Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2.0 Facelift Review
08 Aug 2025|56,001 views
Facelift (What's New)
Updated styling including new grille, head lights and taillights
Redesigned centre console area with new gear shifter
Improved cabin insulation thanks to added dampening materials
Re-tuning of engine and electric motor for added reliance on electric power
The Corolla nameplate has woven itself so intimately into the consciousness of car buyers and non-drivers alike worldwide, it’s almost surprising that it doesn't show up in example sentences when you type 'ubiquitous' into Merriam-Webster.
Still, even Toyota appeared to be aware that the shape of a bestselling car was shifting when it released the first-ever Corolla Cross back in 2022. That marked the first instance of the Corolla nameplate being tacked onto the likeness of a crossover or SUV. Expectedly, the original Corolla Cross shone as an all-rounder with its own unique appeal: It was competent on most fronts (if not very exciting), yet also held a bit more appeal than a conventional sedan with its high-riding, rugged-lite form.
The introduction of the first Corolla Cross marked an expansion of the automotive industry's bestselling nameplate
The tides of the car industry, however, have shifted massively within a few years - especially in Singapore.
In recent years, the Corolla (family) has found itself sharing its bestselling status with a number of other names that are starting to get seriously popular. Now receiving a mid-life update, the Corolla Cross cloaks itself within a more modern sheen in a bid to keep itself front and centre at the minds of car buyers - but retains an older-school approach to carmaking that prides familiarity and comfort over bedazzlement.
Setting the facelifted Corolla Cross apart from its predecessor shouldn't be too difficult, even if it's immediately recognisable still. Admittedly, it's still not what you'd call an exercise in cutting-edge design, but its inoffensive styling has certainly gotten a welcome refresh.
The original car (at least the one sold by authorised dealer (AD) Borneo Motors; parallel-imported units had different styling) was zealous in its efforts to look rugged, but has now eased into an urban-friendlier suit.
The updated Corolla Cross gets a new honeycomb-patterned grille that feels Lexus-like
The chunky matte black wheel arches are still there, but in place of the old black grille stands a honeycomb-patterned one, with a faded-in finish that more warmly embraces whatever colour you've chosen your Corolla Cross in. It's unclear if Toyota intended for it, but the mind drifts towards Lexus and its 'Spindle Body' design language seen on the LM and RX. Either way, those are not bad muses to draw from.
A horizontal strip up front also creates an uninterrupted line connecting the redesigned head lamps, which now contain 'blade-like' indicators. These already lend a more modern aura to the car, but this is accentuated further by the new taillights, with their darkened casings, bracket-like shapes and aerodynamic fins.
The car's rear end is slightly sharper now thanks to redesigned tail lamps, and cleaner too, with the model name embossed above the license-plate holder
The eagle-eyed amongst us should notice that the Corolla Cross is being eased into Toyota's new way of marking out the different powertrain types within its 'multi-pathway' lineup. The brand badges on hybrid models - including the original Corolla Cross - used to bear a blue glow; these are now black, with its hybrid identity now marked out by subtler 'HEV' lettering on its right front fender and at the rear.
Intriguingly, the net effect (coupled with its new embossed model name) means the car's sheet metal feels and looks slightly cleaner all over. Sexy, this car still isn't, but these little adjustments culminate in a pleasant visual evolution.
Dated, but ergonomically excellent
Similarly, while the cabin of the Corolla Cross has brought with it a couple of modern upgrades, it's likely that one's overarching first impressions of this space will likely be the same as before.
Unlike many modern rivals that are hyper-eager to wow their occupants, the Corolla Cross still keeps things darker and more muted, without the likes of ambient lighting or new-age gadgetry.
The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay - but you'll need to pack a cable for both
This more conservative approach to interior-building admittedly isn't impressive at first glance. Lifted directly from its predecessor, the 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, in particular, feels dated with its lower resolution and lack of wireless phone mirroring - a feature that buyers have come to expect from most cars hitting the market in 2025. Rather confusingly, the driver's seat has lost its powered adjustment too.
The flipside, however, is that the Corolla Cross' resolute 'function over form' philosophy wears well the longer you spend with the car. Paradoxically, the net result feels like a breath of fresh air in an automotive market gripped by a touchscreen pandemic.
The cabin has gotten a light, modernised touch thanks to this new central console area with its new buttons and gear lever
The first of the two main updates here is a larger, boxy centre console - replete with a new gear lever and cupholders - whose neater shape is instantly sharper and more pleasing to behold. The car's expanded wireless charging tray can now accommodate two phones too.
