Toyota has introduced updated versions of the Yaris and Yaris Cross models for the Japanese market. The main changes concern the equipment: a larger multimedia system screen has appeared, but at the same time, some parking assist technologies have been removed. A special version, the Yaris Z Urbano, which is now offered with a manual transmission, attracts particular attention.
Exterior and New Colors
The exterior appearance of the cars remains unchanged, as they recently underwent a facelift. The update touched upon details: black mirror caps and an antenna have been added, as well as new paint options. For the Yaris, it’s the Mustard shade, and for the Yaris Cross — Urban Lock. As before, style kits from GR Parts and Modellista are available.
Updated Interior: Larger Screen and Losses
The main news in the interior is the 10.5-inch screen of the infotainment system, which was already offered in Europe. An 8-inch display is installed for base trim levels, and the 7-inch one has been removed from the lineup. Hybrid versions have received an electromechanical parking brake mechanism, as well as a front seat armrest.
However, Toyota decided to remove the Toyota Teammate Advanced Park system, which included a panoramic camera with a “transparent floor” function and automatic braking during parking. This is a rather unexpected decision for the Japanese market, where such assist systems are popular.
Special Version with Manual Transmission
The special Z Urbano version, introduced last year, has been updated for the 2026 model year. It received a larger screen and new two-tone combinations: the Yaris in Black x Mustard, and the Yaris Cross — Black x Urban Lock.
The most important change concerns the Yaris hatchback: the Z Urbano trim is now offered with a 6-speed manual transmission in addition to the CVT option. The manual transmission is available exclusively with the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, giving buyers a rare opportunity to control gear shifting themselves in a regular Yaris.
Engines and Transmissions for Japan
Unlike European versions, which are offered only with a hybrid powertrain, conventional gasoline engines remain available in Japan.
Both models can be ordered with a 1.5-liter engine producing 118 hp or with a hybrid setup with a total output of 114 hp. The more powerful European version with 129 hp is not offered.
The 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine from the previous generation with 67 hp also remains in the lineup. Most versions use a CVT (or e-CVT for hybrids), while some non-hybrid trims offer a manual gearbox. A choice of drivetrains is available: front-wheel drive, mechanical all-wheel drive for gasoline models, or electric all-wheel drive (E-Four) for hybrids.
Prices and Availability
The updated Yaris and Yaris Cross will go on sale in Japan from March 2. The price for the hatchback starts from ¥1,697,300 ($10,900), and for the crossover — from ¥2,126,300 ($13,700). The most interesting offering is considered to be the Yaris Z Urbano with a manual transmission priced at ¥2,307,800 ($14,900).
According to the Japanese publication Creative Trend, the cost of most trim levels has increased compared to last year. The price increase for the Yaris reaches ¥106,700 ($690), and for the Yaris Cross — ¥185,900 ($1,200).
The update of the Japanese Yaris and Yaris Cross demonstrates the local market priorities: preserving the choice of engines, including an affordable manual gearbox for enthusiasts, while ideas of Euro-integration regarding mandatory electrification do not work here. The price increase likely reflects general production and demand trends, and the decision to remove the advanced parking system may be an attempt to optimize costs by focusing on features that buyers value more, such as a larger screen. This shows how automakers adapt global models to the specific preferences of individual regions.