If the C-HR is simply too small for you and the RAV4 is simply too large, look no additional than the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Prolonged names and haphazard embossed badging apart, the Corolla Cross is the oft-forgotten center little one within the Toyota Australia household. Everybody is aware of what the Corolla and RAV4 are, however what’s this all about?
To simplify issues, it’s one in all seven Toyota SUVs at the moment on sale domestically. It sits between the C-HR and RAV4 when it comes to measurement, and utilises the identical platform because the C-HR and Corolla – you’ll see the similarities with its name-sharing sibling inside.
If that hasn’t cleared something up, it’s best to think about this small SUV as a jacked-up Corolla (they’ve the identical wheelbase, in spite of everything) sporting a special physique – as with the Yaris and Yaris Cross, as a substitute of being nearly-identical twins just like the Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek.
Nonetheless, the Corolla Cross’ positioning as a barely bigger small SUV doesn’t appear to be too complicated for patrons, because it’s the fifth-best promoting mannequin in Toyota’s broad lineup thus far in 2025.
It isn’t taking its market section by storm although. With 8090 gross sales within the first eight months of 2025, the Corolla Cross ranks behind the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4, and Mazda CX-30 within the small SUV section, which is attention-grabbing given its comparatively robust place inside Toyota.
In a bid to spice up gross sales, Toyota has up to date the mannequin for 2025. All fashions now make noise when travelling at low pace on electrical energy to alert pedestrians, commonplace tools has shifted and trickled down the vary, and a flagship GR Sport variant has been launched.
On check right here is the premium 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos, which sits alongside the GR Sport. It now options ventilated entrance seats, a redesigned centre console, new LED headlight internals, and, like the remainder of the vary, a brand new look entrance and rear.
That’s a raft of modifications, however they haven’t come low-cost. Is the Corolla Cross higher for all of it?
How a lot does the Toyota Corolla Cross price?
The complete Corolla Cross vary is now $960 dearer than earlier than, which implies our Atmos AWD tester prices $50,990 earlier than on-roads.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 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 |
That’s quite a bit to fork out for a small SUV, particularly when you think about that an all-wheel drive RAV4 XSE prices solely $920 extra and has a lot of the identical package. It’s additionally greater than $10,000 dearer than a top-spec Yaris Cross City.
Small SUV rivals embrace different top-spec variants just like the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium N Line ($48,950 earlier than on-roads), MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ ($36,990 drive-away), and GWM Haval Jolion Extremely Hybrid ($38,990 drive-away).
To the tip of August 2025, these three fashions are forward of the Corolla Cross in gross sales by at the least 4000 items.
To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
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What’s the Toyota Corolla Cross like on the within?
Not all that attention-grabbing, which may be very a lot a theme with the Corolla Cross.
It’s clear Toyota has prioritised operate over kind, and this automobile is healthier for it. To start out, it’s extremely straightforward to get into the Corolla Cross, even by SUV requirements.
The big door opening, acceptable seat and flooring peak, and ample flooring area all contribute to this. That ought to make it extra interesting to the aged or folks with poor mobility.
As soon as you might be in, you’ll discover the seats very comfy. They’re completed in a mixture of leather-based and material however really feel very gentle, to not point out well-sculpted, supportive, and a near-perfect match for my average-size body – a welcome discovery on this small mainstream SUV.
This contributes to the automobile’s robust ergonomics, because the vary of adjustment in each the seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel makes it straightforward to discover a good driving place.
After you’re settled, you’ll discover most inside controls are bodily. The standard-feeling steering wheel includes a vary of onerous plastic buttons, whereas a bodily local weather management system is fitted within the center, successfully an identical to what’s discovered within the common Corolla.
It’s not flashy, but it surely all works. The one factor that may maintain you up is the customisation for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as it may be cumbersome to regulate utilizing the buttons on the steering wheel – this is similar in different Toyotas, however at the least it’s set-and-forget.
The ten.5-inch infotainment show, in the meantime, is less complicated to navigate with its vertical shortcut ribbon and clear labels. Its graphics are on par with the remainder of Toyota’s vary, and past the best way it juts out of the dashboard it appears wonderful and works properly.
There are additionally the everyday buttons on the steering wheel for adjusting the audio, all of that are straightforward to succeed in along with your thumbs.
