Here’s a fun fact. The Toyota Raize didn’t even have a full cycle in 2022 since it was launched in February and yet, it finished as the 7th best-selling car overall for that year. Even more than the total sales of other brands in the Top 10. Still, there’s a notable gap between the Raize and the bigger Corolla Cross. One that is occupied by other brands.
Toyota Motor Philippines is now filling that space with the all-new Yaris Cross that has an entry price of PHP 1,199,000. That puts the GAC GS3 Emzoom, Geely Coolray, and MG ZS-T in its crosshairs. The Nissan Kicks is also a target since the top-of-the-line variant has a hybrid powertrain. Read on to find out if this all-new Yaris Cross has what it takes to be in your garage.
Let’s talk about the variants first. It has a starting price of PHP 1,199,000 for the G CVT trim, followed by PHP 1,296,000 for the V CVT, and the S HEV model goes for PHP 1,598,000.
Under the hood is the 2NR-VE 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that’s also used in the Avanza. It makes 105 HP and 138 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT. Meanwhile, the hybrid is run by the 2NR-VEX that’s also a 1.5-liter engine with a hybrid system that has a total output of 90 HP and 121 Nm of torque, also mated to a CVT.
In terms of design, the front face of the Yaris Cross looks like a mini RAV4 that was tastefully done. It doesn’t seem like a mere baby version, nor is it trying hard to be taken seriously. The sides are a bit plain, but they made up for that in the muscular rear. It’s also reminiscent of the RAV4 but has a taillight distinction that makes it unique.
Another thing to note is the new electrified proof of Toyota. Unlike before where their logo has a subtle blue shadow to denote it’s a hybrid, now there’s a new HEV emblem that sports a holographic circle. It’s a nice touch and further puts some elegance to the Yaris Cross.
The cabin of the all-new Yaris Cross will surely be familiar to you if you’ve seen the Raize and the new Wigo. It has the same layout and slightly driver-centric orientation, but the Yaris Cross moves past those with better soft touch materials. Space is also a non-issue as 5’7 me was able to fit in all seats without problem and the cargo area is also adequate.
G CVT
There will now be less jealousy between the trims since there’s a lot of standard features across the lineup. The exterior shares the same LED lighting system from the headlights with manual levelling, DRL, fog lights, and the sexy taillights. The side mirrors are also more functional with its auto folding function.
The cabin has a smart entry system, push start button, 7-inch digital gauge cluster, automatic climate control with rear air vents, 10.1-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charger, and even Type C ports at the back under the air vents.
Safety is also well taken care of with its 6 airbags, speed sensing doorlocks, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, and sensors on both front and rear.
V CVT
Go up PHP 99,000 more to the V CVT trim and you’ll have a lot of creature comforts to enjoy. For the body, the lights will have a follow-me-home function, slightly bigger 18-inch wheels, puddle lamps on the side mirror, and even a powered tailgate with kick sensor. Those alone can justify the increase in price but there’s more.
The cabin is upgraded to leather upholstery, there are paddle shifters, the driver will enjoy an 8-way powered seat, and there are now driving modes in Eco, Normal, and Power.
Toyota Safety Sense is also introduced in the V CVT trim. That includes the Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Add to that other niceties like Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Panoramic View Monitor or their 360-camera system. Suddenly, the increase in price looked puny.
S HEV
As the variant name implies, the top-of-the-line S HEV has a hybrid powertrain, and this is where most of the price jump went. The only other additional toys for this trim are panoramic sunroof, HV gauge cluster, EV drive mode, and a Pioneer 6-speaker system.
All else, even the wheel design, are similar to the V CVT. It’s only if you’re tall enough to see the presence or lack of a sunroof can you immediately determine if the Yaris Cross you see is an S HEV or V CVT.
The all-new Toyota Yaris Cross is now available in all Toyota dealerships nationwide. It’s available in Attitude Black Mica (G only), Greenish Gun Metal (G and V), Scarlet SE (all), and Dark Turquoise (V and S).
