Launched here in 2022, and given an upgrade in mid-2025, the Toyota Corolla Cross is –
as the name suggests – an SUV crossover version of the all-time world’s biggest selling
motor vehicle.
Corolla Cross is the largest of Toyota’s three-model range of compact SUVs above the
smaller Yaris Cross and the sportier C-HR. It shares the same platform as the C-HR and
Corolla. On test was the GXL front-wheel drive model.
The original Corolla Cross was available with the choice of petrol or petrol/electric hybrid
powertrains but, in line with Toyota’s electrification policy all variants are now hybrid-only
There are six Corolla Cross variants, 2WD GX priced at $37,440, 2WD GXL ($41,190),
GXL AWD ($44,190), 2WD Atmos ($47,990), Atmos AWD ($50,990) and added with the
2025 update a new performance flagship AWD GR Sport, also selling for $50,990.
On-road costs need to be added.
All Toyotas now come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. This can be extended
to seven years on the engine and driveline, and 10 years on the hybrid battery, subject to
all scheduled servicing being done at Toyota dealerships.
STYLING
Corolla Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch and sedan but with a different
body as befitting an SUV. The styling is quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the
typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion.
While it shares much with the Corolla its outer appearance is more mini-RAV4 than maxi-
Corolla with a snub-nosed grille featuring the Toyota logo, with blue highlights in the centre
indicating its electric component.
As well as the addition of the GR Sport, the 2025 update added extra equipment and a
refreshed exterior design to the rest of the range. This included a new integrated mesh
grille and high-grade LED headlights for GXL grades and up.
GXL and above add enhanced LED headlights, rear privacy glass, front foglights and roof
rails. Atmos and GR Sport get a two-piece panoramic moonroof.
GX and GXL roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, Atmos steps up to 18-inch while GR Sport gets
darkened 19-inch wheels.
Corolla Cross is available in seven exterior paint colours, with availability depending on
trim level. High-grade variants like the Atmos and GR Sport can also be optioned with a
contrasting black two-tone roof.
INTERIOR
We tested the latest Corolla hatch recently so had no problem adapting to the dashboard
layout of its Cross sibling because, apart from the new touchscreen, they are all-but
identical.
We’ve loved the stylish yet functional Corolla design. Everything is in easy reach and there
are physical switches and buttons for commonly used features audio volume and climate
control rather than the reliance on touchscreens that have become increasingly prevalent,
especially in Chinese vehicles.
The SUV conversion over the Corolla adds more headroom throughout and decent leg
and foot room in the rear seats.
The centre console box is very narrow and limits many of the usual items that would
normally be stored there. We couldn’t even fit two glass cases there.
Interior trim graduates, from fabric in the GX, to leather accents in the GXL and Atmos with
suede with silver stitching and highlights in the GR Sport.
Atmos and GR Sport come with a rear seat folding centre armrest complete with twin
cupholders.
Boot space varies according to driven wheels and powertrain, ranging from 380 litres in
the AWD variants up to 425 litres in the 2WDs.
The 2WD models come with a space-saver spare wheel, AWD have a tyre repair kit.
Atmos is the only variant to provide a powered rear hatch and kick opening feature.
POWERTRAIN
Under the bonnet, there’s a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle non-turbo petrol engine with outputs of
112kW and 188Nm. It’s teamed to a single electric motor on the front axle or both front
and rear motors depended on variant for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW.
Power is linked to either two or four wheels via a sequential ten-speed continuously
variable transmission (CVT). GR Sport has paddle shifters.
Corolla Cross is the first local model to get the 5th generation Toyota hybrid powertrain
which combines a lighter lithium-ion battery with a more powerful main electric drive
motor.
SAFETY
Corolla Cross was tested by ANCAP in October 2022 and received the maximum five-
point rating. The GR Sport has yet to be tested but will presumably get the same rating.
Standard safety features start with eight airbags including at front centre, side chest and
driver knee coverage.
Also standard, are advanced ABS brakes, stability and traction control, blind spot
monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, hill start assist, and Isofix child seat
anchors.
The latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package adds a comprehensive list of features
including active cruise control, a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist
detection, an external low speed pedestrian warning system, emergency driving stop, lane
trace and departure alert with steering assist, lane change assist with deceleration assist,
intersection turn assist, road sign assist, door exit warning and automatic high beam.
In addition, GSX and above get parking support braking with vehicle and object detection
and a panoramic view monitor.
INFOTAINMENT
Corolla Cross is the first Toyota in Australia to get the brand’s new multimedia system. The
entry-level GX uses an 8.0-inch touchscreen. GXL and Atmos get a 10.5-inch touchscreen
with inbuilt satellite navigation.
Screen resolution is sharp and responsive with the option of voice activation.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless. There’s with a single USB-C port in the
front console of the GX and two in the centre and rear consoles of the higher-sepc models.
GX and GXL have a 7.0-inch colour digital instrument cluster, Atmos and GR Sport step
up to a 12.3-inch display.
Importantly, the audio and air conditioning controls are physical knobs rather than being
built into the touchscreen.
All but the GX get a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Corolla Cross comes with the latest version of the Toyota Connected Services
communications system that uses the myToyota Connect smartphone app to allow owners
to do such things as remotely check the status of the doors and lights, access information
such as the vehicle’s last known location and recent trips, or start the engine or climate
control.
Note that, apart from the emergency services components, Toyota Connected Services,
after a one-year free trial requires a subscription.
DRIVING
The extra height when compared to the Corolla sedan and hatch provides easier access
although the high seat bolsters could not suit everyone. There is however, unlike many
other new vehicles, a grab handle for the driver.
Multiple drivers in the GX and GXL will have to adjust their seat manually or pay nearly
eight grand more for the Atmos.
External vision is excellent with a high driving position, large windscreen, side windows
and mirrors together with a relatively narrow A-pillar all contributing. On the negative side
the rear window is quite narrow.
There’s a solid feel to the Corolla Cross and it’s easy to drive and park around the urban
environment which is most likely to be its home territory. Minimum turning radius circle is
5.2 metres.
There’s plenty of power when needed and it cruises smoothly and quietly on the open
road.
Steering is well weighted and provides direct, positive feedback to the driver.
Suspension is well-balanced although we did get knocked around when maneuvering
through a badly-cratered section of our drive courtesy of some recent flooding.
There is an EV only option as well as three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Power.
Toyota has for long been at the forefront of hybrid technology and fuel consumption from
the Corolla Cross is impressively low.
On the combined urban/rural cycle it’s listed at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres from the 2WD
variants and 4.4 with the AWDs. We averaged 4.8 L/100 km during our week-long test of
the GXL 2WD.
SUMMING UP
Looking for a reason to buy a Corolla Cross?
Start with the base of Australia’s top-selling brand for the past 26 years. Add a nameplate
that’s been around here since 1967 and accumulated more than 1.6-million local sales.
Then bulk it up to get into the booming compact SUV market, and top it off with the latest
in fuel-saving hybrid technology.
There are cheaper competitors in its segment but when you factor in the long-term fuel
savings together with the overall quality we rate Corolla Cross as the benchmark in what is
a large and highly-competitive category.
RATINGS:
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
GX Hybrid 2WD: $37,440
GXL Hybrid 2WD: $41,190
GXL Hybrid AWD: $44,190
Atmos Hybrid 2WD: $47,990
Atmos Hybrid AWD: $50,990
GR Sport AWD: $50,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2-litre petrol hybrid, CVT, FWD SUV)
ENGINE
Capacity: 1987cc
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 146kW (combined)
Maximum torque: 206Nm (combined)
Fuel type: Unleaded petrol / electric
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 4.3L/100km
CO2 emissions 96g/km
EV Mode: Hybrid Drive System
Battery: Lithium-Ion
Normal Mode: Power Control Unit
Power mode: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
DRIVELINE: Continuously variable automatic, FWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4460mm
Width: 1825mm
Height: 1620mm
Wheelbase: 2640mm:
Turning circle: 10.40m
Kerb weight: 1475kg
Fuel tank: 36L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years, unlimited kilometres (private)
Ten-year unlimited kilometre hybrid battery warranty with conditions
