As fate would have it, this is the first time I got my hands on the top-of-the-line Corolla Cross GR Sport. Personally, I’ve driven the mid-trim 1.8 V pre-facelift and the 1.8 G post-facelift. Our ever-busy writer, Gen, was able to find time for it in 2023, but besides that, this GR Sport variant has yet to see proper drive time on this site. Since I’m in the market for a small, incognito-ish hybrid SUV to replacing my aging CX-5 Diesel, I took this opportunity to get seat time for a proper evaluation.
Previously, some of you were asking: why go for the Corolla Cross? Aren’t there better choices in the marketplace, especially at this price bracket? My answer to that is simple: it fits my needs. The way I look at it is that it’s more of a second car—the one I’ll use to do errands in, or to take to places where a CX-60 or MX-5 would be impractical to bring to or attract too much attention in. Space isn’t paramount, but number coding flexibility is. And because the overnight airport parking fee is a robbery these days, it must also be something I wouldn’t mind being driven by a family driver to and from the airport. Big bonus? There’s a Toyota dealership that’s walking distance from where I live AND work. That means not having to spend the whole day in Makati just waiting for PMS or some minor repair job to get done.
With that out of the way, a caveat. This Emotional Red Corolla Cross GR Sport isn’t the latest one available in the market. A couple of months ago, the carmaker quietly plopped in a lithium-ion high-voltage battery to replace the nickel metal hydride one. And while the rest of the Toyota Hybrid System’s carried over, it’s supposed to make everything more efficient thanks to its lighter weight and more energy dense chemistry. This unit from Toyota Motor Philippines, however, still rocks the old battery setup as evidenced by a small sticker on the underside of the hood.
Now that I’ve settled those who things, how does the Corolla Cross GR Sport drive?
It drives like a charm, all things considered. It’s about as exciting as getting the latest Lenovo Thinkpad at work, but it pays off nicely when it comes to real-world fuel economy. Leaving the Drive Mode on Normal, it’ll hit 20.83 km/L in heavy traffic (18 km/h), no sweat. It’s lower than my observed fuel consumption figures in the Corolla Cross G and V, but that’s likely down to the GR Sport’s heavier curb weight, and more aggressive wheel and tire package.
Best of all, that fuel economy is attainable regardless of hypermiling skill level. Just for kicks, I had the family driver drive me around one time, and he still managed a figure of 20 km/L. The Toyota Hybrid System simply works—no need to fiddle with drive modes, adjust regen braking, or any of that nonsense.
The accompanying transmission, the E-CVT is also tuned for sensible motoring. This isn’t your typical CVT composed of belts and cones, but rather, it’s a unique system that uses a planetary gearset. Still, it’s not the most enthused gearbox out there, so full jabs of the accelerator sounds like you’re wringing the life out of the powerplant. Drive it sensibly though, and it keeps everything running at its most efficient.
In terms of handling, the Corolla Cross offers a stable, sturdy, and obedient driving experience all in all. It feels solid, and absorbs cracks and ruts well despite its firm ride. The GR Sport rides on unique springs and shock absorbers which are supposed to sharpen its overall responses. But, without a back-to-back comparison with a non-GR Sport variant, I’d say that the differences to both its handling and ride are minimal. That said, the steering does feel more immediate, especially when coming off-center contributing to a much pointier feel. Issues? Just one: the brakes. Because Toyota tuned to maximize its regenerative properties, the pedal feel is artificial. Once the hydraulic assist kicks in, however, it bites well enough. This takes some getting used to, which I countered by sitting closer to the pedals than I normally would. That way, I could get the hydraulic assist to kick in sooner.
Like other Corolla Cross variants, the Corolla Cross GR Sport is guilty for having large expanses of black-grained plastics. They’re certainly sturdy (no visible scratches or wear from this 13,000-kilometer old test drive unit) and plush enough, but it looks so plain that you feel like you’re being swallowed up by the Void half the time. A pop of color from contrast stitching, or some bits of ambient lighting would certainly have helped in that regard.
As the range-topping variant, the Corolla Cross GR Sport is supposed to represent the best that the model’s got to offer and it does so. The overall execution, however, is mixed. On one hand, the full digital gauges is a boon. They’re easy to read (even in broad daylight) and understand, but customizing them is painstakingly slow as navigating the various options through the steering wheel buttons is slow and less than intuitive. Thankfully, once it’s set once, you can scroll through three different preset customized screens. On the other, while most of the switchgear is solid, there’s one that feels so flimsy it feels like it was sourced from a Chinese toy factory: the overhead moonroof control panel.
In terms of practicality, there’s plenty of head, shoulder, and legroom to go by. The front seats are comfy, although the rear’s flat bench and slippery leather surface has been met with complaints from passengers who complained about the lack of thigh and back support. That said, at least the cargo room is decent enough as are the number of storage bins scattered around the cabin.
