2026 Toyota Corolla Cross review

"Caught between the compact C-HR and the roomy RAV4? Enter the Toyota Corolla Cross: yourjust rightSUV."

Beyond the tongue-twisting name and badge-engineering quirks lies the Toyota Corolla Cross, the automotive equivalent of a middle child perpetually overshadowed. While the Corolla and RAV4 bask in the spotlight, the Cross lingers in the wings, begging the question: what exactly is its story?

Think of Toyota’s SUV lineup as a seven-layer cake. The Corolla Cross? It’s that delicious filling nestled perfectly between the compact zest of the C-HR and the family-sized RAV4. Sharing its DNA (and platform) with the C-HR and Corolla, you’ll find echoes of its kin within its stylish interior.

Still hazy? Picture this: it’s a Corolla, flexed and pumped, sporting a rugged new wardrobe. Same bones, same wheelbase, just a whole lot more attitude. Think Yaris and Yaris Cross – fraternal twins, not carbon copies like the Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek.

Despite nestling into the crowded small SUV landscape as the Corolla Cross, buyers aren’t baffled. It’s already Toyota’s fifth-most-popular model in 2025, a testament to its appeal.

The Corolla Cross? Not exactly setting the small SUV world ablaze. Despite Toyota’s brand muscle, its 8,090 sales between January and August 2025 leave it trailing the pack. Think Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4, and even the Mazda CX-30 – all outselling the Corolla Cross in the same period. A curious performance, considering Toyota’s usual market dominance.

Toyota electrifies its 2025 lineup with a symphony of subtle sounds! Forget silent creeping – pedestrian safety takes center stage as every model now hums a unique tune at low speeds in EV mode. But the upgrades don’t stop there. Think of a cascading waterfall as premium features trickle down the range, enriching every trim level. And for the grand finale? The ferocious GR Sport roars onto the scene as the new flagship, promising heart-pounding performance and head-turning style. Get ready to experience Toyota like never before.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos arrives, bringing premium features to the popular crossover, and sparring for attention alongside the GR Sport. Forget sweaty commutes thanks to newly ventilated front seats. Inside, a redesigned center console offers enhanced ergonomics, while the exterior shines with updated LED headlight internals and a fresh new face, both front and rear, shared across the entire Corolla Cross family.

That’s a raft of changes, but they haven’t come cheap. Is the Corolla Cross better for it all?

How much does the Toyota Corolla Cross cost?

The price of entry into the Corolla Cross club just went up. Our Atmos AWD tester now rings in at $50,990 a $960 premium over previous models before you even factor in on-road costs. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2WD | $37,440 | | 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2WD | $41,190 | | 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL AWD | $44,190 | | 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD | $47,990 | |2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD|$50,990| | 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport AWD | $50,990 |

"For a subcompact SUV, the price tag feels less like a purchase and more like a heist. You’re alarmingly close to RAV4 XSE territory – a mere $920 separates you from all-wheel drive and comparable features. And hold onto your hat: we’re talking over $10,000 more than a fully-loaded Yaris Cross Urban. Suddenly, ‘small SUV’ feels less charming and more ‘small fortune.’"

The small SUV market is a battlefield, and contenders like the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium N Line ($48,950 + ORC) are fighting tooth and nail for dominance. But lurking in the shadows are budget-friendly disruptors. The MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ ($36,990 drive-away) throws down the gauntlet with an unbeatable price, while the GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid ($38,990 drive-away) flexes its value-for-money muscles. Which compact king will reign supreme?

As August 2025 sunsets, three models command a significant lead over the Corolla Cross, boasting a sales advantage of at least 4,000 units a gap that highlights a shifting landscape in consumer preferences.

To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

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What is the Toyota Corolla Cross like on the inside?

Not all that interesting, which is very much a theme with the Corolla Cross.

Forget sculpted lines and head-turning aesthetics. Toyota’s Corolla Cross champions practicality, and thank goodness for it. Climbing inside is effortless, even for a supposed SUV. You practically glide in.

Designed with accessibility in mind, the wide entryway, perfectly positioned seating, and generous legroom offer a welcoming experience, especially for seniors and those with mobility challenges.

