Compact SUVs in the Brazilian market, in the price range between R$ 150 thousand and R$ 200 thousand, are one of the best-selling segments. Recently, these combustion engine models have faced strong electric competition with the arrival of the GWM Ora 5.
The Chinese model GWM Ora 5 was launched with a price of R$ 159,900, aiming to compete with high-volume compact SUVs. At the beginning of 2026, the Toyota Yaris Cross also entered the market with a similar proposal, betting on the brand's tradition to replicate the success of the Honda HR-V.
In terms of price, the GWM Ora 5 (R$ 159,900 on promotion until the end of July) presents a slight advantage over the Toyota Yaris Cross XRE (R$ 161,390). Furthermore, GWM does not charge for paint, unlike the Yaris Cross, where other colors incur surcharges.
Regarding range, the Toyota Yaris Cross XRE uses a 1.5 naturally aspirated combustion engine, while the hybrid version costs R$ 11 thousand more. This engine evolved from the inline four-cylinder used in the Etios, incorporating direct injection to optimize consumption. With a 42-liter tank, the Yaris Cross offers 601 km of highway range with gasoline and 529 km in the city. Using ethanol, the figures drop to 428 km and 370 km, with refueling costs of R$ 278.04 (gasoline) and R$ 171.36 (ethanol).
The GWM Ora 5, on the other hand, has a 58.3 kWh battery, guaranteeing 349 km of range according to the Inmetro cycle. The cost of a full recharge in the state of São Paulo is R$ 42.56. The cost per kilometer driven for the Ora 5 is notably lower than that of the Yaris Cross, especially for those who drive more in urban areas, although the electric vehicle is advantageous for long trips if there is good charging infrastructure.
In terms of performance, the GWM Ora 5 demonstrates superiority. Its engine delivers 204 hp and 26.5 kgfm, allowing the vehicle to reach 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. In contrast, the Toyota Yaris Cross, equipped with the 1.5 naturally aspirated engine, generates 122 hp with ethanol and 110 hp with gasoline, with a torque of 15.3 kgfm (ethanol) and 14.3 kgfm (gasoline). Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 13.5 seconds, placing it at the lower end of the segment, behind rivals like the Honda HR-V.
The Toyota Yaris Cross already comes equipped with a good set of items for its category, including an ADAS package, synthetic seats, a six-speaker sound system, wireless charging, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, full LED headlights, electronic parking brake, keyless entry, seven airbags, and a rearview camera.
The GWM Ora 5 incorporates all these features and adds benefits such as a panoramic sunroof, a climate-controlled drawer in the center console, electric adjustments and ventilation in the front seats, a nine-speaker sound system, and a 540-degree camera. Although some of the Ora 5's items are present in the top-of-the-line versions of the Yaris Cross, the Chinese model wins by offering more functionalities.
Due to the absence of size-based taxation in China, local designs tend to be larger. The GWM Ora 5 gains a considerable advantage of 10 cm in wheelbase, resulting in a wider rear seat, in addition to gaining width, maintaining a tie in other internal aspects.
However, the Toyota Yaris Cross surpasses the Ora 5 in luggage capacity, presenting a trunk of 400 liters compared to the electric competitor's 362 liters. Both have a spare tire under the floor and manual tailgate opening, but the Yaris Cross may have an electric opening in the XRX version.
GWM began its operations in Brazil in 2023, expanding with franchises to traditional networks, currently having 104 units, making it the third largest Chinese network in the country, behind only BYD and Caoa Chery. However, this network does not compare to Toyota's reach, which has 350 dealerships, facilitating service during travel.
Regarding warranty, Toyota established a robust standard in Brazil, increasing coverage from three to five years, potentially reaching ten years with authorized network maintenance. The GWM Ora 5 offers a 5-year warranty without mileage limit for the vehicle and 8 years or 200,000 km for the batteries.
The GWM Ora 5 achieved leadership in most evaluated criteria, including price, performance, economy, equipment, and interior space. The Toyota Yaris Cross proved superior only in terms of trunk space and after-sales services. For those looking for a compact SUV and who have the possibility of installing a home charger, the Ora 5 emerges as a promising option to enter the electric vehicle market.