Furthermore, while physical buttons have quickly become rare commodities, they are generously spread over the cabin here: Within the new centre console, beneath the infotainment touchscreen, and on the steering wheel. All of them are well-weighted and bear sensible labels too, bringing with them clarity and confidence in operation that doesn't feel hard-fought.
Crisp and intuitive, yet highly-customisable, this 12.3-inch digital driver's display remains one of the Corolla Cross' best features
It also helps that the Corolla Cross continues to land a solid digital punch with its excellent 12.3-inch driver's display, which delights with its multitude of different layouts, and boasts vibrant graphics that feel Lexus-esque. In this regard, the car's analogue-digital mix is worked to perfection.
Otherwise, the Corolla Cross should continue to find favour with its families in terms of practicality.
Three should fit quite easily on the rear bench thanks to the flat floor and roofline
Thanks to the car’s flat roofline and flat floor, the rear bench will easily accommodate three average-sized Asian adults in comfort. Give its electronically operated tailgate its time to swing open, and a decently-sized 425-litre boot stands at the ready for all your grocery runs.
With the driver still in focus
The same hybrid powertrain also awaits beneath the Corolla Cross' re-skin, fusing a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor. In tandem, the experience is thus (again) largely similar to one before.
From a standstill, the Corolla Cross' electric motor invariably takes care of the initial propulsion - translating into silent and quick takeoffs - before handing the reins over to the engine. Inevitably, you'll have to bear with the drone of its eCVT either when you're getting it up to speed or really hustling it along. But settle into a cruise, and the green 'EV' logo on the digital driver's display illuminates once again.
You'll still find a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine powering the Corolla Cross alongside an electric motor
Interestingly, Toyota claims that the facelifted model has been re-tuned slightly so that the car slips more willingly into pure-electric mode. Even in the absence of a back-to-back comparison, this doesn't feel overstated, both at lower and higher speeds. For instance, the Corolla Cross can manage the entire climb up to Level 5 of a multi-storey carpark without needing to prod its engine awake; ditto for when it's floating along at the speed limit of Lane 1 on the KPE.
Some rivals still offer better cabin insulation (tyre roar, especially, is notable on rougher tarmac), but a heavier use of noise dampening materials in this facelift means the Corolla Cross offers a refined enough oasis from the elements outside. It helps that the TNGA platform on which it's built has held up remarkably over the years too. The car's ride quality is mostly supple, but without an overdone softness.
Thanks to a re-tuned setup, the Corolla Cross is claimed to be able to slip more frequently and easily into EV mode
Naturally, the heavier electric emphasis has targeted the car's efficiency too. (Officially, this facelifted model sees its consumption figure improve to 20.8km/L, from 18.8km/L previously.) Driving patterns vary greatly across individuals, but even with a fairly heavy right foot, we managed a stellar 20km/L on the dot across four days, with a roughly equal mix of city and highway driving. Even now, few rivals are making SUVs as efficient.
But reigning in the economy department is perhaps what drivers already expect from a car of the Corolla Cross' ilk.
The Corolla Cross is more engaging than one might expect to drive, thanks to its relatively low weight, quick and light steering, and power
Perhaps surprisingly, its petrol-electric powertrain has one specific and undeniable benefit in today's EV-filled market: Without having a large battery stuffed underneath, the Corolla Cross easily undercuts other similarly-sized electric crossovers on the weighing scale at just under 1.5 tonnes.
Not having to contend with all that extra heft means that - in a manner not normally associated with Toyota - the Corolla Cross stands as one of the more engaging family crossovers to drive today.
A full suite of ADAS features is also on hand, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Road Sign Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control
The car handles decently for its size and height, while its light steering is accurate, quick, and even offers some feedback. It's the sort of deceptively simple 'just right' balance, well mastered by a brand known for its Goldilocks approach.
Given that most Corolla Cross buyers are unlikely to have driving dynamics as their first priority, the decision to bring the car in with a 2.0-litre engine here rather than the 1.8-litre one for may initially seem confusing. (A possible answer for this: Since parallel-imported units are powered by the latter, this product strategy gives AD-sold units the clear upper hand.)
