How we would spec the PH-bound Toyota Corolla Cross  

Updated Feb 22, 2022 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

We use the Thai-spec variants as the benchmark.      

Following the local launch of the latest Vios range, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has confirmed that it will be bringing in the Corolla Cross for the local market.

The announcement comes less than a month after Toyota unveiled its Corolla-based crossover in Thailand. From the looks of it, we won’t have to wait for long, as sources within the company hint at a late August to early September arrival.

Corolla Cross front

Toyota's Corolla Cross will reach our shores before the year ends

As you can expect, the news is akin to pouring high-octane gasoline into the bonfire that is the B-segment crossover wars. The segment hardly lacks contenders who are all eager to get a slice of the market pie, from established mainstream brands to newcomers barging in with their competitive prices and aggressive feature set. Toyota is no stranger to the crossover class, having practically founded it with the RAV4 26 years ago. In fact, the model remains very much a part of Toyota’s local lineup.

In terms of an official release, the Corolla Cross takes the place of the much-hyped C-HR crossover. Both vehicles were jointly developed to complement each other, with the former being marketed as the more practical of the two.

Slotting in between the RAV4 and the Rush, the Thailand-spec Corolla Cross comes in four variants, three of them hybrids. Word is that only two variants, the 1.8G, and 1.8 HEV (for hybrid electric vehicle) will be made available in the Philippines, so we draw up a veritable wish list of specs for the PH-spec Corolla Cross.

>>> Related: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross debuts for those who want a normal C-HR

Exterior

The two variants will definitely share the same dimensions, with the entry-level G sporting halogen headlamps with daytime running lights and the upper-spec HEV equipped with more sophisticated LEDs with light guides. Power side mirrors will be standard on both trims, with the HEV getting an auto-folding feature. 

Corolla Cross rear

The smart tailgate will likely be reserved for the higher-spec variant

Tail lamps on the HEV will likely be LEDs as well, flanking a smart tailgate that’s activated by swiping your foot under the bumper-mounted sensor. We predict the G riding on 17-inch alloys, while the HEV gets bigger 18-inch wheels.

Interior

Both variants will share an identical cabin, differentiated only in terms of trim elements and amenities, with the G decked out in black and the HEV getting the two-tone Red Terra Rossa and black palette. Leather upholstery might be limited to the HEV trim, as well as piano black material for the center console. Seating for five is standard, with 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seats on both as well as a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. 

Corolla Cross seats

Expect ample interior space for up to five occupants and cargo

Power features should be expected on both variants, with the HEV getting a retractable sunroof. Both will feature a multi-function information display on the instrument panel, measuring 4.2 inches on the G and a bigger 7 inches on the HEV. Push engine start is likely standard, as well as a 9-inch touchscreen, Display Audio, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto part of the HEV’s suite.

>>> Related: See the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross up close in this walkaround video

Powertrain

The G, being the base trim, will be powered by a 1.8L DOHC 16-valve gasoline engine that makes 138 hp and 177 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Corolla Cross engine

The entry-level variant gets the conventional gasoline engine

Meanwhile, the upper-spec HEV will run on a 1.8L Atkinson cycle gasoline engine capable of 97 hp and 142 Nm of torque, paired with an electric motor-generator that makes an additional 72 hp and 163 Nm of twist. Power is transferred to the front wheels via an E-CVT with a shift lock. Electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes are par for the course between the two.

Safety

Standard cruise control could make its way to the G, with the HEV getting the more intelligent Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Expect anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control, and traction control as standard kit. Seven airbags are likely as well, although the HEV stands a better chance of being equipped with the complete Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assist safety tech, which includes lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Toyota says that it has the Honda HR-V in its sights, which costs between Php 1.3 to 1.51million, so this gives a ballpark figure in terms of the new crossover’s expected pricing. We can’t wait for the Corolla Cross to see which features Toyota will be offering for local customers.

>>> Read more: Toyota Corolla Cross 2022 Price Philippines

Get a glimpse of more new car models at 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 1,917,000. 

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. 

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 - 1.917 Million. 

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 Pros & Cons

Pros  Cons
  • Hybrid powertrain is standard
  • Plenty of standard safety equipment
  • Feature-rich interior
  • Stylish exterior
  • 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 seater is a Toyota Cross?

Corolla Cross 2023 has 5 seats.

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

The price of the Toyota Corolla Cross 2023 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. Because the new crossover is giving users 2 engine options with different experiences including: 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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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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