The folks from Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) are probably barely getting any rest this year. Right after launching the Zenix, it quickly followed it up with the debut of the all-new Wigo. Less than a month after that, we’re here with yet another launch from the brand.
That model is the first-ever Yaris Cross, and it’s Toyota’s entry in the premium subcompact crossover class. Yes, Toyota managed to find a gap between the Raize and the Corolla Cross, but what does this model have to offer? Read on.
Variants and prices
Customers have a choice of three variants for the Yaris Cross. It kicks off with the 1.5 G CVT that serves as the base model. Moving up a notch is the 1.5 V CVT that serves as the mid-level trim and the top-spec gas-powered model. At the top of the range is the 1.5 S HEV CVT, and it’s the only hybrid in the lineup.
Toyota Yaris Cross 2024 prices
- Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 G CVT – P1,199,000
- Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 V CVT – P1,296,000 to P1,306,000 (depending on color)
- Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 S HEV CVT (Hybrid) - P1,598,000*
*Plus P10,000 for the Scarlet SE finish.
ALSO READ:
Review: 2022 Toyota Raize 1.0 Turbo CVT
Review: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 G CVT
Exterior
The Yaris Cross takes several design cues from larger Toyota crossovers. At the front, you see a hint of Corolla Cross on the grille, and a bit of RAV4 on the headlights. The sides, on the other hand, don’t have much in the way of body lines or sharp angles, giving it a clean, minimalist look. As for the rear, we see more inspiration from the Corolla Cross and RAV4 with its drooping slim tail lights and wide tailgate opening.
Size-wise, it measures 4,310mm long and 1,770mm wide, and 1,615mm tall. It then has a wheelbase of 2,620mm. For comparison, the Toyota Corolla Cross measures 4,460mm long and 1,620mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,640mm. As for ground clearance, it’s a solid 210mm, so it should be good enough for crossing gutter-deep floods. The 1.5 G rides on 17-inch alloys, while the 1.5 V and 1.5 S HEV come with 18-inchers. Two-tone paint is available for the V and S HEV.
Toyota Yaris Cross 2024 colors
Interior
Surprisingly (and thankfully), the interior of the Yaris Cross is not copy-pasted from the Raize. The dash design is unique to this model, featuring more lines and angles than its smaller sibling. Another pleasant surprise is the addition of soft touch panels just about everywhere. That’s not something that could be said about its other rivals.
Depending on the variant, the seats are trimmed in either fabric or leatherette. Mid and top model grades get eight-way power adjustable seats, as well as a power tailgate. All variants come with a digital instrument cluster plus automatic climate control, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen audio display is also standard across the range.
There are a couple of features exclusive to the 1.5 HEV S. The first one is the Pioneer six-speaker sound system. The other one is a full-length panoramic sunroof.
Engines and specs
There are two engine options available for the Yaris Cross. There’s the familiar 1.5-liter engine that powers the Avanza, Vios, and Veloz. It produces 106hp and 138Nm of torque, virtually identical to other Toyota models that use the same engine. As for the hybrid powertrain option, it uses the same 1.5-liter engine with an Atkinson Cycle that’s mated to an electric motor. The gas-fed engine makes 90hp, while the electric motor produces 79hp.
No manual transmission option is available as all variants shift with a continuously variable transmission. As for fuel tank capacity, it’s 42 liters for the 1.5 G and 1.5 V, and 36 liters for the 1.5 S HEV.
Extra features
It’s worth pointing out that the the 1.5 V CVT and the 1.5 S HEV CVT come with Toyota Safety Sense as standard. It includes pre-collision system, auto high beam, lane tracing assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Those variants also get a 360-degree camera, but all trim levels have front and rear parking sensors and six airbags.
Inside, additional tech features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and a built-in dashcam. Those who need to charge on the go will be delighted to see multiple USB ports at the front and back.
As for the full review, we’ll wait until we get our hands on the Yaris Cross and have it around for more days. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting addition to Toyota’s crossover range. The only challenge for Toyota now is to sell thousands of these while not cannibalizing sales from the Raize and Corolla Cross.
No pressure, then.
More photos of the 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross
