Subcompact crossovers have rapidly become the vehicle of choice for urban professionals and small families. Toyota’s new Yaris Cross Hybrid is perfectly positioned in this competitive market, offering a stylish design, an incredibly fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, and all the practicality needed for everyday life in the Philippines.
To truly test its mettle, I drove the Yaris Cross Hybrid on a weekend trip to Clark. This journey took us from the congested streets of Quezon City, through the long stretches of NLEX, and up the high-speed TPLEX, fully loaded with passengers and luggage, to see how it performs in diverse driving conditions.
Design: 4/5
The Yaris Cross Hybrid features a sleek yet tough exterior. Its sharp LED headlights, sculpted body panels, and black cladding give it a notably sporty and assertive stance. The optional two-tone finish—a black roof contrasting the main body color—adds a modern, youthful flair that makes it a standout in Manila’s traffic.
Inside, Toyota has prioritized a simple, modern aesthetic. The cabin feels contemporary, highlighted by the 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment screen featuring seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Materials are a coherent mix of soft-touch and hard plastics. In terms of space, the second row offers acceptable comfort for two adults, though it’s best suited for shorter city trips. Crucially, the cargo bay is practical, handling a couple of suitcases and weekend bags with room to spare, a capacity that significantly expands when the rear seats are folded down.
Hardware: 3/5
Under the bonnet is a reliable 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 111 hp. Power is managed by Toyota’s e-CVT, a transmission engineered for maximum smoothness and efficiency rather than aggressive speed.
Around Quezon City, the hybrid system shone. The Yaris Cross moved quietly and effortlessly on electric power at low speeds, significantly reducing driver fatigue during traffic crawls. When additional power was requested, the gasoline engine joined the system seamlessly and without fuss.
On the drive to Clark via NLEX and TPLEX, the Yaris Cross proved capable of maintaining highway speeds. Overtaking maneuvers required a firm push of the accelerator, but the car managed them confidently, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The suspension tuning leans toward comfort, capably absorbing most road imperfections. The steering felt light and nimble in the city but appropriately gained stability at expressway speeds, making the car easy to handle across all driving conditions.
User Experience: 3/5
The Yaris Cross Hybrid is exceptionally suited to city life. The quiet hybrid operation in traffic and outstanding fuel efficiency in stop-and-go conditions are its hallmarks. Visibility is excellent, and its compact size makes navigating narrow streets and tight parking spaces in Metro Manila straightforward.
On the long NLEX run, passengers enjoyed the comfortable seats and the effective air-conditioning, with rear vents being a crucial feature for maintaining comfort on extended trips. On TPLEX, the car remained stable and composed at higher speeds, with the cabin staying impressively quiet. While acceleration isn’t brisk when fully loaded, the Yaris Cross held its steady speed well and never felt strained. The hybrid system’s regenerative braking worked smoothly, and the transitions between electric and gasoline power were virtually unnoticeable.
The infotainment system was intuitive, and the wireless smartphone connectivity eliminated cable clutter. Furthermore, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features—including adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert—made the highway portions of the drive far less stressful. These systems worked flawlessly on the long, straight stretches of TPLEX, maintaining safe distances and keeping the vehicle centered in its lane.
Value: 4/5
Priced just under PHP1.6 million for the hybrid variant, the Yaris Cross Hybrid costs more than some petrol-only rivals, but it delivers strong value through superior technology and efficiency. Its fuel economy is exceptional: I observed over 20 km/L in city driving and a remarkable 18 km/L on the highway portions of my trip from QC to Clark and back. That kind of efficiency is extremely difficult to match in this segment.
Toyota backs the Yaris Cross Hybrid with its strong nationwide dealership network and a proven track record of hybrid reliability. The excellent fuel economy and Toyota’s reputation for durability mean that long-term ownership costs are kept attractively manageable.
Bottomline
The Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid is an ideal choice for the discerning buyer who needs a stylish, hyper-efficient, and reliable crossover for both daily commuting and occasional road trips. From navigating the busy streets of Quezon City to cruising along NLEX and TPLEX with a full load, it consistently delivered comfort, stability, and outstanding fuel economy.
For buyers looking for a practical yet forward-looking crossover that maximizes every peso spent on petrol, the Yaris Cross Hybrid makes a truly compelling case.
Reviewed by Barry Ortiz
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 4