Verdict
The RM123,800 GAC Emkoo costs RM23,900 more than the RM99,900 Toyota Yaris Cross, but it is a materially larger C-segment SUV: 370 mm longer, on a 130 mm longer wheelbase, with a 638-litre boot against 471 litres. Its 175 hp/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo also has a major output advantage over the Toyota’s 105 hp/138 Nm naturally aspirated unit, and the Emkoo quotes 8.8 seconds to 100 km/h. The Yaris Cross counters with a 390 kg lower kerb weight, 18-inch tyres and a useful lower entry price. Both are Malaysian-assembled five-seat petrol SUVs with adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you need the bigger 638-litre boot, 175 hp and 270 Nm, plus a panoramic glass roof and ventilated driver’s seat.
Pick the Toyota Yaris Cross if RM23,900 saved matters more than C-segment dimensions, turbo power and the Emkoo’s extra equipment.
Key differences
- Price: GAC Emkoo RM123,800; Toyota Yaris Cross RM99,900.
- Power and torque: GAC Emkoo 175 hp and 270 Nm; Toyota Yaris Cross 105 hp and 138 Nm.
- Dimensions: GAC Emkoo 4,680 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase; Toyota Yaris Cross 4,310 mm and 2,620 mm.
- Boot space: GAC Emkoo 638 litres; Toyota Yaris Cross 471 litres.
- Kerb weight and fuel tank: GAC Emkoo 1,540 kg and 55 litres; Toyota Yaris Cross 1,150 kg and 42 litres.
- Rear suspension and wheels: GAC Emkoo multi-link with 19-inch alloys; Toyota Yaris Cross torsion beam with 18-inch alloys.
Emkoo
- 175 hp and 270 Nm from a 1.5-litre turbo engine.
- 638-litre boot and 2,750 mm wheelbase.
- Panoramic glass roof, head-up display and six-speaker audio.
- RM23,900 pricier.
- 390 kg heavier.
- No front foglamps or ambient lighting.
Yaris Cross
- RM23,900 lower purchase price.
- 390 kg lighter with 18-inch wheels.
- Front foglamps and ambient lighting.
- 105 hp and 138 Nm trail the Emkoo’s 175 hp and 270 Nm.
- 471-litre boot is 167 litres smaller.
- No panoramic glass roof, head-up display or ventilated driver’s seat.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM123,800 | RM99,900✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 175 hp✓ | 105 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 138 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 72.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7DCT | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,310 mm |
| Width | 1,901 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,150 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 42 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 638 litres✓ | 471 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 215/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 215/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Steel 195/65R16 Tyre |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Toyo Proxes R61 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 18" 2-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 18" 2-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilated Driver's Seat | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Manual Recline | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 4-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Year, 180,000 km Powertrain Warranty | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Emkoo & Yaris Cross for sale
Emkoo vs Yaris Cross FAQ
Is the GAC Emkoo or Toyota Yaris Cross better?
The Emkoo is the stronger choice for space, performance and equipment, with 175 hp, 270 Nm and a 638-litre boot. The Yaris Cross is the sensible lower-cost choice if its 471-litre boot and 105 hp output meet your needs.
What is the price difference?
The GAC Emkoo costs RM23,900 more than the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Which has the better safety equipment?
Both get six airbags, blind-spot information, lane-keeping assistance, collision warning, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The Emkoo additionally lists an autonomous braking system; the Yaris Cross does not list one.