2026 Toyota Yaris Cross launching in Malaysia soon – twin to Perodua Traz; will we get a hybrid option?

The Toyota Yaris Cross will soon be launched in Malaysia, as UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has teased the arrival of the B-segment SUV on its social media pages – it was sighted disguised earlier this year. First making its global debut in Indonesia back in May 2023, the Yaris Cross coming our way is an ASEAN-specific model and differs from the version sold in Europe.

Built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the Yaris Cross is the twin the Perodua Traz that went on sale here earlier in December last year. Both are 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and have a wheelbase of 2,525 mm, but the Yaris Cross has a lower overall height of 1,615 mm compared to the Traz at 1,655 mm.

If you’re wondering how much larger or smaller the Yaris Cross is when compared to other SUVs it has in its scope, here’s an overview:

Honda HR-V

• Length: 4,347-4,387 mm
• Width: 1,790 mm
• Height: 1,590-1,591 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,610 mm

Proton X50

• Length: 4,380 mm
• Width: 1,795 mm
• Height: 1,609 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,600 mm

Mitsubishi Xforce

• Length: 4,390 mm
• Width: 1,810 mm
• Height: 1,660 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,650 mm

Chery Omoda O5

• Length: 4,400 mm
• Width: 1,830 mm
• Height: 1,588 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,630 mm

Chery Tiggo Cross

• Length: 4,318 mm
• Width: 1,830 mm
• Height: 1,670 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,610 mm

UMWT is keeping its cards close to their chest for now, so we don’t know exactly what powertrains will be available for the Yaris Cross. Its twin model, the Traz, is powered by a 2NR-VE 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine that makes 106 PS (105 hp or 78 kW) and 138 Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via Daihatsu’s D-CVT (Dual-Mode CVT).

This setup is what’s fitted to Yaris Cross in Indonesia, although there’s also the option of a five-speed manual in addition to the D-CVT. That market also gets the Yaris Cross with a hybrid powertrain, which is based around the 2NR-VEX engine, which has the same displacement of 1.5 litres and is naturally aspirated but runs on the Atkinson cycle.

The engine, which makes 91 PS (90 hp or 67 kW) and 121 Nm, is paired with a CVT and augmented by an electric motor rated at 80 PS (79 hp or 59 kW) and 141 Nm for a total system output of 111 PS (110 hp or 82 kW). To our north, Thailand only gets the Yaris Cross as a hybrid. Given UMWT’s electrification push, it isn’t far-fetched to assume we may get the hybrid.

In both Indonesia and Thailand, the Yaris Cross is offered with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of ADAS functions that include adaptive cruise control, which is something that the Traz does not get at all. As we’ve seen with the Veloz and Alza siblings, the Toyota offering will likely be more upmarket by having more features and potentially a higher starting price as well.

The B-segment SUV market looks set to be even more competitive than ever with Toyota getting back in the game after the departure of the C-HR. While we wait for UMWT to furnish us with more details, are you excited for the arrival of the Yaris Cross? Share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below.

GALLERY: Toyota Yaris Cross at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show

GALLERY: Toyota Yaris Cross in Thailand

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