The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with its low-res look and dated interface may look the same with as the rest of the Corolla Cross line-up, but curiously, it’s not as slow to react or buggy as it was in the Corolla Gross G. If anything, I wished Toyota moved the USB inputs—Type A or C—from the head unit to somewhere near the center console. As it stands, you’ll need a long-ass cable that’ll snake from the head unit to the cup holders where you’ll likely plop your phone in. And not to be overly critical, but the wireless charging pad looks like it was nicked off a Lazada shopping catalog. It doesn’t look or feel well-integrated.
For all my complaints and criticisms against the Corolla Cross, after some seat time with it, I still find it to be the one that suits my needs. This is a realization to all car buyers out there that some choices may look great on the spec sheet, but once you list down what criteria you’re looking for in a new car, you’ll come out with a different choice altogether. As a replacement to my existing diesel car and as an addition to my current garage, the Corolla Cross GR Sport makes sense for me. It offers the sort of features I’m accustomed to with mechanical polish that passes my standards all at a budget I can afford. And yes, it also offers insane fuel economy, comes with a green plate, and offers the convenience of having a Toyota dealership nearby if I run into any issues.
At 1.7M net of discount the best value at its class. Proven hybrid system,TNGA, fuel efficient, 9 airbags, full ADAS, reliable, durable, high resale value, and best of all no stress no headaches ownership. Neokuchi must want to buy it now😆😆😆
ReplyDeleteToyota offers plenty of economically great cars and crossovers. Can't go wrong with the Corolla Cross especially with the GR Sport. Sporty and practicality in one complete package.
ReplyDeleteso it's a beater car?
ReplyDeleteBasically, yes. But something with features I want too.
DeleteDon't do it, life is too short for boring cars.
ReplyDeleteThis is case, boring is what I want.
DeleteOr should I say, need. LOL.
DeleteLife's too short to have a car that will give you stress and headaches. in corolla cross GR you can have a worry free car life. Plus your mazda's zoom zoom you have both peace and sporty car life👍👍👍
DeleteI get it. You want a vanilla car, since it’s just your second one. Honestly, if I were in your position, I might go the same route. After all, it’s nice to have a backup when your main car is the one you actually enjoy.
DeleteBut if this is your only car? Yeah, no. That’s a hard pass.
Uly already has a cx60 with autoexe package and upgraded wheels.
DeleteFake news. It's got new wheels, yes. But I didn't get the Autoexe package.
DeleteUly, I'm thinking of getting the CX60. Have all the kinks been ironed out already? How's your unit's fuel efficiency and current mileage?
DeleteNgek, all that glowing autoexe review and you didn’t put it on your own CX60
DeleteDon't get me wrong, I loved the Autoexe suspension...but I'd like to keep my CX-60 as close to stock for now. Who knows what will happen after a year or two.
DeleteSo the author already have a CX-60 & a Mazda MX-5, why not get a CX-30 then? As a Mazda owner myself, I can't stomach Toyota dullness in dynamics, design & material quality.
DeleteSimple: the CX-30 isn't recognized by the DOE as a hybrid. While it does get green plates courtesy of the LTO, with the NCAP, we don't know how the MMDA will treat it. So yeah...until such time Mazda comes up with a small car recognized by the DOE...sorry, it's a pass for me.
DeleteAlso, I did mention about having to wait the whole day in Makati just for PMS or some minor work to finish. With Toyota, at least I can just walk home if they can't finish a PMS or repair work on time.
DeleteI think you'll be happier in the RAV4 in terms of interior quality. The XLE is comparably priced to the Corolla Cross GR Sport and offers added flexibility.
ReplyDeleteWas thinking about that...but still not willing to spend on P 2-million on an outgoing model. Plus, still concerned with spare parts availability because the RAV4 is more niche compared to the Corolla Cross.
DeleteTried to get a Rav4 via kintoone since i change cars every 3-5 years. No one in the dealership knew about Kinto, or they are just pretending so they can get more money from me to bump me up the waiting queue. So i got a cx-5 instead. never looked back.
DeleteEveryone needs something like this, reliable, efficient, and hassle free. Then miata on the weekends.
ReplyDeletePerfect solution!
DeleteBoring cars are those that brings you to work without worries. And those boring cars makes you income to buy exciting cars for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteThis.
DeleteI got to agree. It really is a boring car, but a really good boring car
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteUly, I also got an emotional red one 2 weeks ago, enticed by the 180k discount, and the battery update to li-ion. I thought it was pretty pricey then, but now it's just about right. I also would like to believe that it already has the 138hp engine, as the li-ion battery has always been paired with the 138hp, with the nimh always being paired with the 122hp. I've yet to see or mention of any 2ZR-FXE with li-ion and 122hp anywhere on the internet. Could it be they're just downplaying the update to avoid recertifying the engine?
