2021 Toyota Yaris Cross pricing and specs detailed: New Mazda CX-3, Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Cross rival goes hybrid

Toyota Australia has locked in pricing for its all-new Yaris Cross light SUV, which will go on sale next week priced from $26,990 plus on-road costs.

The Yaris Cross will be available in both two- and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, with the choice of one petrol and two hybrid powertrains available over three grades: GX, GXL and Urban.

Entry to each grade starts with a two-wheel-drive (FWD) petrol variant, with pricing set at $26,990 for the GX, $31,990 for the GXL and $32,990 for the Urban.

Opting for the FWD hybrid comes at a $2000 premium in any case, while the AWD hybrid adds an extra $3000 on top of that.

The Toyota Yaris Cross has a 390-litre boot capacity, larger than that of the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Venue.

Motivating the base variants is an 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, sending power directly to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

Opting for the FWD hybrid combines a similar 1.5-litre engine with two electric motors which together generate 85kW and offer a combined fuel consumption figure of just 3.8L/100km.

Meanwhile, AWD hybrid variants gain a third electric motor at the rear axle to provide enhanced traction when needed.

In range-topping Urban form, the Yaris Cross features 18-inch alloy wheels and a power tailgate.

As standard, the all-new Yaris Cross comes with 16-inch wheels, climate control, a smart key, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera and an Apply CarPlay/Android Auto-equipped multimedia system.

Stepping up to the GXL grade affords customers things like satellite navigation, LED headlights, blind spot monitoring and an enhanced rear-view camera, while range-topping Urban units gain 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a power driver seat, as well as a power tailgate with a kick sensor.

Like all Toyota models, the Yaris Cross comes with a five-year warranty, however, hybrid variants are also offered with a 10-year warranty for the battery.

All Toyota Yaris Cross variants come with a touchscreen multimedia display with Apply CarPlay/Android Auto.

The Yaris Cross will play in the growing light SUV category occupied by the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and VW T-Cross.

In a press release, Toyota Australia vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley suggested that the Yaris Cross will stand apart from current segment heavyweights thanks to the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain.

"It's no secret that the SUV market continues to grow, and Toyota has answered that customer demand with its first entry into the light SUV market with the all-new Yaris Cross," he said.

"With its high levels of safety, comfort and convenience equipment, and the only hybrid powertrain available in the segment, the Yaris Cross is the perfect partner for the working week, with the versatility and practicality to get out of town for an active weekend.”

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross pricing before on-road costs