Still, the driver ultimately benefits: This is a nearly 200bhp car, and it feels like one. While thinking of refinement and engagement as mutually exclusive on a family car isn't wrong, the Corolla Cross proves that you can have both in good measure, with excellent fuel efficiency to top it all off.
Still a solid all-rounder - but with far stiffer competition now
Riding on the success of a known namesake, the original Corolla Cross was also a bulletproof hit with buyers. Its warm reception is perhaps most evident in how commonplace the model remains on our roads.
But the automotive market today is also more in flux than ever before. Against newer and buzzier names, it's interesting that Toyota has chosen to focus the model's mid-life refresh mostly on subtle and less visible upgrades, rather than those you can immediately pick up on.
Widespread physical buttons and even the retention of a gauge cluster on the driver's display continue to accentuate the driving experience compare to other crossovers
In isolation, this almost-stubborn commitment to an older-school playbook for carmaking - one that prioritises lasting satisfaction over immediate pizzazz - is still mostly delightful. Many new models today (and especially electric vehicles) have started to feel more like rather lifeless appliances that get you competently from Point A to B; the Corolla Cross feels like a proper car that doesn't lose sight of the driving experience.
But even as it rides both on its own objective strengths and on the brand goodwill of its parent, one huge factor still stands in the way of its second shot at ubiquity: Pricing.
The Corolla Cross still stands as a highly competent family car, but now has far stiffer competition to contend with
At around $225,000 based on current COE premiums (the car will be only be launched officially in end-August), the Corolla Cross is actually fairly placed against contemporaries from fellow legacy carmakers like the Mazda CX-30.
Stack it up against China's latest raft of feature-stuffed electric crossovers, though, and the number becomes... less enticing. Consumer expectations have (perhaps irreversibly) shifted. It's not hard to call to mind a handful of compelling SUVs - including heavyweights like the facelifted Tesla Model Y, Aion V or even the single-motor BYD Sealion 7 - that you could get today with less money on hand.
Still, amidst the electric buzz of late, it's worth remembering that not everyone wants an EV today. Even the latest Chinese arrivals seem to be indicating this reality. If those sorts of buyers with an older-school mentality show up in full force for a name they're more familiar with, this fresh suit could continue the Corolla Cross' popularity still. Regardless, however, there's no denying that it faces a far tougher fight today.
Here are a few other articles that may interest you!
Facelift (What's New)
Updated styling including new grille, head lights and taillights
Redesigned centre console area with new gear shifter
Improved cabin insulation thanks to added dampening materials
Re-tuning of engine and electric motor for added reliance on electric power
The Corolla nameplate has woven itself so intimately into the consciousness of car buyers and non-drivers alike worldwide, it’s almost surprising that it doesn't show up in example sentences when you type 'ubiquitous' into Merriam-Webster.
Still, even Toyota appeared to be aware that the shape of a bestselling car was shifting when it released the first-ever Corolla Cross back in 2022. That marked the first instance of the Corolla nameplate being tacked onto the likeness of a crossover or SUV. Expectedly, the original Corolla Cross shone as an all-rounder with its own unique appeal: It was competent on most fronts (if not very exciting), yet also held a bit more appeal than a conventional sedan with its high-riding, rugged-lite form.
The introduction of the first Corolla Cross marked an expansion of the automotive industry's bestselling nameplate
The tides of the car industry, however, have shifted massively within a few years - especially in Singapore.
In recent years, the Corolla (family) has found itself sharing its bestselling status with a number of other names that are starting to get seriously popular. Now receiving a mid-life update, the Corolla Cross cloaks itself within a more modern sheen in a bid to keep itself front and centre at the minds of car buyers - but retains an older-school approach to carmaking that prides familiarity and comfort over bedazzlement.
Setting the facelifted Corolla Cross apart from its predecessor shouldn't be too difficult, even if it's immediately recognisable still. Admittedly, it's still not what you'd call an exercise in cutting-edge design, but its inoffensive styling has certainly gotten a welcome refresh.
The original car (at least the one sold by authorised dealer (AD) Borneo Motors; parallel-imported units had different styling) was zealous in its efforts to look rugged, but has now eased into an urban-friendlier suit.
The updated Corolla Cross gets a new honeycomb-patterned grille that feels Lexus-like
The chunky matte black wheel arches are still there, but in place of the old black grille stands a honeycomb-patterned one, with a faded-in finish that more warmly embraces whatever colour you've chosen your Corolla Cross in. It's unclear if Toyota intended for it, but the mind drifts towards Lexus and its 'Spindle Body' design language seen on the LM and RX. Either way, those are not bad muses to draw from.