In fact, the inside isn’t all that visually attention-grabbing. It’s dominated by massive, flat, scratchy surfaces and easy shapes, which implies that nothing is hidden out of sight; nonetheless, it’s attainable to get tired of the best way all of it appears.
The centre console is at the least contemporary, with much less cheap-looking plastic and an total sleeker design. There’s nonetheless a wi-fi cellphone charger forward of the gear selector and a choice of onerous plastic buttons, however there’s a good bit of piano black plastic now, in a really scratchable spot too.
In any other case, there’s sufficient area in that central cubby for a cellphone when not charging, in addition to a pair of cupholders and bottle holders within the doorways. These are beneath the door armrests, which aren’t notably pleasant to bony elbows.
The central armrest is at the least good and gentle, and you’ll slide it ahead or again to search out what’s comfy. Beneath is a small storage cubby, which homes a 12V outlet – there’s just one USB-C port up entrance, subsequent to the gear selector.
The second row is a equally bland affair. Its seats are surprisingly gentle and supportive, however whereas it’s a wonderful ambiance and I like a black headliner, there isn’t a lot right here to maintain your eyes glad.
The black upholstery is one factor, however you’ll additionally discover black plastic used completely on the door playing cards and centre console. There’s at the least a good quantity of facilities, like twin rear-facing air vents, twin USB-C ports, deep cupholders within the doorways, and a fold-down armrest with two cupholders as well.
It’s additionally pretty tight, and at 173cm I had simply sufficient leg and head room. With the central armrest down and doorways closed, I truly discovered it to be fairly cosy within the again – I couldn’t converse for anybody taller, although.
Moreover, the panoramic sunroof fitted to the Atmos makes the second row really feel slightly extra open.
Powered help makes the tailgate straightforward to open, revealing a usable area. The principle load flooring is flat and it’s straightforward sufficient to carry issues into, even when sliding something is tough due to the ‘carpeted’ flooring that isn’t secured down.
There are additionally slender slits on both sides for storing something small, together with a tray on the motive force’s facet for free objects. That’s about all you get within the boot, and it’s unlucky that as a result of that is an all-wheel drive variant you solely get a tyre restore package.
Boot area can also be diminished to 380 litres in AWD fashions, down from 414L in front-wheel drives. Toyota doesn’t quote a seats-down determine, however for context the Kona presents 407L with the seats up, whereas a ZS presents 443L.
It is a results of the Corolla Cross’ all-wheel drive association with a rear-mounted electrical motor, the place the opposite two fashions are front-wheel drive. Toyota’s high-voltage battery is positioned beneath the rear seat.
| Dimensions | Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD |
|---|---|
| Size | 4460mm |
| Width | 1825mm |
| Top | 1620mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640mm |
| Cargo capability | 380L |
To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Since petrol-only variants have been axed in 2024, the Corolla Cross is now accessible with only one hybrid powertrain. This consists of a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a hybrid transaxle to supply a peak energy output of 146kW (Toyota doesn’t state a mixed torque determine).
| Specs | Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated 4cyl |
| Engine outputs | 112kW/188Nm |
| Peak electrical motor outputs | 83kW/206Nm |
| Peak system outputs | 146kW |
| Battery | 4.06Ah li-ion |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1550kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.6 seconds |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 4.4L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 4.9L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 43L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 100g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 750kg |
Like many different hybrid Toyota fashions, the Corolla Cross AWD lacks a mechanical connection between the entrance and rear axles. That leaves the petrol engine liable for driving the entrance wheels solely, whereas the electrical portion can energy each the front- and rear-ends.
The engine is usually used to cost the battery too, which is managed mechanically, whereas regenerative braking happens when coasting or making use of the brake pedal. Energy circulate will be monitored on the instrument show.
Our recorded gas financial system determine was inside a snug neighborhood of Toyota’s declare, regardless of pushing the automobile for extended durations of time at 100km/h or extra. Freeway driving dominated our week with the automobile, which included a 440km spherical journey to Phillip Island.
To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Toyota Corolla Cross drive?
In the event you’ve pushed a Toyota hybrid, nothing concerning the Corolla Cross will come as a shock.
