We tested the Yaris Cross even before it was licensed on a closed track to check how the new 1.5 hybrid engine behaves
Toyota has started deliveries of the Yaris Cross, which was the brand’s sensation at the 2025 Auto Show. After circumventing the effects of the storm that severely damaged the engine plant in Porto Feliz (SP), the car finally arrived at dealerships.
Production began on January 27 and the supply of the grid has already begun. But its launch was marked by complaints about the high price compared to its main rival, the Honda WR-V. And in order not to distance itself from the hot range of the market, the brand revealed, in mid-January, the XR version, which starts at R$ 149.990. The option becomes the access version, with a price about R$ 11 cheaper than XRE. It is with this version that Toyota wants to attract the consumer to its more than 300 dealerships.
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The Yaris Cross will be sold in five versions, filling a price range between R$ 160 thousand and R$ 190 thousand.
| Version | Price |
|---|---|
| XR 1.5 | R$ 149.990 |
| XRE 1.5 | R$ 161.390 |
| XRX 1.5 | R$ 178.990 |
| XRE 1.5 Hybrid | R$ 172.390 |
| XRX 1.5 Hybrid | R$ 189.990 |
The Yaris Cross is the only full hybrid compact SUV produced in Brazil, which combines a 1.5-liter engine with 91 hp (at 5,500 rpm) and 12,3 kgfm of torque (at 4,000 rpm) with two electric motors (one acting as a generator) and another with 80 hp (at 5,000 rpm) and 14,4 kgfm of torque. The combined power is 111 hp, since the two engines do not deliver their power peaks simultaneously. The combined torque was not disclosed.
The Yaris Cross Hybrid uses a HybridTransaxle transmission that works with planetary gears to integrate the SUV’s three hybrid engines. It has four driving modes: Normal, Eco, Power and EV (electric only).
The thermal versions (with combustion engine only) use the same 1.5 VVT-i unit, with direct fuel injection, but calibrated to deliver 122 (at 6.000 rpm), hp and 15,3 kgfm of torque (at 4.800 revolutions). For the purely combustion model, the transmission is the well-known CVT box, with emulation for seven gears. The XRX and XRE versions have butterflies for manual shifts.
The Toyota Yaris Cross arrives with a rich package of content from the entry-level version, which seeks to justify its suggested value.
The entry-level version already brings a consistent package of comfort and safety:
Adds more comfort and technology compared to XR:
The most complete version among combustion models:
The Yaris Cross uses the well-known McPherson independent system on the front axle and torsion axle on the rear wheels. The brakes, on the other hand, use ventilated discs for the front wheels and solid discs on the rear axle.
All versions use alloy wheels. In the XR and XRE (combustion) versions, they have a 17-inch rim and use 215/60 R17 tires. The other versions have 18-inch wheels with 215/60 R18 tires. For all versions, the spare tire is temporary, measuring T155/80 R17 (which limits the maximum speed to 80 km/h)
The Toyota Yaris Cross is a compact SUV, with dimensions close to that of its direct rival, the Honda WR-V. Check it out!
We went to the interior of São Paulo to check out the model in its versions with flex engine and also the hybrid. First, let’s talk about the combustion engine version.
The hybrid set, despite the modest numbers, proves to be interesting, mainly due to the good torque offer that the duo delivers when working together. The Yaris Cross is not a runner, but it is a smooth and pleasant car, for those looking for a family car.
The suspension setup is well calibrated. The car faces curves with negative tangency (inclined) without body roll. At the same time, it also offers a good level of comfort and absorption of irregularities.
The driving position is good, as is the visibility. Highlight for the instruments with physical controls. No virtual buttons in the multimedia. But the volume wheel was missing. But that’s okay.
But what was really missing is the electric adjustment of the driver’s seat (at least) in a R$ 190 car, in the XRX Hybrid version it is more than necessary. Not essential, but it’s what is expected from a car of this price level.
The 390-liter trunk (VDA) accommodates a lot of luggage, we loaded the car with two medium suitcases, a small one, a travel bag and other trinkets, which fit without tightening.
In the end, the Yaris Cross appears to please Toyota’s loyal customer. That consumer who dreams of an SUV from the brand, but doesn’t have the box to buy a Corolla Cross. Or that customer who wants to change his Toyota and settles for a practical car.
