Forgive us if this seems like old news, but we just found out that Toyota Motor Philippines gave the Corolla Cross a cheeky hidden update these past few months.
Due to the threat of the EDSA rehab project and the proposed hairbrained odd-even number coding scheme, we took a look at some options on a possible spare car; one that’s electrified so we could traverse Metro Manila with zero worry.
We gave it some thought, and among the choices in the market, we zeroed in on the Corolla Cross simply because it fit the bill. We already have a green-plate Mazda CX-60, so we thought we’d get something that’s tried-and-tested, fuel efficient, painless to own, and despite its quirks, an overall solid product to replace our aging CX-5.
So, in the process of our research, we found out that Toyota Motor Philippines managed to upgrade the local-spec Corolla Cross’s hybrid battery to a lithium-ion one. This is on top of the changes they implemented in 2024.
Per the agents we talked to, this low-key battery upgrade has been in place for at least four months now and it coincided with a slight price bump across the Corolla Cross range. They started rolling it out in the mid-grade Corolla Cross V, before offering it on the Corolla GR Sport (the variant we’re thinking of getting) and the base Corolla Cross G.
The 2025 Corolla Cross swaps out its nickel-metal hydride for a lithium-ion one. Although its overall capacity is slightly smaller (4 Ah versus 6.5 Ah), the 56-cell lithium-ion battery does have higher voltage (207.2 volts versus 201.6 volts). Together with the quick charge/discharge nature of lithium-ion batteries, it should result in better electric performance and all-electric range. Moreover, it can recharge faster thanks to the ultra-efficient serial-parallel hybrid setup.
Overall outputs, however, remain the same. The Corolla Cross’s 600-volt permanent magnet synchronous motor generates 72 horsepower (53 kW) and 163 Nm. Combine that with the 2ZR-FXE’s 98 horsepower and 142 Nm outputs, and the combined outputs rise to 122 horsepower. Toyota doesn’t quote combined torque outputs due to the nature of their hybrid system.
It's worth noting that these changes were implemented also quietly in the Corolla Altis first last year and like other Toyota hybrid batteries, it comes with an 8-year or 200,000-kilometer warranty.
Now, if you’re curious as to whether we’re pushing through with our Corolla Cross purchase, not for now. Since the EDSA rehab’s been put on hold, we’d see what sort of options do crop up in the market and, who knows, maybe we can snag a great deal. But hey, at least we found out something new as we did our new car research.
why this and not a Nissan Kicks as another HEV alternative?
ReplyDeleteFor our use? Too small. Not as well-built or well-featured.
DeleteWhy not chinese brand?
DeleteFor carguide, why not chinese brand over corolla cross GR?
Deleteread it somewhere NiMH lifespan has longer lifespan than Lithium. So, was this really an upgrade? Li has other advantages though..
ReplyDeleteHeard through the grapevine that the full HEV line of Toyota PH is getting a ₱200k discount. Is this true?
ReplyDeletePrice war?
DeleteIf that's true, the Corolla Cross V will be at the correct price. The added features over the G do not add up the approx. 300k pesos difference. The G and GR-S, HEV Corolla, the RAV4s and Zenix will be very tempting. Sadly, it will hardly matter to the Camry and Alphard.
DeleteDadating ba sa SE Asian market yung JDM update? Bagong design na yung headlights for the Z grade sa Japan, tapos yung signal lights niya may pinoproject na arrows sa ground when turning.
ReplyDeleteThe 200k discount was a promo only for last week, till May 31 according to the agent. was able to get a G model for 1.3M. lucky to get a white model unit available. Was trying to get a Zenix at 240k discount but all sold out. I think the promo will come again given the BYD competitive prices.
ReplyDeleteThat's a big 38% decrease in battery capacity.
ReplyDeleteMaybe old stocks with old nickel metal battery, pinaubos.
ReplyDeleteBYD Sealion 5 and Sealion 6 PHEV are much better,more efficient and much more affordable
ReplyDeleteWee...di nga.
DeleteIn fairness to the nickel metal hydride batteries- they are more durable, reliable and can hold charge longer than the nickel ion ones.
ReplyDeletewell, untested pa ang nickel ion hehehe
ReplyDelete