Sink into the driver’s seat, and you’re immediately embraced by comfort. The artful blend of leather and cloth creates a velvety caress, but the real magic lies in the sculpting. It’s as if the seat was custom-molded for an average frame, offering a level of support rarely found in a mainstream SUV of this size. A genuine ‘ahhh’ moment awaits.

The driving position is a revelation. Between the generously adjustable seat and the supple, leather-clad steering wheel, you’ll effortlessly dial in your perfect command center.

Once you sink into the driver’s seat, you’re greeted by a tactile symphony of physical controls. Forget hunting through endless menus – a wonderfully weighted steering wheel puts command at your fingertips with satisfyingly clicky buttons. Below, the climate control system, a familiar and reassuring face borrowed from its Corolla sibling, offers intuitive adjustments without ever taking your eyes off the road.

The Toyota’s functionality shines, even if it lacks visual pizzazz. The one snag? Wrangling the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster customization. Navigating its settings with the steering wheel buttons feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. It’s a familiar Toyota quirk, yes, but thankfully, once you’ve dialed in your preferences, you can pretty much leave it be.

The 10.5-inch infotainment screen sheds its predecessor’s complexity. Think of it as a digital command center, made navigable by a crisp, vertical shortcut bar and labels so clear, they practically shout instructions. While the graphics won’t win any design awards, they’re a solid match for Toyota’s established aesthetic. Yes, it stands proud of the dash, but functionally, it’s a smooth operator, aesthetically, completely passable, and an absolute upgrade.

Your thumbs never leave the wheel, yet concert-hall sound and crystal-clear calls are always at your command, thanks to intuitively placed controls right at your fingertips.

The interior? A landscape of stark planes and unforgiving textures. Imagine a minimalist art installation, stripped bare of inspiration. Every surface, exposed and unforgiving, offers no secrets, no surprises. While functional, the relentless simplicity can, let’s be honest, become a tad… monotonous.

The center console feels like a breath of fresh air. Gone are the overtly cheap plastics, replaced by a design that’s noticeably sleeker and more refined. A wireless phone charger sits conveniently ahead of the gear selector, flanked by tactile hard plastic buttons. However, the eye is drawn to the expanse of piano black trim – undeniably stylish, but positioned precariously where scratches seem inevitable.

The central cubby swallows your phone when it’s not tethered to a charger, and a pair of cupholders stand ready. Bottle-holding door pockets handle hydration duties, though be warned: those door armrests offer little comfort to elbows craving padding.

The armrest? A velvet cloud. Slide it, glide it, find your sweet spot. Beneath this comfort, a secret stash with a lone 12V sentinel. Thirsty for USB-C? One brave soldier stands guard beside the gearshift.

The second row? Let’s just say it’s functional, not fabulous. The seats themselves are a pleasant surprise – unexpectedly plush and supportive, like sinking into a well-worn armchair. And I’ll admit, the black headliner gives it a certain understated cool. But beyond that, it’s visually… lacking. Prepare for a serious case of scenery deficit back there.

Forget subtle hints. This interior screams darkness. It’s not just the black upholstery that hits you, it’s an all-consuming void of black plastic engulfing the door cards and center console. Thankfully, a few beacons of practicality pierce the gloom: rear passengers can breathe easy with dual air vents, and stay charged thanks to twin USB-C ports. Deep door-mounted cupholders stand ready for your thirst, while a fold-down armrest offers two more for good measure – a small victory against the encroaching abyss.

Confined, but comfortably so. At 5’8", I found the rear seats snug but adequate. Lowering the armrest created a surprisingly cosy nook – a welcome cocoon, really. Taller passengers might find themselves less enthralled, though; headroom becomes a game of inches at that point.

Additionally, the panoramic sunroof fitted to the Atmos makes the second row feel a little more open.

With a gentle hum, the powered tailgate rises, unveiling a surprisingly spacious cargo area. The flat load floor is a welcome feature, making it simple to lift items inside. However, the "carpeted" surface, while seemingly plush, hinders sliding, as it’s prone to shifting under weight.

Beyond the usual cargo area, you’ll find slender side pockets perfect for stashing smaller items. The driver even gets a dedicated tray for those odds and ends that usually clutter up your console. But that’s where the boot’s surprises end. Sadly, opting for the all-wheel-drive model means sacrificing a spare tyre for a simple repair kit.

