English 
Spanish 
5 min read
4 comments
The Toyota Yaris Cross, scheduled to be launched in Brazil in 2025, arrives with a flex engine and hybrid options, seeking to surpass strong competitors such as the Honda HR-V and Volkswagen T-Cross.
The Brazilian automotive market is about to be shaken up in 2025 with the launch of the Toyota yaris cross. What promises to be a true “war machine” from the Japanese automaker, brings to light a model equipped to directly rival heavyweights such as the Honda HR-V and the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Although the name has not yet been made official by Toyota, rumors about the Yaris cross are already spreading strongly, and speculation is only increasing.
Curiosity grows as details emerge about the combustion and hybrid versions, which aim to destroy the competition and bring a new experience to the compact SUV market in Brazil.
- Volkswagen's popular car stands out in 2024: cheaper and more reliable than the Polo, with consumption of up to 11,7 km/L for less than R$45 thousand
- Contran approves new rules for electronic tolls: system will revolutionize traffic on Brazilian highways
- Can the Toyota Yaris Sedan deliver the comfort and style of a Corolla in a more affordable package, or is it closer to the old Etios?
- Ford EcoSport Storm 2018: The 4×4 version that brings four-wheel drive and a more powerful engine to revolutionize the compact SUV market
According to Toyota's communications director in Brazil, Roberto BraunOn interview with CBN Autoesporte Radio, the automaker is investing heavily in hybrid technology, including the long-awaited Yaris cross.
He stated that “the brand’s next models will include hybrid flex technology, and Brazil will have the privilege of seeing this new feature up close.”
O Yaris cross will have versions equipped with 1.5 flex engine, offering 110 horsepower, in addition to hybrid options that combine efficiency and performance. However, the executive made it clear that, in other markets, the model will be launched with versions compatible only with gasoline.
The future of compact SUVs: combustion and electrification together
Although the market already knows the traditional 1.5 flex engine, which will be used in the most accessible versions of Yaris cross, the real novelty is the hybrid version.
Hybrid technology will include a small electric motor and a battery without external charging source, which promises to improve fuel consumption without compromising performance.
Second Braun, this combination will be the future of Toyota models in Brazil. The use of ethanol in the naturally aspirated engine could yield superior performance figures to models available in other countries, where the car develops up to 106 cv e 14 kgfm of torque.
With this focus on hybrid and flex engines, the Yaris cross directly targets models like the Honda HR-V and the Volkswagen T-Cross, which currently dominate the compact SUV segment.
The challenge, however, lies in the logistics involved in the production of hybrid vehicles. Since 2019, the entire hybrid assembly assembled in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, has had parts imported from Japan.
Toyota, however, plans to start producing these engines locally from 2025, which could lower costs and increase the competitiveness of the Yaris cross.
The role of ethanol in hybrid electrification
One of the great highlights of the future Yaris cross will be the use of ethanol as part of its hybrid set. According with Braun, electrification in Brazil is not complete without the presence of ethanol.
This fuel, widely used in the country, will be essential for decarbonization in hybrid and plug-in models.
The director mentioned that, although there is no forecast of a plug-in flex hybrid to hit stores soon, this is a possibility that is being heavily studied by the automaker.
O Toyota RAV4, for example, is already a model that combines plug-in hybrid technology with ethanol, and can run up to 55 km using only electricity and scoring impressive 35 km/l in urban routes.
It is expected that with local production of hybrid engines and batteries, these figures can also be applied to models such as the Yaris cross, if the flex plug-in becomes a reality in Brazil.
Challenges and innovations for the Brazilian market
However, not everything is simple. Brown highlighted that full electrification still faces challenges, especially in a country like Brazil, where the charging infrastructure for electric cars is limited.
There are currently about 9 thousand recharge points in the country, being that 35% are concentrated in São Paulo.
Even so, Toyota sees in the flex hybrid a viable solution for the present and the future, combining electrification and renewable fuels to reduce emissions without compromising vehicle autonomy.
In the Brazilian market, the Yaris cross will be closely followed by rivals such as Honda HR-V, which is also looking at hybrid technologies, and the Volkswagen T-Cross, which stands out for its versatility and combustion options. The battle between these giants promises to be intense.
Toyota bets on flex hybrid models for the future
Additionally, the executive revealed that Toyota is exploring options to expand the use of plug-in hybrids with ethanol for markets such as India and Paraguay.
These new initiatives reinforce the automaker's commitment to creating sustainable mobility solutions that go beyond Brazil's borders.
Local battery production, expected to begin in 2026, will be a major milestone. Toyota hopes to domesticate the production of key components for hybrid vehicles, including engines and batteries, which could boost the competitiveness of models made in Brazil and accelerate the adoption of more efficient cars in the country.
What about you? What do you think about the arrival of the Toyota Yaris Cross in Brazil? Does it have what it takes to crush its competitors? Leave your opinion in the comments!