ReplyDeleteSo far, Toyota's saying it's got 122 horsepower...so we're sticking with that. I've yet to try the upgraded powertrain, but based on what my friends tell me, they've experienced even higher fuel economy figures with the lithium-ion battery upgrade. No word on whether it's more powerful though.
DeleteSir Uly, isn't Li-ion batteries on EVs dangerous?
DeleteNot when it's properly used and integrated. I have full confidence in the tech and the fail safes and protections it would have.
DeleteYou're a wise and knowledgeable guy. Instead of choosing some chinese garbage car like a noobie, you picked a reliable car. Bravo. 💪👌
ReplyDeleteHoly flaming fanboy, Batman! 😱
DeleteUly, do you have the review of the cx60?
ReplyDeleteA year on:
Deletehttps://www.carguide.ph/2024/09/a-year-on-updates-and-tweaks-have.html
Based on the first reviews:
https://www.carguide.ph/2023/10/review-2024-mazda-cx-60-33-hev-turbo.html
https://www.carguide.ph/2023/07/review-2024-mazda-cx-60-33-hev-turbo-d.html
Going for a grandma car means you're embracing the "practicality"? Naah! You're aging sir uly. You're aging, haha! Nice choice btw!
ReplyDeleteI still have a CX-60 and MX-5...so there's still a lot of excitement in the garage. I just needed a reliable appliance as a third car. And no, this particular unit isn't mine yet. Haha.
DeleteUly not willing to wait for the new cx5? Maybe also the new hybrid Forester? And why Corolla cross over hybrid HRV?
ReplyDeleteNo Honda, Subaru dealership within walking distance. Only choices were Toyota, Ford, Nissan, GAC. I'd put my money on Toyota.
DeleteI'm already sick of Subaru maintenance as I've had a Forester (both turbo and non-turbo) as well as a Impreza. So, that's an X for me. CX-5? I can't live with the touchscreen and the fact that it's not a full hybrid.
DeleteThe reason you're sick of Subaru maintenance is because you only service it in casa. If you're street smart, you can do the routine maintenance of Subaru cars outside casa for cheaper, and only do major servicing in casa.
DeleteI know that, but generally I do like to support the casa given my profession. But even with media discounts, they're pretty expensive. So...yeah...no more Subarus for me. I'd like to think I got them during their heyday LOL.
DeleteBased on personal experience, I typically spend only around ₱3,500 for an oil change when done outside the Subaru dealership. For those who feel intimidated by owning a Subaru, don’t be. While some major repairs may cost slightly more than average, routine maintenance like oil and transmission fluid changes, etc. is actually quite affordable. The usual wear-and-tear parts are reasonably priced too, you just need to know where to source them and where to have them installed.
DeleteImagine though if Subaru casas would do this, right? The thing is, you have to...in your own words...source your parts and have them installed elsewhere. That's the kind of thing that turned me off Subaru. I mean, I ended up sourcing my own parts from the US and stuff. So yeah...no more. And parts like the power steering system, suspension bushings, AC compressor needed replacing like clockwork. Sad.
DeletePaki check yung undeside and suspension parts ng corolla cross GR..
ReplyDeleteThey are very prone to rusting. They are not even fully cladded..
I think this one is the Asian version, because the 2025 Europe version that will come soon is a bit different as a interior and exterior at the same time, and as a person who's family's car is 2024 version of this I'm so pleased,
ReplyDeleteRecently me and my family went on a trip and we were on the road about 2000 km Total but it was very reliable, we know that all the car companies has decreased their quality toyota either, but this car still has that toyota name and soul so we can trust to it. I wait for your response 😄
How's the maintenance cost of hybrids versus fuel versus full electric?
ReplyDeleteI would want a hybrid as an appliance car for its fuel economy, but you're basically maintaining two major systems instead of one for either fuel-based or full electric.
Cost of maintenance with a hybrid is same with ICE. Full electric is lower--up to 40 percent less says BYD.
DeleteThat said, I have to consume some large amount of prepaid gas cards...so I basically get fuel for free LOL. Also the reason why I'm looking at a gas-powered as opposed to electric...at least for the next 3-5 years. Also, worried that if I get electric, the family driver will just get more confused.
Plus, the choices for purely electric vehicles at my price range aren't good enough for me. The Seagull is great, but the cargo space is just too cramped (needs at least a 60/40 split-fold).
Try driving the geely ex5 :)
DeleteDi na ako naniniwala sa mga sabi ng byd. Byd and chery pinagmulta na naman ng china regulator because of fraudulent subsidies claim.
ReplyDeleteNako po, nagkamali ata kayo ng article tito Anonymous.
Deleteworth mentioning these hybrid cars wont use regular 12V battery but the absorbed glassmat AGM which costs 4X more.
ReplyDelete