Sacrificing all-wheel drive means surrendering some cargo capacity. You’ll have 380 litres to play with, a dip from the front-wheel drive’s 414L. Toyota keeps the seats-down figures a secret, but to put things in perspective, the Kona boasts 407L with seats upright, and the ZS a more generous 443L. Choose wisely, adventurers!

Unlike its front-wheel-drive siblings, the Corolla Cross leverages an all-wheel-drive system, energized by a rear-mounted electric motor. Nestled discreetly beneath the rear seat, Toyota’s high-voltage battery pack fuels this dynamic performance.

| Dimensions | Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD | | — | — | |Length| 4460mm | |Width| 1825mm | |Height| 1620mm | |Wheelbase| 2640mm | |Cargo capacity| 380L |

To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Corolla Cross has embraced the electric future! Following the departure of its petrol-only models in 2024, the entire lineup now runs on a single, compelling hybrid powertrain. At its heart lies a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, working in harmony with a hybrid transaxle. The result? A combined peak power output of 146kW, offering a responsive and efficient driving experience. (Torque figures remain a mystery, closely guarded by Toyota).

| Specifications | Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L naturally aspirated 4cyl | |Engine outputs| 112kW/188Nm | |Peak electric motor outputs| 83kW/206Nm | |Peak system outputs| 146kW | |Battery| 4.06Ah li-ion | |Transmission| e-CVT | |Drive type| All-wheel drive | |Kerb weight| 1550kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 7.6 seconds | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 4.4L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 4.9L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 43L | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane regular unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 100g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Braked tow capacity| 750kg |

The Corolla Cross AWD dances to a different beat. Unlike traditional all-wheel-drive systems, there’s no driveshaft linking front and rear. Instead, the gasoline engine solely commands the front wheels, while an electric motor stands ready to independently electrify either axle, creating on-demand all-wheel drive.

The engine not only propels you forward, but also secretly recharges the battery, a process managed automatically behind the scenes. And when you ease off the accelerator or tap the brakes? Energy that would otherwise be lost is cleverly captured and fed back into the battery through regenerative braking. Keep an eye on the instrument display to witness this power ballet in real-time.

Even with a heavy foot, frequently flirting with triple-digit speeds on the highway, our fuel consumption remained respectably close to Toyota’s official figures. Our week with the car was largely dominated by highway miles, punctuated by a 440km pilgrimage to the thrilling curves of Phillip Island.

To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How does the Toyota Corolla Cross drive?

If you’ve driven a Toyota hybrid, nothing about the Corolla Cross will come as a surprise.

The telltale chirp of a Toyota confirms the unlock, triggered the instant your fingers graze the door handle with the key nearby. Inside, pressing the start button doesn’t jolt the engine awake. Instead, a hush falls as the hybrid system silently awakens, bringing the car to life in a seamless, almost ethereal manner.

Imagine slipping the gear into Drive, a silent ninja awakening within your car. Perfect for stealth departures when the household slumbers. The engine remains dormant until your foot nudges the accelerator past a certain threshold, or the speedometer needle creeps above a set speed, at which point it purrs to life, its behavior dynamically adjusting to the unfolding journey.

Cruising at slower speeds? Think of your engine as a sneaky energy booster, topping off the battery while your electric motor handles the driving. Whether you’re in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, keep an eye on that power flow monitor. You might just catch the engine and electric motor teaming up to power the front wheels, a clever collaboration for ultimate efficiency.

When you punch the accelerator in the Corolla Cross, prepare for instant all-wheel-drive grip. The electric motor eagerly engages all four wheels, transforming slick surfaces into launchpads. Think zero wheelspin, even when the asphalt is drenched. But don’t worry, this burst of electrified enthusiasm doesn’t hijack the Corolla Cross’s everyday personality. For silent city gliding, simply hit the dedicated EV mode button and embrace pure electric serenity.

The electric motor whispers you forward initially, a deceptive calm before the storm. Bury the accelerator, though, and the engine erupts – a brassy, eager shriek that feels utterly out of sync, even in everyday driving. Chalk it up to another Toyota saddled with a CVT, forever chasing revs.

