There’s no stopping Toyota from dressing up the Yaris Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to be the best that it can be. That’s because over in Thailand, the carmaker introduced the Yaris Cross Nightshade, another bold take on the compact crossover’s styling capabilities, delivering a blend of style, practicality, and electrified mobility, now wrapped in a sleek, dark design package.
The Toyota Yaris Cross Nightshade retains its position as a 5-seat compact crossover in the Japanese brand’s model lineup. But what makes it special is how it presents itself as something more distinctive, appealing to those who like to drive and arrive in style.
From the outside, the Yaris Cross Nightshade immediately stands out. A restyled grille gives the model a sharper, more aggressive face, leading the way to an assortment of distinctive Nightshade aesthetic additions. It rides on a set of 18-inch blacked-out alloy wheels and features a suit of exterior trim packaged in a shiny shade of black paintwork. These include side mirrors, roof rails (on two-tone roof variants), rocker panels, window trim, rear spoiler, and even bumper accents that enhance the sporty look. For body color options, buyers can choose between Cement Gray Metallic as seen here, or Platinum White Pearl.
The dark theme continues inside. It comes with synthetic black leather upholstery and touch points that add a sense of sophistication. The model is also generously equipped. Things such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen head unit, smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, wireless charging pad, panoramic fixed-type roof with electric sunshade, and a hands-free power tailgate with kick-activated opening are standard. Meanwhile, practicality is maintained with a 452-liter cargo area, a useful feature for daily use or road trips.
Under the hood resides the tried-and-true 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and CVT, producing 109 hp and 121 Nm of torque, a powertrain it shares with the Toyota Ativ HEV. Toyota claims that the Yaris Cross Nightshade recorded a fuel economy rating of 26.3 km/100-liter, making it a fuel efficient choice for both city driving and longer journeys. Those familiar with the standard Toyota Yaris Cross will be delighted to know that the Nightshade still carries the former’s dimensions, including its ground clearance.
As for safety and convenience, The Yaris Cross Nightshade carries over the full complement of safety features typical of the model’s lineup. With regards to this, the Toyota Safety Sense, the brand’s take on the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), is present.
In the Philippines, the most stylish version of the Yaris Cross available right now is the SE variant. It features redesigned bumper skirts, black exterior trims, and chrome accents. On the outside. The inside, meanwhile, comes with a digital rear view mirror that also functions as a multi-angle dashcam. It also has the Toyota Safety Sense package. Of note, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has yet to make an announcement if it will add the Yaris Cross Nightshade into the lineup or replace the SE with the Nightshade. What’s sure is that the Yaris Cross Nightshade has the potential to attract buyers looking for a ride that’s both elegant and aggressive in style.
