[CAR REVIEW] Toyota Yaris Cross 2023: Unrivaled Comfort in its Class

Toyota’s Yaris Cross is the latest addition to the Vietnamese market, following the success of the Corolla Cross. It aims to conquer the more affordable segment with its range of impressive features. Equipped with a fuel-saving hybrid engine, the Yaris Cross is environmentally friendly. It also boasts a modern Toyota Safety Sense safety package, a host of convenient equipment, and an attractive youthful design. With these weapons, the Yaris Cross is set to bring new life to the B-segment market.

A vibrant market segment
Similar to the global car market, the high ground vehicle segment has been gaining popularity in Vietnam. These versatile vehicles have become a popular choice among consumers, leading to a steady increase in sales in recent years.

Some of the hot names in this segment include the Hyundai Kona (recently replaced by the Creta), Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3 and CX-30, Honda HR-V, Peugeot 2008, Volkswagen T-Cross, MG ZS, Nissan Kicks, and soon the Mitsubishi XForce. Many of these models consistently appear in the list of top 10 best-selling cars every month for the past few years.

The B-segment SUV market is becoming increasingly vibrant and diverse, with brands coming from Europe, America, Japan, Korea, and even China. Recently, the Nissan Kicks has been the go-to choice for those seeking a hybrid model. Now, Toyota Vietnam has officially entered this crowded segment.

Building upon the success of the Corolla Cross, the Yaris Cross Hybrid has been unveiled in the market. This model follows the winning formula of its predecessor, offering an environmentally friendly hybrid powertrain, an attractive youthful design, luxurious modern amenities, a full range of safe-driving technologies, and the reputation of the most prestigious brand.

Furthermore, Toyota is also offering attractive incentives to Yaris Cross customers, such as a 50% reduction in pre-tax fees until the end of 2023, 10% off Toyota insurance products until November 30, 2023, and a special financial support package with a down payment as low as VND 105 million and a competitive interest rate of 2.99%/year for customers financing their purchase through Toyota Financial Company until November 30, 2023.

The end-of-year shopping season, when all major and minor car brands compete, is approaching. With this move, Toyota’s 2023 Yaris Cross hybrid is positioning itself as a strong contender for the best-selling car title.

So, what does the all-new 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid offer?

Youthful and modern design

Recently introduced in Indonesia, the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross has now made its debut in Vietnam with its captivating appearance. The Yaris Cross perfectly combines the athletic design of its predecessor, the RAV4, with the modern elegance of the Corolla Cross.

The sharp-shaped headlights, uniquely designed grille, and muscular hood give the Yaris Cross a sporty and aggressive face. This design language is particularly appealing to young families.

The rear of the car is equally well-crafted, with a dark-colored roof that extends into the high airfoil, giving the impression of a sports coupe. The LED brake lights are sleek and resemble the refined lines seen on Lexus models.

The Yaris Cross is equipped with protective panels, similar to off-road vehicles, covering the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and wheel wells. It rides on 215/55R18 tires and features 2-color 5-spoke wheels, offering a ground clearance of up to 210mm. This makes it convenient for traversing difficult terrains, curbs, or even flooded roads.

The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid confidently appeals to young customers who seek a powerful and masculine car that still exudes elegance and youthfulness.

Abundance of features

The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross offers customers the highest quality and abundant equipment in the B-segment high ground vehicle category. It comes with intelligent full LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a power tailgate, and a hands-free opening feature.

Inside the car, users can enjoy a close connection with nature with the panoramic glass roof, the largest and most airy in its segment. The center infotainment screen is over 10 inches and fully integrated with convenient wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections.

The Yaris Cross is also equipped with multiple charging ports, including Type-C fast charging and wireless charging. It features a tidy and convenient electronic parking brake, a Pioneer 6-speaker audio system, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, and interior ambient lighting to enhance the overall atmosphere.