Once you hit highway speeds, the electric motor takes a backseat. Now, it’s all engine, furiously spinning the front wheels, desperately trying to maintain that 110km/h pace. The strain is palpable.

Lifting off the gas isn’t just slowing down; it’s a mini-energy boost. The engine cuts, saving fuel, while the regenerative braking kicks in, siphoning kinetic energy back into the battery. Think of it as getting paid to decelerate. In Drive, the effect is subtle, a gentle nudge of regeneration. But shift into ‘B’, and things get serious. It’s like dropping an anchor – instant engine braking paired with aggressive regen, turning momentum into pure, electrifying power.

Need an extra shot of adrenaline? Slap that drive mode into ‘Power’ and unleash the beast. The surge is undeniable, transforming your ride into a passing predator. Overtaking becomes an instant, effortless maneuver.

The brake pedal has a quirky personality. The initial press feels like gently coaxing power back into the battery, a subtle dance of regenerative braking. But be warned: push further, and the traditional hydraulic brakes bite with surprising ferocity. It’s a two-step tango that demands a bit of practice to master.

"Piloting the Corolla Cross isn’t a Herculean task, but think of it as learning a new dance step. If you’re accustomed to the waltz of a standard gasoline car, the hybrid’s rhythm might take a quick spin or two to master."

The Corolla Cross’s steering? Predictably excellent. Toyota’s knack for dialing in that "just right" feel is on full display here. The wheel offers satisfying weight and whispers just enough road texture to keep you connected. Cornering reveals a touch of body roll, a gentle reminder you’re not in a sports car, but the overall experience is confident and intuitive.

At top freeway speeds, the small SUV’s composure falters. It feels a touch unsteady, losing the planted feel we crave. Paired with the engine’s eagerness to rev, extended highway journeys become more of a chore than a pleasure.

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While the ride remains comfortable, effortlessly swallowing up most high-speed imperfections, be warned: the Atmos demands your attention, especially when navigating the war-torn landscapes of rural highways. Expect a bit of a din, a trade-off for those stylish 18-inch wheels. Opt for the GXL’s 17-inch rims, and you’ll find a slightly quieter sanctuary within.

The Corolla Cross thrives where city streets challenge. Its steering dances through tight corners, while the suspension effortlessly smooths out the urban jungle’s rough edges – tram lines and potholes become mere whispers beneath the wheels.

The Corolla Cross is a nimble navigator, threading through urban jungles with ease thanks to its compact frame. Picture windows offer a commanding view of the road, but the rear windscreen? Let’s just say it offers a peekaboo perspective, more letterbox than panoramic vista.

Despite its size, maneuvering is a breeze. Credit a potent combination of sensors and cameras, headlined by a surprisingly crisp surround-view monitor. Parallel parking in a tight, multi-story garage? Child’s play, thanks to the ingenious see-through chassis view that banishes blind spots.

Toyota’s safety systems are like a vigilant co-pilot, always on the ball but never panicky. The collision warnings and lane-keeping assist only chimed in when we genuinely drifted astray, proving them to be reliably observant without being overly intrusive. Think of it as a gentle nudge back on course, rather than a jarring correction.

The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems proved trustworthy companions, adeptly mirroring the ebb and flow of traffic while maintaining a gentle but firm grip within lane markers. Even on more open rural highways, the car performed admirably. However, its otherwise confident electronic babysitting exhibited a slight hesitation when faced with tighter turns at higher speeds.

The car’s lane-change acceleration feels like wading through molasses. It’s a quirk familiar to Toyota drivers, but when you’re already closing the gap on a slower vehicle, that hesitation becomes a real pain. Imagine merging, only to feel a frustrating lag as faster traffic bears down in your rearview mirror. Suddenly, you’re forced to stomp on the gas, a jarring surge needed to avoid becoming a mobile chicane.

Otherwise, the Corolla Cross is predictable on the road, if not a little bland.

To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The Corolla Cross lineup just got a serious upgrade, expanding to four distinct grades! The GXL trim is now bursting with premium features previously exclusive to the top-tier Atmos. Think crystal-clear surround-view monitoring for ultimate parking confidence, a clutter-free wireless charging pad, and a dedicated snow mode to conquer winter roads. The GXL is now a compelling choice.