A horizontal strip up front also creates an uninterrupted line connecting the redesigned head lamps, which now contain 'blade-like' indicators. These already lend a more modern aura to the car, but this is accentuated further by the new taillights, with their darkened casings, bracket-like shapes and aerodynamic fins.
The car's rear end is slightly sharper now thanks to redesigned tail lamps, and cleaner too, with the model name embossed above the license-plate holder
The eagle-eyed amongst us should notice that the Corolla Cross is being eased into Toyota's new way of marking out the different powertrain types within its 'multi-pathway' lineup. The brand badges on hybrid models - including the original Corolla Cross - used to bear a blue glow; these are now black, with its hybrid identity now marked out by subtler 'HEV' lettering on its right front fender and at the rear.
Intriguingly, the net effect (coupled with its new embossed model name) means the car's sheet metal feels and looks slightly cleaner all over. Sexy, this car still isn't, but these little adjustments culminate in a pleasant visual evolution.
Dated, but ergonomically excellent
Similarly, while the cabin of the Corolla Cross has brought with it a couple of modern upgrades, it's likely that one's overarching first impressions of this space will likely be the same as before.
Unlike many modern rivals that are hyper-eager to wow their occupants, the Corolla Cross still keeps things darker and more muted, without the likes of ambient lighting or new-age gadgetry.
The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay - but you'll need to pack a cable for both
This more conservative approach to interior-building admittedly isn't impressive at first glance. Lifted directly from its predecessor, the 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, in particular, feels dated with its lower resolution and lack of wireless phone mirroring - a feature that buyers have come to expect from most cars hitting the market in 2025. Rather confusingly, the driver's seat has lost its powered adjustment too.
The flipside, however, is that the Corolla Cross' resolute 'function over form' philosophy wears well the longer you spend with the car. Paradoxically, the net result feels like a breath of fresh air in an automotive market gripped by a touchscreen pandemic.
The cabin has gotten a light, modernised touch thanks to this new central console area with its new buttons and gear lever
The first of the two main updates here is a larger, boxy centre console - replete with a new gear lever and cupholders - whose neater shape is instantly sharper and more pleasing to behold. The car's expanded wireless charging tray can now accommodate two phones too.
Furthermore, while physical buttons have quickly become rare commodities, they are generously spread over the cabin here: Within the new centre console, beneath the infotainment touchscreen, and on the steering wheel. All of them are well-weighted and bear sensible labels too, bringing with them clarity and confidence in operation that doesn't feel hard-fought.
Crisp and intuitive, yet highly-customisable, this 12.3-inch digital driver's display remains one of the Corolla Cross' best features
It also helps that the Corolla Cross continues to land a solid digital punch with its excellent 12.3-inch driver's display, which delights with its multitude of different layouts, and boasts vibrant graphics that feel Lexus-esque. In this regard, the car's analogue-digital mix is worked to perfection.
Otherwise, the Corolla Cross should continue to find favour with its families in terms of practicality.
Three should fit quite easily on the rear bench thanks to the flat floor and roofline
Thanks to the car’s flat roofline and flat floor, the rear bench will easily accommodate three average-sized Asian adults in comfort. Give its electronically operated tailgate its time to swing open, and a decently-sized 425-litre boot stands at the ready for all your grocery runs.
With the driver still in focus
The same hybrid powertrain also awaits beneath the Corolla Cross' re-skin, fusing a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor. In tandem, the experience is thus (again) largely similar to one before.
From a standstill, the Corolla Cross' electric motor invariably takes care of the initial propulsion - translating into silent and quick takeoffs - before handing the reins over to the engine. Inevitably, you'll have to bear with the drone of its eCVT either when you're getting it up to speed or really hustling it along. But settle into a cruise, and the green 'EV' logo on the digital driver's display illuminates once again.
You'll still find a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine powering the Corolla Cross alongside an electric motor
Interestingly, Toyota claims that the facelifted model has been re-tuned slightly so that the car slips more willingly into pure-electric mode. Even in the absence of a back-to-back comparison, this doesn't feel overstated, both at lower and higher speeds. For instance, the Corolla Cross can manage the entire climb up to Level 5 of a multi-storey carpark without needing to prod its engine awake; ditto for when it's floating along at the speed limit of Lane 1 on the KPE.
Some rivals still offer better cabin insulation (tyre roar, especially, is notable on rougher tarmac), but a heavier use of noise dampening materials in this facelift means the Corolla Cross offers a refined enough oasis from the elements outside. It helps that the TNGA platform on which it's built has held up remarkably over the years too. The car's ride quality is mostly supple, but without an overdone softness.
Thanks to a re-tuned setup, the Corolla Cross is claimed to be able to slip more frequently and easily into EV mode
Naturally, the heavier electric emphasis has targeted the car's efficiency too. (Officially, this facelifted model sees its consumption figure improve to 20.8km/L, from 18.8km/L previously.) Driving patterns vary greatly across individuals, but even with a fairly heavy right foot, we managed a stellar 20km/L on the dot across four days, with a roughly equal mix of city and highway driving. Even now, few rivals are making SUVs as efficient.
But reigning in the economy department is perhaps what drivers already expect from a car of the Corolla Cross' ilk.
The Corolla Cross is more engaging than one might expect to drive, thanks to its relatively low weight, quick and light steering, and power
Perhaps surprisingly, its petrol-electric powertrain has one specific and undeniable benefit in today's EV-filled market: Without having a large battery stuffed underneath, the Corolla Cross easily undercuts other similarly-sized electric crossovers on the weighing scale at just under 1.5 tonnes.
Not having to contend with all that extra heft means that - in a manner not normally associated with Toyota - the Corolla Cross stands as one of the more engaging family crossovers to drive today.
A full suite of ADAS features is also on hand, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Road Sign Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control
The car handles decently for its size and height, while its light steering is accurate, quick, and even offers some feedback. It's the sort of deceptively simple 'just right' balance, well mastered by a brand known for its Goldilocks approach.
Given that most Corolla Cross buyers are unlikely to have driving dynamics as their first priority, the decision to bring the car in with a 2.0-litre engine here rather than the 1.8-litre one for may initially seem confusing. (A possible answer for this: Since parallel-imported units are powered by the latter, this product strategy gives AD-sold units the clear upper hand.)
Still, the driver ultimately benefits: This is a nearly 200bhp car, and it feels like one. While thinking of refinement and engagement as mutually exclusive on a family car isn't wrong, the Corolla Cross proves that you can have both in good measure, with excellent fuel efficiency to top it all off.
Still a solid all-rounder - but with far stiffer competition now
Riding on the success of a known namesake, the original Corolla Cross was also a bulletproof hit with buyers. Its warm reception is perhaps most evident in how commonplace the model remains on our roads.
But the automotive market today is also more in flux than ever before. Against newer and buzzier names, it's interesting that Toyota has chosen to focus the model's mid-life refresh mostly on subtle and less visible upgrades, rather than those you can immediately pick up on.
Widespread physical buttons and even the retention of a gauge cluster on the driver's display continue to accentuate the driving experience compare to other crossovers
In isolation, this almost-stubborn commitment to an older-school playbook for carmaking - one that prioritises lasting satisfaction over immediate pizzazz - is still mostly delightful. Many new models today (and especially electric vehicles) have started to feel more like rather lifeless appliances that get you competently from Point A to B; the Corolla Cross feels like a proper car that doesn't lose sight of the driving experience.
But even as it rides both on its own objective strengths and on the brand goodwill of its parent, one huge factor still stands in the way of its second shot at ubiquity: Pricing.
The Corolla Cross still stands as a highly competent family car, but now has far stiffer competition to contend with
At around $225,000 based on current COE premiums (the car will be only be launched officially in end-August), the Corolla Cross is actually fairly placed against contemporaries from fellow legacy carmakers like the Mazda CX-30.
Stack it up against China's latest raft of feature-stuffed electric crossovers, though, and the number becomes... less enticing. Consumer expectations have (perhaps irreversibly) shifted. It's not hard to call to mind a handful of compelling SUVs - including heavyweights like the facelifted Tesla Model Y, Aion V or even the single-motor BYD Sealion 7 - that you could get today with less money on hand.
Still, amidst the electric buzz of late, it's worth remembering that not everyone wants an EV today. Even the latest Chinese arrivals seem to be indicating this reality. If those sorts of buyers with an older-school mentality show up in full force for a name they're more familiar with, this fresh suit could continue the Corolla Cross' popularity still. Regardless, however, there's no denying that it faces a far tougher fight today.
Here are a few other articles that may interest you!
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