Toyota Yaris Cross Launched In Malaysia; UMWT’s First B-segment Crossover SUV With Hybrid Option
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has introduced the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross in Malaysia, expanding its electrified and conventional line-up with a B-segment, 5-seater crossover SUV that is positioned as Toyota’s first non-national model in this class. The new Yaris Cross is offered in two variants — a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and a petrol-powered version — and continues UMWT’s multi-pathway approach towards carbon neutrality.
The Yaris Cross is also locally assembled at UMWT’s factory in Bukit Raja, Selangor, alongside the brand’s wider push to make hybrid technology more accessible to Malaysian buyers. UMWT said the model is aimed at younger customers who want a practical SUV with a stronger sense of style, safety and everyday usability.
Compact SUV With Premium Touch
On the outside, the Yaris Cross carries a compact but upright SUV stance, with a trapezoid-inspired front design, sharp character lines along the sides, and 18-inch machined alloy wheels. LED lighting is fitted throughout, while five exterior colour options are offered: Spicy Scarlet S.E., Dark Turquoise S.E., Platinum Pearl White, Silver Metallic and Attitude Black.
Inside, the cabin is finished with a Blue-Black theme, soft-touch materials, synthetic leather upholstery for the HEV variant, and a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. UMWT has also fitted an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch digital instrument display, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Space And Convenience
Despite its compact footprint, the Yaris Cross is designed to offer practical space for daily use. The SUV measures 4,310mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,615mm tall, with a raised seating position and a high eye point for improved outward visibility. The luggage compartment can hold up to 471 litres, while the rear seats can be folded to extend load space further. The roof rails also provide additional storage option via a roof rack / rooftop box.
Convenience features include a wireless charging pad, rear USB Type-C ports, a powered tailgate with kick sensor, and a close-and-lock function. UMWT also highlights the model’s 210mm ground clearance and turning radius of just 5.2 metres, which should make it easy to live with in urban traffic and tight parking spaces.
Two Powertrain Choices
The HEV version uses Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, two electric motors and a combined output of 111 PS. UMWT says the hybrid model delivers fuel consumption of between 27.8 km/l and 33.3 km/l based on factory testing, while the self-charging battery does not require external charging. The 36-litre fuel tank gives this hybrid crossover a potential of 1,000km driving range.
For buyers who prefer a simpler setup, the petrol variant uses a 1.5-litre engine paired with a CVT, producing 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque. UMWT said the model is tuned to offer balanced performance with low running costs. And it comes with paddle shifters.
Safety And Ownership Package
Safety equipment is led by Toyota Safety Sense, which brings nine active safety functions including Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keeping Control, Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control and Automatic High Beam.
The Yaris Cross also comes with Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Panoramic View Monitor, Clearance Sonar, six airbags, ABS, EBD and ISOFIX child-seat anchors.
For ownership peace of mind, UMWT is offering a 5-year vehicle warranty with unlimited mileage. The HEV variant also comes with an 8-year warranty for the hybrid battery, inverter and Power Management Control ECU, with an option to extend coverage to 10 years.
Pricing for the Toyota Yaris Cross start at RM99,900 for the Yaris Cross 1.5S, and RM109,900 for the Yaris Cross 1.5S HEV (on-the-road in Peninsular Malaysia, without insurance).
CarTok Editor’s Note
The Yaris Cross enters one of Malaysia’s most competitive segments at a time when new marques are reshaping buyer expectations with more equipment and larger-looking SUVs at aggressive prices. Toyota knows that — which is why the Yaris Cross is not trying to be the flashiest option here.
Instead, Toyota is betting on something more pragmatic: proven hybrid tech, strong aftersales support, better long-term ownership confidence, and resale value. That formula still matters to many Malaysians, though pricing can be the deciding factor. Whether the traditional formula still carries enough weight with younger Malaysian buyers will probably decide how successful this model becomes.