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GX standard equipment highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel
• LED headlights
• Halogen daytime running lights
• Power folding, heated side mirrors
• Embossed fabric seats
• Manual front seat adjustment
• Rear seats with tilt function
• Urethane steering wheel
• Electric park brake
• 2 x front, 2 x rear cupholders
• Retractable luggage cover
• 60:40-split rear seats
• Automatic climate control
• 7.0-inch driver’s instrument display
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• 12V power socket, front
• USB-C port in centre console
• Power windows
• Door pockets with bottle holders
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 6-speaker sound system
• AM/FM/DAB+ radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Toyota Connected Services (12-month subscription)

Corolla Cross GXL adds:

• Tyre repair kit (AWD only)
• Front fog lights
• High-grade LED headlights
• Sequential turn signals
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear privacy glass
• Roof rails
• 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless phone charger
• Dual-zone climate control
• USB-C rear charge ports
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Heated front seats
• Leather-accented shift knob
• Leather-accented steering wheel
• Leather-accented/fabric upholstery
• Snow drive mode (AWD only)

Corolla Cross Atmos adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Hands-free power tailgate
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Illuminated entry system
• Rear cupholders
• Rear armrest
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Leather-accented upholstery
• 8-way power driver’s seat

Corolla Cross GR Sport

Corolla Cross GR Sport adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Lowered sports suspension
• Retuned steering
• Unique front and rear bumpers

To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

Is the Toyota Corolla Cross safe?

The Toyota Corolla Cross range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2022.

| Category | Toyota Corolla Cross | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 85 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 88 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 87 per cent | |Safety assist| 83 per cent |

Standard safety features include:

• 8 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
• Blind-spot monitoring incl. safe exit assist
• Parking support brake incl. vehicle, object detection
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Toyota Safety Sense

• AEB with pedestrian, cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control incl. curve speed reduction
• Auto high-beam
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Lane Trace Assist (centring)
• Lane change assist
• Speed sign assist

Corolla Cross GXL adds:

• ‘Simple’ panoramic view monitor

Corolla Cross Atmos adds:

• Enhanced panoramic view monitor (see-through view)
• Advanced Park Assist
• Parking support brake incl. pedestrian detection

To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How much does the Toyota Corolla Cross cost to run?

Drive with peace of mind. Your new Corolla Cross is protected by Toyota Australia’s comprehensive warranty: five years, unlimited kilometres. Extend that protection to seven years for your engine and driveline by simply servicing on schedule within our national dealer network.

| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota Corolla Cross | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| $99 or $139 per year, depending on plan | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5 years ($255 each) | |Total capped-price service cost| $1275 |

Maintenance costs are up $5 per service from the pre-update model.

To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD

In bolting a more upright body to the Corolla platform, Toyota hasn’t lost much of what makes the hatch brilliant.

The Corolla Cross shares DNA with its namesake, but on the asphalt, it sings its own tune. While the family resemblance is undeniable, the Cross prioritizes frugality. Even when pushed beyond its comfort zone, it sips fuel, not guzzles it.

Sink into the Corolla Cross’s cabin, and you’ll discover seats crafted for blissful journeys. Paired with its remarkably smooth ride, even long drives become a pleasure cruise. Building a comfortable small SUV is a tricky balancing act – a tall body on a compact frame is a recipe for a bumpy ride. Yet, the Corolla Cross confidently shrugs off road imperfections, gliding over bumps with surprising grace.

Push it hard, and the limitations surface – rough roads and higher speeds reveal a chassis that protests a bit, but don’t mistake protest for collapse. It’s robust enough. While the standard Corolla carves corners with more precision, that’s an unfair comparison. Think of it this way: it might not be a ballerina, but it’s a surprisingly agile tank.

The Atmos boasts impressive specs, but at $51,000, its value evaporates faster than premium fuel. For genuine driving pleasure without the premium price tag, look no further than the front-wheel drive Corolla Cross GXL. Recent upgrades have transformed it into a compelling choice – a smart alternative that leaves your wallet (and your conscience) feeling lighter.

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