Toyota’s signature beeps sign this as you unlock the automobile, which occurs as quickly as you seize the door deal with with the important thing close by. Urgent the beginning button when you’re inside gained’t instantly fireplace up the engine; as a substitute, the automobile’s hybrid system permits all methods to kick into life silently.
It’ll additionally set off silently if you slide the gear selector to Drive, which makes it preferrred should you’re typically leaving dwelling whereas others are asleep. The engine will begin if you inevitably depress the accelerator past a sure level or when travelling above a sure pace, and it behaves otherwise relying on the state of affairs.
At low pace, the engine will primarily cost the battery whereas the automobile strikes alongside on electrical energy. This will occur in front- or all-wheel drive, and it’s possible you’ll typically discover that the facility circulate monitor reveals the engine and electrical motor powering the entrance wheels on the identical time.
The electrical motor will typically have interaction all 4 wheels when accelerating from a standstill, offering improved traction, which is especially helpful within the moist. None of this modifications the best way the Corolla Cross behaves in on a regular basis driving, and there’s a devoted button to lock it in EV mode at metropolis speeds.
There’s nonetheless a wholesome electrical push when setting off, however beneath onerous acceleration the engine is brash and really rev-happy, even with out fast motion in ‘Regular’ mode. That is typical of Toyotas lumped with CVTs.
At freeway speeds, the electrical motor will normally be disengaged fully. This leaves the petrol engine to drive the entrance wheels solely, and it could possibly really feel strained attempting to carry a gentle tempo at 110km/h because it revs away.
The engine will at the least shut off if you carry off the throttle, which saves gas and permits the automobile’s regenerative braking system to create some battery cost. That regen impact is pretty weak in Drive, however switching to ‘B’ makes it a lot stronger – this combines each electrical regen and decrease gearing for noticeable engine braking.
In the event you want extra poke, altering the drive mode to ‘Energy’ offers you simply that. The distinction is important, and ideal if it’s essential make a fast overtake.
It’s additionally value noting that the brake pedal will take a second to get used to. The preliminary little bit of the pedal’s journey seems to be principally regenerative braking, and miserable it additional engages the hydraulic brakes in a approach that may be sudden should you’re not prepared for it.
This doesn’t make the Corolla Cross tough to drive – it’ll simply be a small studying curve should you’re coming from a conventional non-hybrid automobile.
What gained’t be shocking is the steering. Toyota sometimes does properly to make its automobiles steer in a approach that feels proper, and it’s no totally different within the Corolla Cross. It’s weighted appropriately and provides sufficient suggestions from the highway, although you’ll nonetheless get a little bit of physique roll round turns.
Then again, it appears slightly sad at most freeway speeds, the place this small SUV feels a however stilted and never as planted in addition to we’d like, which when coupled with the revvy engine means it isn’t one of the best long-distance cruiser.
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The journey continues to be comfy and good at managing high-speed bumps, however you’ll simply have to maintain tabs on the automobile’s behaviour – notably on crumbling rural highways. Street noise isn’t tranquil both, which is to be anticipated on the Atmos’ bigger 18-inch wheels, but it surely’s higher on the GXL’s 17s.
The upside is the Corolla Cross is about up in a approach that fits low-speed, city driving. The steering is nimble in such environments, and the suspension absorbs typical obstacles and bumps akin to tram tracks properly.
The Corolla Cross’ modest stature additionally makes it straightforward to manoeuvre, whereas its pretty massive home windows present good visibility. A downside is that the rear windscreen resembles a letterbox slot.
Nonetheless, there’s a robust array of sensors and cameras, the latter of which is supported by a surround-view monitor of surprisingly excessive decision and a see-through chassis operate. All this makes the automobile straightforward to park, particularly in tight multi-level garages.
Toyota’s suite of security gear can also be reliable. We didn’t have any points with over-sensitive collision warnings or lane-keep inputs, with the one interventions coming once we truly wandered too near the lane markings.
We additionally discovered its adaptive cruise management and lane-centring methods to be dependable, and in a position to match visitors circulate whereas comfortably holding the automobile in its lane. It may additionally deal with rural highways, however is reluctant to use a lot steering lock at pace.
It additionally hesitates to speed up when altering lanes, which is frequent for Toyota automobiles however annoying should you’ve already caught as much as a slower automobile forward. This may be unnerving if quicker automobiles are approaching from behind within the overtaking lane, requiring you to take over on the throttle briefly.
In any other case, the Corolla Cross is predictable on the highway, if not slightly bland.
To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
4 grades now make up the Corolla Cross vary. The GXL is now higher outfitted, because it has gained objects akin to a surround-view digicam, wi-fi cellphone charger, and snow drive mode that have been beforehand solely accessible on the Atmos.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GX commonplace tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- House-saver spare wheel
- LED headlights
- Halogen daytime working lights
- Energy folding, heated facet mirrors
- Embossed cloth seats
- Guide entrance seat adjustment
- Rear seats with tilt operate
- Urethane steering wheel
- Electrical park brake
- 2 x entrance, 2 x rear cupholders
- Retractable baggage cowl
- 60:40-split rear seats
- Computerized local weather management
- 7.0-inch driver’s instrument show
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- 12V energy socket, entrance
- USB-C port in centre console
- Energy home windows
- Door pockets with bottle holders
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 6-speaker sound system
- AM/FM/DAB+ radio
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Toyota Related Companies (12-month subscription)
Corolla Cross GXL provides:
- Tyre restore package (AWD solely)
- Entrance fog lights
- Excessive-grade LED headlights
- Sequential flip alerts
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear privateness glass
- Roof rails
- 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Twin-zone local weather management
- USB-C rear cost ports
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Heated entrance seats
- Leather-based-accented shift knob
- Leather-based-accented steering wheel
- Leather-based-accented/cloth upholstery
- Snow drive mode (AWD solely)
Corolla Cross Atmos provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Fingers-free energy tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Illuminated entry system
- Rear cupholders
- Rear armrest
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather-based-accented upholstery
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
Corolla Cross GR Sport provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Lowered sports activities suspension
- Retuned steering
- Distinctive entrance and rear bumpers
To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Toyota Corolla Cross secure?
The Toyota Corolla Cross vary wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on testing carried out in 2022.
| Class | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 85 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 87 per cent |
| Security help | 83 per cent |
Commonplace security options embrace:
- 8 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
- Blind-spot monitoring incl. secure exit help
- Parking help brake incl. automobile, object detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing digicam
- Toyota Security Sense
- AEB with pedestrian, bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management incl. curve pace discount
- Auto high-beam
- Lane departure warning
- Lane maintain help
- Lane Hint Help (centring)
- Lane change help
- Velocity signal help
Corolla Cross GXL provides:
- ‘Easy’ panoramic view monitor
Corolla Cross Atmos provides:
- Enhanced panoramic view monitor (see-through view)
- Superior Park Help
- Parking help brake incl. pedestrian detection
To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Toyota Corolla Cross price to run?
The Corolla Cross is backed by Toyota Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, which extends to seven years for the engine and driveline supplied the automobile is serviced on time and inside the Japanese model’s nationwide seller community.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | $99 or $139 per yr, relying on plan |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years ($255 every) |
| Complete capped-price service price | $1275 |
Upkeep prices are up $5 per service from the pre-update mannequin.
To see how the Toyota Corolla Cross stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD
In bolting a extra upright physique to the Corolla platform, Toyota hasn’t misplaced a lot of what makes the hatch sensible.
Though it could be mechanically related and dimensionally comparable, the on-road expertise proves that the Corolla Cross has lots to supply in its personal proper. The headline act is effectivity, as even extended driving outdoors of the automobile’s consolation zone doesn’t see it chug by way of gas.
Its inside – and seats specifically – are very comfy, which makes for a pleasing drive when mixed with the spectacular journey consolation. It’s tough to make a small SUV journey properly as a consequence of a high-riding physique atop a brief wheelbase, however the Corolla Cross handles most bumps with composure.
It’s solely when speeds choose up and highway circumstances deteriorate that it feels slightly out of its league, however the crashy chassis is nothing to fret about and it isn’t about to fall out from beneath you. The common Corolla has it beat in terms of dealing with dynamics and physique management, however that’s hardly shocking.
All that makes for a fantastic automobile total, however not for the $51,000 Atmos specifically. Avoid wasting money and go for a front-wheel drive Corolla Cross GXL as a substitute – the current updates have made that variant a way more convincing worth proposition.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Toyota Corolla Cross. Click on right here to get a fantastic deal.
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