Amid increasing activity in the B-segment SUV segment in Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has begun indicating the upcoming launch of the updated Yaris Cross through teasers on its social media platforms.

The model had also been sighted in a disguised form earlier in 2026. First introduced globally in Indonesia in May 2023, the Yaris Cross destined for this market 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 of the Perodua Traz, which was launched in Malaysia in December 2025. Both models measure 4,310 mm in length and 1,770 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,525 mm. However, the Yaris Cross has a lower overall height of 1,615 mm, compared to 1,655 mm for the Traz.

UMWT has not yet disclosed detailed specifications for the Yaris Cross, including the available powertrains. Its twin model, the Traz, is equipped with a 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four petrol engine producing 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via Daihatsu's D-CVT (Dual-Mode CVT).

This powertrain is also offered in the Indonesian-market Yaris Cross, where a five-speed manual transmission is available alongside the D-CVT.

Additionally, the Indonesian model is offered with a hybrid powertrain based on the 2NR-VEX engine. This 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit operates on the Atkinson cycle and produces 91 PS (90 hp or 67 kW) and 121 Nm.

It is paired with a CVT and supplemented by an electric motor rated at 80 PS and 141 Nm, resulting in a combined system output of 111 PS (110 hp or 82 kW). In Thailand, the Yaris Cross is offered exclusively with the hybrid powertrain. Considering UMWT's electrification strategy, the introduction of the hybrid variant in Malaysia remains possible.

In both Indonesia and Thailand, the Yaris Cross is available with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control - an item not offered on the Traz.

Based on precedents such as the Veloz and Alza, the Toyota model is expected to be positioned at a higher level, with additional equipment and a potentially higher starting price. The B-segment SUV market is expected to become more competitive with Toyota's re-entry following the discontinuation of the C-HR. Further details are expected from UMWT in due course.