The driver’s area is packed with technology, including a modern screen that displays various information, such as the wheel angle setting for new drivers. The steering wheel features paddle shifters (in the gasoline version) and full buttons, indicating a fully equipped version that offers a complete driving experience.

Notably, the interior of the Yaris Cross is meticulously crafted. With its soft dashboard, leather-wrapped seats, and eye-catching blue stitching, it emphasizes the environmentally friendly hybrid version.

Furthermore, the interior storage compartment is designed with versatility in mind. The cross-area partition wall creates a central driving position, giving the driver full control and excitement during their journey. Passengers in the rear seat will appreciate the large glass sunroof, which adds to the sense of spaciousness. Even when the front passenger adjusts their seat, passengers over 1.7 meters tall will still find ample knee and headroom.

The large door windows provide a wide view, while the comfortable backrest and foldable rear armrest offer additional convenience on long journeys. The Yaris Cross also boasts one of the most spacious luggage compartments in its segment.

Superior safety technology with Toyota Safety Sense

Toyota is taking positive and determined steps to be a leading Japanese brand. This is evident from the provision of the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes active safety technologies, on most of its products in Vietnam.

The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid is equipped with the full Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes features such as Automatic high beam headlights, Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, Pre-collision warning, Active cruise control, Front vehicle departure warning, and accelerator operation control.

In addition, this B-segment SUV offers other safety features such as a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, tire pressure monitoring, and front and rear sensors.

Efficient and powerful hybrid engine

In Vietnam, the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross is available in two versions: gasoline and hybrid. The gasoline version is equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.5L engine and a dual CVT automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 105 HP and a maximum torque of 138 Nm.

The hybrid version is powered by a 1.5L hybrid engine, producing 90 HP of power and a maximum torque of 121 Nm. It is supplemented by an additional 79 HP and 141 Nm of torque from the electric motor. This version uses a lithium-ion battery to store energy.

Lithium-ion batteries are advanced battery technologies that offer several advantages, including longevity, low discharge rate, large capacity, water and fire resistance, and most importantly, environmental friendliness.

One of the most fascinating experiences with the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid is pressing the start button. All screens light up, indicating that the car is ready to move, yet there is no sound at all. The smooth and silent operation surprises those accustomed to gasoline or diesel engines.

The transition between the gasoline engine and the electric motor is seamless and automatic. Passengers in the car can hardly notice the difference. The driving experience is simply comfortable!

The hybrid engine also offers exhilarating acceleration. When the accelerator is pressed deeply, the car accelerates without any lag, providing ample power for overtaking without the need for careful calculations.

Moreover, the hybrid engine excels in energy efficiency. When decelerating or applying the brake, the electric motor reverses inertia to recharge the battery, resulting in fuel savings. Thanks to this feature, the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid achieves fuel consumption of only 5-6L/100km.

The Yaris Cross offers a comfortable driving posture, with its spacious cabin and high visibility, making it easy to grasp and control the situation. It also helps cover blind spots to some extent. Its compact size and tight turning radius of 5.2m enable easy maneuvers on narrow streets.

On highways, the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid unleashes its power comfortably. Overtaking becomes effortless and the steering tightens, providing a solid feel at high speeds. Lane changes and cornering are quick and precise. The Toyota Safety Sense features are highly beneficial for highway driving.

There are a few notable points as well. For instance, when the throttle pedal is abruptly pressed to the floor, the gasoline engine produces a characteristic roar that fills the cabin. The car’s soundproofing ability is moderate and not exceptional.

The Yaris Cross has a firm suspension system, ensuring sharp handling. Swerving maneuvers or entering deep bends do not cause sway or looseness. However, there may be some jolts when encountering speed bumps or rough road sections, especially for rear passengers.

In the near future, the 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid will certainly disrupt the already competitive B-segment high ground vehicles. Compared to its formidable competitors, the Yaris Cross confidently stands out with its design, equipment, safety features, and sporty driving capabilities, while still offering smooth and economical performance.

By Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)

Photos: Huy Bach