Verdict
At RM100,000, the Dongfeng Box costs RM12,000 more than the RM88,000 Toyota Yaris, but brings a 42.3-kWh battery, claimed 430-km EV range and 70-kW DC charging. Its 94-hp, 160-Nm motor is close to the Yaris’ 105 hp and 150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine, while the Box is roomier where it counts: a 2,660-mm wheelbase and 326-litre boot. The Yaris fights back with seven airbags, a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and a full-size spare wheel. Choose based on charging access and safety priorities.
Pick the Dongfeng Box if you can charge regularly and want 430 km of EV range, a 326-litre boot and adaptive cruise control.
Pick the Toyota Yaris if you want to spend RM12,000 less, prioritise seven airbags and need a full-size spare wheel.
Key differences
- Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,000; Toyota Yaris RM88,000.
- Powertrain: Box 94-hp/160-Nm electric motor with 42.3-kWh battery; Yaris 105-hp/150-Nm 1,496-cc petrol engine.
- Range or fuel storage: Box 430-km EV range; Yaris 42-litre fuel tank.
- Wheelbase and boot: Box 2,660 mm and 326 litres; Yaris 2,550 mm and 286 litres.
- Safety: Box has 2 airbags; Yaris has 7 airbags and a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
- Warranty: Box 7 years plus 8-year/unlimited-mileage battery cover; Yaris 5 years.
Box
- 430-km EV range with 70-kW DC charging
- Larger 326-litre boot and 2,660-mm wheelbase
- Adaptive cruise control, auto parking and 360-degree camera
- RM12,000 dearer
- Only two airbags versus seven
- Tyre repair kit instead of a full-size spare wheel
Yaris
- RM12,000 lower purchase price
- Seven airbags and 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- 60:40 split-folding rear seat and full-size 16-inch spare wheel
- 286-litre boot is 40 litres smaller
- 2,550-mm wheelbase is 110 mm shorter
- Five-year warranty versus seven years
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,000 | RM88,000✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM50✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 105 hp |
| Torque | — | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 72 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 94 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 160 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 42.3 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 430 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 70 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | CVT with 7 Speed Sports Sequential Shift |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 140 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,030 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,475 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 2,550 mm |
| Weight | 1,342 kg | 1,140 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 42 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 326 litres✓ | 286 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size 16" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Wanli Harmonic Plus | Toyo Proxes R50 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| 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 Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen | 9.0" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | Limited to the first owner only; 8-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty | — |
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 Box & Yaris for sale
Box vs Yaris FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Box or Toyota Yaris better?
The Box is the better fit for drivers with regular charging access, thanks to its 430-km EV range, larger boot and adaptive cruise control. The Yaris is the safer pick on passive safety, with seven airbags and a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
What is the price difference?
The Dongfeng Box costs RM12,000 more than the Toyota Yaris. That gap brings the Box’s 42.3-kWh battery, 430-km claimed range, 70-kW DC charging, adaptive cruise control and auto parking.
Which car has the better safety equipment?
The Toyota Yaris has the stronger passive-safety package with seven airbags and a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. Both have autonomous braking, collision warning, stability control and a 360-degree camera, while the Box adds steering correction for lane keeping.
