Which 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross variant should you buy? 

Updated Feb 22, 2022 | Same topic: Which Car Variant to Buy?

Spoiler alert: the lower-priced one has more power.

Crossovers are hot in the Philippine market right now. These cars are slowly catching up to the locally popular sedan, and so it is highly likely that many customers are considering these as their next vehicle. To this end, Toyota Motor Philippines decided to dip their toes in the said market segment by introducing the Corolla Cross back in 2020.  

A picture of the Corolla Corolla Cross Hybrid descending from a parking area

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid V variant

Currently, the Corolla Cross has two variants available in the Philippines. So, which is the right one for a prospective buyer? Let’s talk about that. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Variants: Exterior 

At first glance, the Corolla Cross G and the Corolla Cross Hybrid V aren’t that different from each other. Both come in the typical compact crossover form, albeit sporting an angry-looking front fascia. Both also bear the black plastic cladding that’s all the rage with modern crossover models.  

A picture of the Corolla Cross' rear end

The black cladding extends to its rear end

If you look at them closer though, one can see that the hybrid variant comes with blue-tinged Toyota badges. The non-hybrid variant, on the other hand, has the regular Toyota badging. LED headlamps are also standard on the hybrid, as well as a metallic front grille. In contrast, the regular G variant comes with halogen projector headlamps and a black front grille. Moreover, the top-spec hybrid variant also has rain-sensing wipers, whereas the non-hybrid G has regular wipers. 

Those differences aside, both Corolla Cross variants in the Philippine market share standard elements such as LED taillights, LED front fog lamps, and LED daytime running lights. Both also have power adjustable and auto-folding side mirrors. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Variants: Interior 

Inside, both the Corolla Cross G and the top-spec Corolla Cross Hybrid V can comfortably fit up to five passengers. Both come standard with automatic climate control, although the lower-spec variant is a single-zone system, whereas the top-spec hybrid variant is dual-zone. Also, the Corolla Cross hybrid gets leather seats, while the non-hybrid G has fabric seats. 

A picture of the Corolla Cross Hybrid V's interior

The top-spec Corolla Cross Hybrid V's cockpit

For the driver, both variants provide keyless entry, and a push-to-start button. The top-spec variant, however, has an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, while the lower-spec trim is equipped with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. Apart from that, the Hybrid V variant also gets a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, while the entry-level variant only has an analog-digital gauge cluster. 

A picture of the rear cabin of the Corolla Cross

It's rear seats offer plenty of leg and headroom

For entertainment, the top-spec model also gets a better system. To be specific, it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the lower-spec variant comes with a smaller 6.8-inch touchscreen. However, both head units come with Bluetooth and the Smart Device Link software. The larger unit however, has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Variants: Engine and Performance 

When it comes to what’s under the hood, this is probably the biggest difference between the Corolla Cross’ two variants. 

For the top-spec V, it uses a hybrid system consisting of the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE inline-4 gasoline mill, and a motor generator. In total, this powertrain can produce up to 120 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque.  

The Corolla Cross from the side

The Corolla Cross from the side

In contrast to the V variant, the lower-spec G is a gas-only vehicle. It uses the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE inline-4 gasoline engine, which can produce up to 140 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. The combustion-only powertrain is obviously a bit more powerful than the Corolla Cross V’s hybrid powertrain. 

For transmissions, both variants come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The said transmission then sends power to their front wheels. Both variants also use a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. Both also have ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes.  

Toyota Corolla Cross Variants: Safety   

For safety, the top-spec Corolla Cross Hybrid V is kitted out with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This collection of driver assist features includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.    

While the lower-spec Corolla Cross G lacks TSS, it does share the same standard safety equipment with the top-spec model. Both come with seven airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, ISOFIX child seat tethers, a reverse camera, an engine immobilizer, and a car alarm. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Price Philippines

Toyota Corolla Cross Variants 

Price 

Corolla Cross G 1.8 CVT 

Php 1,285,000 

Corolla Cross Hybrid V 1.8 CVT 

Php 1,650,000 


Toyota Corolla Cros Variants: Conclusion 

If we’re talking about on-board features and safety kits, the difference between the Corolla Cross G and V are clear-cut. In other words, the more expensive variant simply gets more. Specifically, it has more in the way of safety with its TSS, and it also has a better entertainment system. 

Then again, the more affordable Corolla Cross G makes more power and torque. It is highly probable however, that it has a larger carbon footprint than the hybrid variant. 

To sum it up, anyone who’s concerned with having more safety and being more environmentally conscious at the same time should lean towards the Corolla Cross Hybrid V. In turn, those who want more power should go for the Corolla Cross G. Do note though that this is just a suggestion, and we urge you to test drive both variants if you’re hell-bent on getting a Corolla Cross. 

For more car buying and selling guides, keep it here on Philkotse.com

Know more about Toyota Corolla Cross 2024

Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross is a hybrid-powered five-seater crossover. For the Philippine market, it has three variants - the G, mid-spec V, and the top-spec GR-S. These are offered with a price ranging from Php 1,498,000 to Php 1,922,000. 

Size-wise, the Corolla Cross HEV is 4,460mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,620mm in height. The R-S trim is slightly shorter in length at 4,455mm. All trims have a wheelbase length spanning 2,640mm. 

