2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport confirmed for Australia this year

the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport has been confirmed for Australian showrooms in December this year, as the flagship model of Toyota’s smaller SUV range.

The Yaris Cross GR Sport will become the third Toyota in Australia to carry the GR Sport brand (with GR short for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s performance car division) after the C-HR small SUV and the 300 Series LandCruiser with four-wheel drive (with a HiLux GR Sport to follow in 2023).

While cars like the GR Yaris and GR Supra are performance cars, improvements for the GR Sport models are limited to the exterior, interior, and minor under-the-skin tweaks, rather than more power.

The GR Sport variant, which will be available at dealerships this December, will be available in hybrid front-wheel drive form only. Pricing has yet to be confirmed: the current Yaris Cross FWD hybrid range is $28,990-$34,990 plus on-road costs.

Upgrades over the standard Yaris Cross include unique 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, a new (black) mesh front grille design and a revised lower rear bumper.

Inside, highlights include gray faux leather and suede upholstery, light gray stitching on the steering wheel and seats, silver trim on the doors and instrument panel, aluminum pedal covers and GR logos on the headrests, steering wheel and key rings.

Mechanical changes are limited to retuned suspension which is claimed to “sharpen steering feel and response and reduce body roll”.

Power will come from the same petrol-electric hybrid system as regular Yaris Cross models, combining a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric system to deliver a combined 85kW.

It’s unclear where the Yaris Cross GR Sport will sit in the model lineup, however, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, climate-controlled air conditioning, Toyota Connected Services and a suite of safety aids advanced will carry over from other models, it has been confirmed.

the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport it is expected to be in Australian showrooms in December 2022. Pricing and further details will be confirmed closer to launch.