buy a current model:
reason:
- Increased discounts before new model announcement
- Special clearance prices
- The high level of perfection of the current model
Things to note in 2026
2026 is a good year to avoid buying:
reason:
- The value of the current model falls due to the release of a new model.
- Fewer options due to end of production
- Market is in a wait-and-see mood as new models are awaited
Outlook beyond 2027
Once the new model is released, the following is expected:
- Risk of initial defects
- Price premiums
- Longer delivery times
Summary: Which is the best choice for you?
Whether you should wait for the new Yaris Cross will depend on your personal needs and circumstances.
Those who should wait for the new model:
- Emphasis on the latest technology and environmental performance
- We can afford to wait until 2027
- Seeking performance improvements
Who should choose the current model?
- I need a car immediately
- Emphasis on cost performance
- Looking for a proven car
Whichever you choose, the Yaris Cross is an excellent compact SUV. It’s up to you to decide which is best for you, based on your lifestyle and priorities.
The latest information will be updated from time to time, so we recommend that you always check the latest information before purchasing.
