Toyota Motor Philippines may have updated the Corolla Cross compact crossover last year, but in Europe, they’re just about to get an update. And boy, does the GR Sport variant over there look absolutely yummy.
According to Toyota, the Corolla Cross gets a look that’s “tailored specifically for the preference of European customers.” All variants get a new grille and headlights with available adaptive high beams. At the back, there are also taillights that happen to incorporate a fin-like features, a new embossed Corolla Cross rear logo, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
For the GR Sport, however, Toyota amps everything up with distinctive visual details like a more aggressive front clip, gloss black Toyota logos, and 19-inch, yes, 19-inch alloy wheels. It comes in an exclusive Storm Gray color with a black roof too.
Inside, the European Corolla Cross gets a new shifter design and larger center console which adds a smartphone storage area, sliding storage box, and better cup holders. Wireless charging is standard. The driver receives a new 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an updated high-def 10.5-inch infotainment screen with improved Android connectivity and charging speeds that now match Apple CarPlay levels.
The GR Sport variant adds the usual spattering of GR logos, red stitching, and seats upholstered in Brin Naub—a suede-like synthetic leather.
For 2026, Toyota keeps the Corolla Cross powered by its fifth-generation hybrid system. It comes in two flavors: the Hybrid 140 and Hybrid 200. The numbers connote its horsepower figures with the Hybrid 140 getting the familiar 1.8-liter 4-cylinder found in the Philippine-spec models, while the Hybrid 200 getting 197 horsepower. Regardless, both get a lighter, more energy-dense lithium-ion battery pack.
It’s also quieter thanks to the use of high damping materials at the bond of the roof which reduces rain and road noise, while additional material on the rear ventilator area reduces noise and vibration for rear passengers. There’s also a new three-layer inner dash silencer that minimizes engine noise.
The Corolla Cross GR Sport gets some handling upgrades too with a tweaked power steering calibration and a 10 mm lower ride height. It also has a unique Sport Mode which enables faster acceleration response by increasing the engine idling speed, while deceleration is also optimized. When the driver lifts off the throttle, Sport Mode automatically enhances deceleration to achieve a sportier braking feel.
These updates roll out in Europe starting mid this year. It is currently unknown whether Toyota will offer the same updates to other markets such as ASEAN and the Philippines.
We always get cheap and stripped down versions of toyotas here, what are tha chances we get this exact update?
ReplyDeleteMore competition, better products. In the 1.5 to 2 million range that it is competing, Corolla Cross needs to stand out. TBH, there are more spacious, practical and more energy-efficient cars out there.
ReplyDelete"TBH, there are more spacious, practical and more energy-efficient cars out there."
DeleteCare to give specific examples on that one?
Finally, the 2.0 engine at last.
ReplyDeleteNobody would by a GR-S Corolla Cross at 2.1 Million Pesos
ReplyDeleteLots of current 1.95M corolla cross GR sports on the roads.
DeleteI have seen a handful.. maybe less.
DeleteBYD sealion 6 is miles better than this. And the phev can save you a lot.
ReplyDeleteThat front clip is so chinese car inspired design.
ReplyDeleteYep, because Toyota's design language is meh. Never liked the looks of a Toyota car.
DeleteI don't see it. It just looks like they want it to look similar to the GR Corolla front clip.
DeleteSurprising the Corolla Cross is a big hit. The BYD Sealion may look good initially but the Cross will give better value both if used for 10 years or sold after the 5th year.
ReplyDeletesorry it absolutely does not look yummy at all. lol xD
ReplyDeleteImagine drooling over a slow hybrid with bodykits...
ReplyDelete