Propelling all variants of the Corolla Cross HEV is a 1.8-liter engine paired with an electric motor. Together, this system can output 121 horsepower and 142 NM of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. 

Locally, the Corolla Cross HEV competes against the Geely Azkarra, Ford Territory, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, and Mazda CX-30, among others. 

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Toyota Corolla Cross Launch

The refreshed Toyota Corolla Cross HEV was launched in the Philippines on April 12, 2024. It entered the local market with three variants, all of which are hybrids. At launch, its price ranges from ₱1.498 - 1.922 Million. 

2024 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS HEV - The Trendsetter HYBRID RETURNS! | Philkotse Quick Look

Toyota Corolla Cross Exterior

On the outside, the updated Corolla Cross HEV’s V and G trims get a new front end which reflects its status as a hybrid model. It gets a slicker grille, a pair of sharp LED headlamps with new LED daytime running lamps, as well as LED front fog lamps. 

Other exterior features found on the Corolla Cross HEV include rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, LED taillights, as well as LED rear fog lamps. 

The top-spec GR-S trim also has those features, but it boasts a sportier look thanks to a different grille and unique front and rear bumpers. The GR-S also gets smoked LED lamps, a panoramic sunroof, and roof rails. Standard on both the GR-S and the V is a power tailgate with a kick sensor. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Interior

Inside, the 2024 Corolla Cross HEV can comfortably seat up to five occupants. Plus, it has room to spare for cargo. 

UP front, it gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a push-to-start button, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and a leather center armrest. Depending on the trim, it also features a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a digital meter cluster, as well as an electrochromic rear-view mirror. 

The rear cabin of this Toyota crossover meanwhile, gets rear USB charging ports, and a folding center armrest. The rear seat also has a 60:40 split-fold functionality. 

Keeping everyone inside the Corolla Cross HEV cool is a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Higher-spec trims like the GR-S and the V also get leather upholstery.

Technology & Safety Features

For the driver, the top-spec GR-S provides a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, while the mid-spec V has a seven-inch TFT instrument display. The entry-level G meanwhile, gets a smaller 4.2-inch TFT instrument display. 

On-board entertainment for this Toyota model is handled by a 10-inch touchscreen for all trims. This infotainment system provides wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. It is then linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

Powering up one’s smartphone is done easily on the Corolla Cross HEV thanks to a wireless charging pad. Plus, it gets type A and type C front USB ports on top of the two type C ports positioned for the rear cabin. 

Safety on the 2024 Corolla Cross HEV is provided by a total of seven airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view (or 360-degree) camera, and parking sensors, among others. 

Those aforementioned features are reinforced by the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assist suite. These include dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane trace assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system. 

Platform & Chassis

The 2024 Corolla Cross HEV uses a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Stopping power meanwhile, is provided by disc brakes for all four wheels. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Engine & Drivetrain

Propelling all three 2024 Corolla Cross HEV variants is a 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. In total, this hybrid system can output 121 hp and 142 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels through a CVT. 

To optimize its power and efficiency, the updated Corolla Cross features a drive mode selector. Its available modes include Eco, Power, and electric vehicle (EV) modes. 

Available color options for the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross HEV include Emotional Red 2 or Platinum White Pearl Mice combined with an Attitude Black Mica top. These two are only available for the GR-S. 

The V and G trims meanwhile, may come in Platinum White Pearl Mica, Celestite Gray Metallic, or Metal Stream Metallic. 

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross HEV one-ups most of its rivals by having an entirely hybrid-powered trim lineup. It isn’t the most powerful in its class mind you, but this might go a long way in terms of fuel efficiency. 

Toyota Corolla Cross 2024 Price List

 Variants Price
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid G CVT ₱1,498,000
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid G CVT (Platinum White Pearl Mica)
CVT
₱1,513,000
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid V CVT ₱1,763,000
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid V CVT (Platinum White Pearl Mica) ₱1,778,000
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR-S CVT ₱1,917,000
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR-S CVT (Emotional Red Two-tone) ₱1,922,000

Toyota Corolla Cross Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Hybrid powertrain is standard
  • Plenty of standard safety equipment
  • Feature-rich interior
  • Stylish exterior

Cons

  • All trims could’ve used the 360-degree view camera 
  • Only GR-S gets roof rails

Toyota Corolla Cross Q&A

1. What engine will the Toyota Corolla 2024 use?

The Toyota Corolla 2024 will have 2 Dynamic Force engine options: a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter.

2. How many seats are there in a Toyota Cross?

Corolla Cross 2024 has 5 seats.

3. How much does Corolla Cross 2024 in the Philippines cost? 

The price of the Toyota Corolla Cross 2024 ranges from ₱1.498 - 1.917 Million, depending on the variant.

4. What will the Toyota Corolla 2024 make different?

The Toyota Corolla 2024 will have safety feature improvements, which are front junction support and Proactive Driving Assist.

5. Is the 2024 Corolla cross a hybrid?

Yes, it is, but not quite right. The new crossover offers users 2 engine options with different experiences: The G variant is equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that delivers 138 hp and 172 Nm of torque. The V Hybrid and the GR-S variant are powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline hybrid engine that generates a maximum power output of 120 hp and 142 Nm of torque.

₱ 1,498,000 - ₱ 1,917,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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