Here are the new Toyota Corolla Cross variants

Toyota has recently launched the updated version of the Corolla Cross, which is now powered by a hybrid electric powertrain across the board.

On that note, many car buyers want to find out which variant would best suit their budget, style, and overall motoring needs. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the three trims of the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Dimensions

The Toyota Corolla Cross is now offered in three grades: G, V, and GR-S. The first two variants measure 4,460 millimeters (mm) long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,620mm tall. Meanwhile, the range-topping Gazoo Racing-inspired model has an overall length of 4,455mm, and an overall width of 1,825mm, and an overall height of 1,620mm.

All three variants have a wheelbase of 2,640mm and can seat up to five passengers comfortably.

Exterior

Outside, the Toyota Corolla Cross G and V wear a new front fascia with a modern grille befitting its electrified nature. Hexagonal outlines are noticeable on the crossover’s front end, which seamlessly blends into the clean and flawless panel on its fore.

Further, the Toyota Corolla Cross G’s grille boasts a combination of chrome, glossy black, and matte grain finish while the V variant’s latticework flaunts chrome and dark gray hues.

The latticework for the Toyota Corolla Cross G is flanked by a pair of two-beam LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRL), clearance lamps, and two LED front fog lamps.

Meanwhile, the V variant of the Toyota Corolla Cross dons a similar lighting setup with the addition of sequential turn signals on the headlights and two LED rear fog lamps.

As for the top-of-the-line Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S, it retained the sporty and aggressive-looking front facade of the nameplate’s previous version.

To the side of the Toyota Corolla Cross G trim are power adjust, auto-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals. It also has blacked-out B- and C-pillars, body-colored door handles, black wheel arches, black door claddings, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

On the other hand, the mid-grade variant of the crossover sports side mirrors with power adjust, auto-fold, and reverse link functions with integrated turn signals. Its side profile features are similar to the aforementioned base model with the exception of chrome trims above its windows and alloy wheels that measure 18-inches.

Customers eyeing the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S can expect its side to bear a striking resemblance to the V variant but with a few notable additions such as silver claddings on the bottom of its doors and 18-inch wheels with eye-catching GR-S design.

Moving on to the rear end, the Toyota Corolla Cross G gets LED taillamps with a line guide, a rear spoiler, a fin-type antenna, and a blacked-out rear bumper with reflectors on each side. The same goes for the V variant, which comes with rear LED fog lamps.

Finally, being the model with all the bells and whistles, the Toyota Corolla Cross packs smoked LED rear lights on top of the aforementioned features. It also gets roof rails straight out of the factory as well as a panoramic sunroof.

Interior

The cabin of the updated Toyota Corolla Cross looks the part of its new electrified persona.

Drivers are greeted with fabric seats for the G grade while the V model gets leather seats with dark brown accents. On the other hand, the GR-S version has premium leather upholstery unique to the variant.

Also, the Toyota Corolla Cross G and V trims both have 4.2-inch and seven-inch thin-film transistor meter clusters respectively that combine digital and analog gauges while the top-tier GR-S has a fully digital one that measures 12.3 inches. All instrument panels are encased in a piano black housing with a black soft-touch panel.

In terms of their infotainment displays, all models get a 10-inch display audio unit with smartphone linking, wireless Apple Carplay, wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice command, and WiFi connectivity features.

Notable features shared by all variants include an automatic dual-zone air conditioning unit with climate control, a push-start ignition system, a wireless charger, and a handful of ports for recharging various devices.

Engine

Powering all three variants of the Toyota Corolla Cross is a 1.8-liter gasoline mill paired with an electric motor. On paper, the hybrid powertrain setup is said to put out some 120 horsepower (hp) with approximately 96 horses coming from the internal combustion engine and the remaining 43 hp from the electric motor.

A continuously variable transmission allows for a more eco-friendly drive in both the city and on the freeway.

Providing decent stopping power are ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. The refreshed Toyota Corolla Cross also uses MacPherson struts (front) and torsion beams (rear) for its suspension.

Safety

When it comes to keeping its occupants safe while on the road, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers a robust list of features.

The base G grade is equipped with standard technologies like vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, an anti-lock brake system, an emergency brake signal, two front sensors, four rear radars, and a static back camera.

Toyota gave the V variant four clearance and back sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety features, which includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane departure control, and cruise control.

Lastly, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S has all of the above plus a panoramic view monitor.

Pricing and variants

• Corolla Cross G – P1.498 million
• Corolla Cross V – P1.763 million
• Corolla Cross GR-S – P1.917 million

Final thoughts

The new Toyota Corolla Cross is a step forward for the local arm of the Japanese carmaker when it comes to making strides in electrification.

Slowly — but surely — Toyota is revamping its lineup and is injecting new-energy powertrain systems into its roster. Battery-electric vehicles might not be the brand’s sole focus for now but the updated Toyota Corolla Cross proves that not rushing things might just be a better approach to sustainable mobility, especially for countries like the Philippines, which is still building the infrastructure to support electric car use.

Photos from Jirehl Kent Flores and Juan Paulo Papa

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