Toyota Corolla Cross: Sets the mark

What is it?

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 world’s best-selling Corolla.

Corolla Cross is the largest of Toyota’s three compact SUVs, sitting above the smaller Yaris Cross and the sportier C-HR, and it shares the same platform as C-HR and Corolla.

The original Corolla Cross was available with a choice of petrol or petrol/electric hybrid powertrains but, in line with Toyota’s electrification policy, all variants are now hybrid-only.

On test was the GXL front-wheel drive model.

The 2025 update added extra equipment, a refreshed exterior design and a new performance flagship — the AWD GR Sport.

What’s it cost?

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, with the 2025 update, the AWD GR Sport, also $50,990.

On-road costs need to be added.

Corolla Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch and sedan but wears different bodywork more in keeping with an SUV.

The styling is quite conservative, but that’s unlikely to deter typical Toyota buyers who prefer function over fashion.

Although it shares much with the Corolla, its outer appearance is more mini-RAV4 than maxi-Corolla, with a snub-nosed grille and Toyota logo with blue highlights to indicate its electrified powertrain.

As well as the addition of GR Sport, the 2025 update brought a new integrated mesh grille and high-grade LED headlights for GXL grades and up.

GXL and above also add rear privacy glass, front fog lights and roof rails, while 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, with GR Sport getting darkened 19-inch wheels.

Corolla Cross is available in seven exterior paint colours, with availability depending on trim level, and high-grade variants such as Atmos and GR Sport can be optioned with a contrasting black roof.

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, while GXL and Atmos move to a 10.5-inch unit with built-in satellite navigation; screen resolution is sharp and responsive, with voice activation available.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless, with a single USB-C port in the front console of the GX and two in the centre and rear consoles of higher-spec models.

GX and GXL get a 7.0-inch colour digital instrument cluster, while Atmos and GR Sport step up to a 12.3-inch display, and all but the GX add a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Corolla Cross also comes with the latest Toyota Connected Services system, working with the myToyota Connect app so owners can remotely check door and light status, locate the vehicle, review recent trips or start the engine or climate control — although after a one-year free trial most of these functions require a subscription.

Corolla Cross was tested by ANCAP in October, 2022 and received the maximum five-star rating; GR Sport has yet to be tested but is expected to carry the same score.

All variants come with eight airbags, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and ISOFix child seat anchors, on top of the usual mandatory safety equipment.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package adds a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active cruise control, lane trace and departure alert with steering assist, lane change assist with deceleration assist, road sign assist, door exit warning and automatic high beam.

GXL and above also gain parking support braking with vehicle and object detection and a panoramic view monitor.

All Toyotas now come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, extendable to seven years on the engine and driveline, and 10 years on the hybrid battery — provided scheduled servicing is done at Toyota dealerships.

What’s it go like?

If you’ve driven the latest Corolla, the dashboard layout of the Cross will feel immediately familiar because, apart from the new touchscreen, they are all but identical.

It’s a stylish yet functional design, with everything in easy reach and — importantly — physical switches and buttons for commonly used features such as audio volume and climate control, rather than relying entirely on the touchscreen.

The SUV conversion over Corolla adds more headroom throughout and decent leg and foot room in the rear seats.

The centre console box is very narrow, though, and limits what you can store there — two glasses cases wouldn’t fit.

Interior trim steps up as you climb the range, from fabric in GX, to leather accents in GXL and Atmos, and suede with silver stitching and highlights in GR Sport, while Atmos and GR Sport also add a rear seat folding centre armrest with twin cupholders.

Boot space varies according to driven wheels, ranging from 380 litres in the AWD variants up to 425 litres in the 2WDs; and 2WD models get a space-saver spare, while AWDs make do with a tyre repair kit.

Atmos is the only variant to provide a powered rear hatch with a kick-opening feature.

Under the bonnet there’s a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle, non-turbo petrol engine with outputs of 112kW and 188Nm, teamed with a single electric motor on the front axle or motors front and rear depending on variant, for a combined maximum power output of 146kW.

Power is sent to either the front or all four wheels via a sequential 10-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), with paddle shifters in the GR Sport.

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.

The extra height compared with Corolla sedan and hatch provides easier access, although the high seat bolsters may not suit everyone; there is, however, a grab handle for the driver, unlike many newer vehicles.

External vision is excellent, with a high driving position, large windscreen, side windows and mirrors, together with a relatively narrow A-pillar — though the rear window is quite narrow.

There’s a solid feel to the Corolla Cross and it’s easy to drive and park around town, which is most likely to be its home territory, backed by a 5.2-metre turning circle.

There’s plenty of power when needed and it cruises smoothly and quietly on the open road, with steering that is well weighted and offers direct, positive feedback.

Suspension is well balanced, although it did get knocked around over a badly cratered section of road following recent flooding.

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There is an EV-only mode as well as three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Power.

On the combined urban/rural cycle fuel consumption is listed at 4.2L/100km for 2WD variants and 4.4L/100km with the AWDs.

We averaged 4.8L/100km during a week-long test of the GXL 2WD.

What we like?

Low fuel consumption
Refined and proven hybrid drivetrain
Practical size and easy to drive
Physical knobs for key controls
Comprehensive safety suite

What we don’t like?

Styling on the conservative side
Narrow centre console storage
Rear window a bit small
AWD models lose a spare wheel
Connected services move to subscription

The bottom line?

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 with more than 1.6 million local sales, bulk it up to tap into the booming compact SUV market and top it off with the latest fuel-saving hybrid technology.

There are cheaper competitors in its segment, but when you factor in long-term fuel savings together with overall quality, we rate Corolla Cross as the benchmark in what is a large and highly competitive category.