After its worldwide debut, Toyota’s first-ever Yaris Cross has made its debut in Japan. In a surprising twist, it’s been made available with technology not available in its larger sibling, the recently released Corolla Cross.

It marks a first on two occasions. One, it’s the first small Toyota hybrid SUV to be equipped with E-Four (electric four-wheel drive system) wherein the front axle is powered by the gasoline powertrain, and the rear axle use their own dedicated electric motor. Second, for conventional engined versions, it’s the first Toyota equipped with their very own “Multi-terrain Select,” which allows drivers to choose from three driver assist modes based on road conditions.


Aside from all-wheel drive, the Yaris Cross also debuts two additional safety systems: Secondary Collision Brake and S-VSC. With former senses whenever the airbag is deployed. It automatically brings the car to a complete halt to prevent a secondary collision. The latter, keeps the vehicle from crossing lanes whenever it detects strong crosswinds on the highway.

Another world first is the Yaris Cross’s ability to park itself without touching the steering wheel or pedals.

Underpinned by Toyota’s GA-B platform, the Yaris Cross features the same wheelbase as the all-new Yaris but is 240 mm longer with a 30 mm taller ground clearance. With a ground clearance of 170 mm, it’s even taller than the Corolla Cross.


Power comes from a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine. In the conventionally-powered version, it gets 120 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, while in the hybrid, it gets 91 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. The hybrid engine though is further supplemented by electric motors putting out additional 80 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque.

Inside, it’s the first Toyota small SUV to be fitted with a three-way rear folding seat (40/20/40 split). Its power tailgate has been re-engineered as well to operate nearly twice as fast as previous Toyota models.


It’s currently unknown whether Toyota will offer the advanced Yaris Cross to price driven markets such as ASEAN and the Philippines. It’s more likely that the Japanese marker will instead leverage its collaboration with Daihatsu, which has a strong manufacturing base in Indonesia) to bring in the Raize here instead. Still, everyone can hope, right?