2024 Toyota Yaris Cross First Impressions Review: A Glimpse into Toyota's Latest Crossover Offering
Toyota has been making waves in the automotive world with recent launches like the Innova Zenix. But hidden in the shadows of that event was another exciting announcement that had us all buzzing with anticipation. Today, we finally get to talk about it. Introducing the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross, a car that holds immense significance for Toyota, and for three major reasons I'm about to dive into. Let's not waste any more time and get straight into it.
This is the moment we've all been waiting for – the official launch of the Toyota Yaris Cross. This vehicle carries a tremendous weight of importance for Toyota, and I'm going to walk you through three key reasons why. But enough talk, let's dive right into the details.
Read more: Review of the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross: Impressive with Design and Equipment, Challenging the Segment
Under the Hood
The heart of the Yaris Cross presents us with two engine options. First, there's the gasoline variant, powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. This setup delivers 106 horsepower and 138 newton-meters of torque. On the other hand, there's the hybrid electric version, which also features the 1.5-liter engine, but with a detuned output of around 90 horsepower. This setup aims to prioritize electric motor usage, contributing to the vehicle's overall efficiency. Moreover, being a hybrid electric vehicle, the Yaris Cross enjoys the privilege of exemption from the number coding scheme in the national capital region, a significant advantage. Plus, the promise of improved fuel economy adds to the overall appeal of this hybrid powertrain.
Elevated Experience:
One of the standout features of the Yaris Cross is its elevated stature. Unlike the standard Yaris, this is a crossover, and that higher ground clearance brings a multitude of benefits. With around 200 millimeters of ground clearance, the Yaris Cross is well-prepared to tackle our less-than-ideal city roads and even ventures outside the urban landscape, providing ample clearance for navigating through uneven terrain. The elevated position also helps you escape those sudden urban downpours that we're all too familiar with.
Striking Exterior
Turning our attention to the exterior, the Yaris Cross commands attention with its bold and robust design. The prominent grille, striking fog lamp placement, and sleek headlight design adhere to Toyota's contemporary design language seen across their latest models. The distinctive silhouette is characterized by an elevated stance and blacked-out roof with roof rails, providing a hint of adventure. The sides boast clean lines, subtle accents, and a noteworthy 18-inch wheel setup. The rear echoes the charismatic front end with its well-crafted design, resembling a baby RAV4. The captivating lights and the new hybrid logo further enhance its appeal.
Comfort and Tech
Stepping inside, the Yaris Cross offers a comfortable and spacious cabin that prioritizes both form and function. Synthetic leather seats provide a cozy atmosphere, and the thoughtful arrangement of controls ensures an intuitive experience for occupants. The vehicle is equipped with modern amenities like air vents, wireless charging, and multiple charging points, accommodating today's tech-savvy drivers. The inclusion of adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and a panoramic roof adds a premium touch to the interior.
Affordable Luxury:
Here's the grand reveal – the Yaris Cross HEV is priced competitively, starting at just under 1.2 million Philippine Pesos. However, the top-of-the-line HEV variant, which offers an array of features, comes in at 1.598 million Philippine Pesos. This pricing puts it in a similar range as another popular electrified crossover, the Nissan Kicks. It's a statement of Toyota's commitment to making cutting-edge technology accessible to a wider audience.
In Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross leaves a lasting impression with its hybrid powertrain, elevated design, and affordable luxury. As it hits the streets, it promises to redefine the crossover segment, offering a versatile and efficient solution for urban and outdoor adventures alike. Keep an eye out for our future reviews as we take this vehicle for a spin and provide you with a comprehensive analysis of its performance and features."