Updated Driver Assistance Safety Technologies For Yaris And Yaris Cross

May 7, 2025

Toyota has upgraded its small Yaris hatchback and Yaris Cross SUV with a range of driver assistance technologies, designed to improve safety for both occupants and other road users.

The latest-generation safety technology upgrade is complemented by a number of other small equipment upgrades to provide added comfort and convenience for owners.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the updates to the two models showcased Toyota’s commitment to continuous improvement to its product lineup for the benefit of all customers.

“Safety remains one of our highest priorities when developing, designing and engineering Toyota vehicles and it’s a continuous process so when new technologies are developed, we make them available for customers as soon as possible,” Mr Hanley said.

“These latest upgrades for the Yaris hatch and Yaris Cross SUV are an example of that and while the changes are incremental, every new technology contributes to the safety of all road users,” he said.

With all models of five-door Yaris hatchback now exclusively powered by an 85kW 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain, all three Ascent Sport, SX and ZR grades gain a low-speed acoustic vehicle alert system that warns other road users and pedestrians when the vehicle might be moving using electric power¹.

The entry-level Ascent Sport grade now also features parking support brake¹ that automatically applies braking when reversing if a crossing vehicle, object or pedestrian is detected and there is a risk of a collision.

To further improve the model’s environmental impact, all grades of the Yaris hatch now use R1234yf refrigerant for the climate control system, while the SX gains larger 16-inch alloy wheels that are shared with the top-of-the-range ZR version.

The hybrid-only Yaris Cross small SUV also receives updated driver assistance safety technology to ensure every grade in the range from the entry-level GX to the top-of-the-range GR Sport offers the same high level of standard safety features.

The entry-level Yaris Cross GX gains parking support brake and blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, while all grades now feature an acoustic vehicle alert system¹.

The GX grade also gains a heating function for its exterior door mirrors and like the Yaris, all grades now use R1234yf refrigerant for air conditioning systems.

The front-wheel drive (2WD) Yaris Cross is powered by the same hybrid system as the Yaris hatch that combines a 67kW/120Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 59kW/141Nm front motor generator producing a combined maximum power of 85kW.

All-wheel drive (AWD) versions of the Yaris Cross feature an additional 3.9kW/52Nm rear electric motor generator to provide additional traction in slippery conditions.

Disclaimers*

1 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.