Remember when Toyota updated the Corolla Cross in 2024 and they curiously left the GR Sport variant untouched, at least aesthetically? Well, we probably know why. Just launched regionally is an updated version of the top-of-the-line Corolla Cross variant for 2026, and it could very well be making its way here.
The range-topping Corolla Cross variant gets new styling tweaks that tie it nicely with Toyota’s new family SUV look. Short of tacking on the hammerhead fascia, the Corolla Cross GR Sport gets a new grille that seems to protrude more thanks to a body-colored frame. Within it is a honeycomb insert and a GR badge. Other changes include a new lower front bumper design with a much cleaner look, black chrome badging, and new machine-cut two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Corolla Cross GR Sport adds more red accents such as the stitching on the steering wheel, shifter boot, center console, and seats as well as on the dashboard and door cards. The seats themselves have been modified with a new pattern and full-color GR logo embroidery on the headrests. The logo also appears on the steering wheel as well as the key fob. Capping the changes are the new seatbelts which are finished in racy red.
In terms of in-vehicle tech, the infotainment system also looks to have been upgraded. Although the 10.1-inch dimensions remain, the look is different from the current Corolla Cross with the capacitive volume controls now on the bottom part of the bezel as opposed to the side. Weirdly enough, the USB input still looks tacked on the head unit itself.
Sadly, all the racy bits don’t mean more power under the hood. The Corolla Cross GR Sport continues with the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE which puts out a total of 122 horsepower (98 horsepower from the combustion engine and 72 horsepower from the electric motor). It does, however, get a more energy-dense lithium-ion battery which has been standard on the Corolla Cross since last year as well as the GR Sport exclusive sport suspension tune with modified springs and struts.
The big question is: will Toyota Motor Philippines bring it in? The answer is a probable, yes. Remember, the brand did mention previously that five “all-new models” are coming into the country, but they are not counting minor updates to existing products like this one. Expect a rather quiet introduction of the Corolla Cross, if ever, probably before the end of the first half.
2 star NCAP crash rating for this bad boy.
ReplyDeleteDon't read just the headline. It's for models with 2 airbags. Ours get 7 as standard, even for the base G.
Deletelol so feisty
Delete2 air bags = 2 stars?
Delete7 air bags = 7 stars?
Thats how NCAP works?
Can we tuck 6 air bags into our owner type jeep, then another 4 under the seat of our honda beat to make it "safe"?
Tou·ché :-P
"Weirdly enough, the USB input still looks tacked on the head unit itself."
DeleteIts not weird, its typical Toyota! At least it seems like a type-c port now, teknoloja! lol
so it's now a 3 Star Rating?
DeleteThe ASEAN NCAP result for Toyota Cross actually got a 5 stars rating: https://www.aseancap.org/result/5092
DeleteThe one you're talking is from the GLOBAL NCAP which responsible for testing in Africa: https://www.globalncap.org/news/no-excuse-for-lack-of-side-head-protection-in-two-star-toyota-corolla-cross
Not unless you'll buy Corolla Cross made for African you'll get to be worried to hell ;-)
ASEAN NCAP is a lot more lenient than other crash testing agencies.
DeleteThe 2.0 GR Sport found in EU/Japan/etc looks way better than this lazy refresh.
ReplyDelete