We’ve noticed the Toyota Yaris Cross rolling around the streets lately, so to find out what’s all the buzz about, we borrowed a unit from Toyota Motor Philippines. Here’s what we think after a week with it.
Sporty looks
Let’s start with the exterior and build. The Yaris Cross 1.5 S HEV is quite the looker, especially with those sporty two-tone 18-inch wheels, a tasteful amount of silver accents, chunky fenders, sharp headlights, and a bold grille.
There’s a catch, though. Shut the doors, and you’ll notice a hollow, tinny sound. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it’s a subtle reminder that this is built on the budget-friendly Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform and not the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. (ICYMI, Toyota fully acquired Daihatsu in 2016 to drive the development of more affordable Toyota models, especially for emerging economies.)
Hits and misses
Step inside and you’re greeted by a modern cabin. This top-spec variant comes loaded: leatherette seats, a panoramic glass roof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless charging, and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a six-speaker Pioneer system, one USB-A port, and three USB-C ports to keep your devices charged.
The driver’s seat gives a commanding SUV-like view, but they are a bit firm, which we can imagine could be tiring for long drives. On the plus side, rear passengers get cushier seats.
As for storage, there’s plenty here. From clever cupholders and cubbies scattered throughout to a spacious 466L cargo bay (expandable with the 60:40-split rear seats), this little crossover is surprisingly practical.
But here’s the thing—some parts of the interior remind you of its cost-cutting roots. While soft-touch surfaces grace the doors, and the dash is adorned with leatherette, some of the buttons and switches feel a bit plasticky, which clashes a bit with the overall upscale vibe.
As for safety, this Yaris Cross variant comes packed with Toyota Safety Sense, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and a 360º camera.
A city commuter at heart
The Yaris Cross Hybrid shines brightest in the city. The hybrid system is smooth, quiet, and efficient. We’re talking ~18kpl in moderate traffic and up to 22kpl in very light traffic.
It’s not a powerhouse, though. The 109hp system is built for efficiency, not speed. But for urban driving, it’s peppy enough and handles potholes and uneven roads with ease.
Worth noting is that when the 0.7kWh lithium-ion battery is adequately charged and the engine is off, the ride is smooth and quiet. Once the engine kicks in, however, you’ll notice road noise, engine sounds, and the occasional rattle creeping in, especially at speeds over 50kph.
Speed says
The Yaris Cross Hybrid isn’t without its flaws. For its P1,604,000 price tag, we expected better soundproofing and a more premium feel to the interior materials. However, its sleek design, impressive hybrid fuel efficiency, and generous feature set make it a compelling choice that’s hard to overlook.
If you’re in the market for a feature-packed city commuter and have the budget, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.
