- Toyota has refreshed the Yaris and Yaris Cross in Japan.
- It adds a larger infotainment screen but loses some tech.
- The Yaris Z Urbano now comes with a manual gearbox.
Toyota has unveiled updated versions of the Yaris and Yaris Cross in Japan, bringing a larger infotainment screen while quietly stripping away some advanced parking tech. More importantly, the Yaris Z Urbano special edition now offers a six-speed manual for enthusiasts who cannot stretch to a GR Yaris.
On the outside, nothing has changed. Both models have been on sale in Japan since 2020 and received mild facelifts in 2024, so this update sticks to specification tweaks. Toyota adds black mirror caps and a black shark fin antenna, along with new paint options. The Yaris gets a Mustard shade, while the Yaris Cross introduces Urban Lock. Optional styling kits from GR Parts and Modellista remain available.
Bigger Screens, Fewer Tricks
Inside, the headline upgrade is the 10.5-inch infotainment display, which has been available in Europe since the 2023 refresh. Lower trims get an 8-inch unit, and the old 7-inch screen has been dropped. Hybrids now gain an electric parking brake, and a front seat armrest joins the equipment list.
More: Toyota’s Most Dialed-In GR Yaris Ever Drops, But Good Luck Getting One
Cold-weather specification is standard on 4WD models and optional on FWD variants. Buyers can also specify a turn-tilt passenger seat to make getting in and out a little easier.
What’s missing? The company has removed the Toyota Teammate Advanced Park system, which bundled a Panoramic View Monitor with transparent floor functionality and the Parking Support Brake. This is a surprising decision, especially given Japan’s appetite for advanced driver-assistance features.
Toyota Yaris Urbano
A Special Edition With A Manual Twist
The Z Urbano special editions introduced last year return for 2026, now with the larger screen and new two-tone combinations. The Yaris pairs Black x Mustard, while the Yaris Cross adopts Black x Urban Lock.
More: This Tiny Toyota Prototype Has A Yaris Face And Only One Seat
The more significant change applies to the Yaris hatchback. The Z Urbano grade now offers a six-speed manual gearbox alongside the CVT. The manual is available exclusively with the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, giving buyers a rare chance to row their own gears in a regular Yaris.
Japan Keeps Its Engine Choices
Unlike the hybrid-only European versions of the Yaris and Yaris Cross, the Japanese lineup still includes non-electrified engines.
Both models can be ordered with the 1.5-liter engine producing 118 hp (120 PS) or the hybrid setup delivering a combined 114 hp (116 PS). They do not receive the more powerful 129 hp (96 kW / 131 PS) version currently offered in Europe.
2026 Toyota Yaris Cross (Japan)
For those unconcerned with outright pace, the Yaris is also available with the carryover 1.0-liter three-cylinder from the previous generation, producing 67 hp (69 PS).
More: Toyota Says Electric Yaris Is Coming, But It’s Not Ready Yet
Most versions use a CVT, or an e-CVT for hybrids, while select non-hybrid trims offer the six-speed manual. Buyers can choose between FWD, mechanical 4WD for petrol models, or E-Four electric AWD for hybrids.
More Expensive Than Before
The updated Yaris and Yaris Cross go on sale in Japan from March 2. The hatchback is priced between ¥1,697,300-2,994,200 ($10,900-19,300), while the SUV ranges from ¥2,126,300-3,349,500 ($13,700-21,600). The standout value in the lineup is the Yaris Z Urbano manual at ¥2,307,800 ($14,900).
According to Japanese outlet Creative Trend, most trims are now more expensive than last year. Prices have risen by as much as ¥106,700 ($690) for the Yaris and ¥185,900 ($1,200) for the Yaris Cross.
2026 Toyota Yaris (Japan)
