According to the latest SIMI motor stats, the Toyota Yaris Cross is the most sold passenger car in Ireland for the period January – October 2026. Over 3,800 of these cars have been sold in 2026 so far, representing a 9% increase on the year before.
So, what is it that’s attracting so many buyers? Why has the Yaris Cross overtaken the Hyundai Tucson as Ireland’s most popular car? We’ve taken a closer look at the Yaris Cross below.
What Stands Out With The Yaris Cross?
One of the first strings in the Yaris’s bow is the manufacturer name attached to it. Toyota is long known for exceptional build quality and reliability, which in part helps it retain value well against other brands.
Specifically for the Yaris Cross, Toyota has created a compact family cruiser that’s reliable and comfortable for both driver and passenger. The exterior look is modern yet slightly boxy, with decent boot space and an elevated driving position. On the inside, you’ll find an infotainment screen and comfortable seating.
The 2024 Facelift
In 2024, Toyota announced a facelift for the already popular Yaris Cross. As part of this, subtle tweaks were made to the design, and the interior received a small upgrade. This facelift has rolled into the new 2026 models, meaning a 2024 model can still hold its own against loftier-priced, newer options.
As part of the 2024 facelift, two key powertrains were created: the 115 hybrid and the 130 hybrid. These sound fancy, but in reality come down to the number of brake horsepower on offer.
Hybrid 115 – this is more focused on urban driving. That means short trips and a need for better mpg.
Hybrid 130 – by comparison, the 130 is more suited to motorway driving, with a more powerful electric motor-generator powering it.
The hybrid 115 is the more popular option, especially with it being available in the cheaper packages 👇.
Trim Levels
There are four trim levels available on the latest Toyota Yaris Cross: Icon, Design, Excel, and GR Sport.
Icon Trim
The cheapest trim available, the Icon only includes the 115 hybrid powertrain. Still, this car boasts a 9-inch infotainment system, air conditioning, a reversing camera, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The cost of a new Icon is around €29,500, which can of course come down with potential trade-ins or manufacturer discounts.
Design Trim
One higher, the Design trim still only covers the 115 hybrid, but it does come with a slightly larger 10.5-inch interior screen. The difference becomes apparent in the LED headlights and rear privacy glass, which clearly separate the two trims. Add in front sport seats, and the design is a good option if you’re looking for a classier finish without breaking the bank.
A new Toyota Yaris Cross Design trim will cost anywhere from €32,000.
Excel Trim
Moving into Toyota’s luxury offering, the Excel trim allows you to make use of the 130 hybrid. It also comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, and wireless charging. Add in 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Excel trim is the most luxurious offering available. A loftier driving position with heated steering will set you back €35,400, which, compared to competitors, isn’t bad value.
GR Sport Trim
The highest and most expensive trim is the GR Sport. Again, paired with the hybrid 130, this trim brings GR Sport alloys, aggressive front and rear bumpers, sports suspension, and suede leather seating. This is the most menacing Toyota Yaris Cross option, but the price isn’t too much higher than the Excel trim, coming in at €36,750. Also worth mentioning, the newer GR Sport models come with a nice honeycomb mesh grille.
Warranty & Safety
The Yaris Cross comes with a 3-year or 60,000-mile warranty. However, if you use a Toyota-approved service centre, a 12-month, 10,000-mile warranty is added on top. This gives owners peace of mind at a time when car costs are already high. Safety-wise, the original Yaris Cross scored 5/5 on the Euro NCAP safety test, but recent re-testing under stricter guidelines has seen the latest Yaris Cross receive a 4/5 mark. This is still decent, but there are alternatives on the market that score higher.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Toyota Yaris Cross is so popular because it’s well-priced and offers good reliability and build quality. The safety score could be better, though.
Are you on the hunt for a new car? Here at LMO, we offer HP finance on a range of different options, including hybrids. If you’re interested in finance, take a look at our application page for more information.