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

Crossover SUVs in the Philippine market is one of the most exciting segments since car manufacturers are respectively reinforcing its foothold in the said arena. Mainstream Japanese and Korean car brands in the country are constantly in a dogfight to get the most share of the pie. To add, the emergence of crossover SUVs from several Chinese brands in the country make things more competitive.

While things are going as is here in the Philippines, Toyota launched a new five-seater crossover SUV in Thailand that’s intended to rival the likes of the Honda HR-V, Subaru XV, Hyundai Kona, Geely Coolray, among others. This is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross.  

The 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross is like a shrunk Toyota RAV4, and it is relatively longer and wider as compared to the Rush. Overall, the size of the 2021 Corolla Cross is in the ballpark numbers similar to the segment rivals we mentioned earlier. The Japanese automaker’s new crossover SUV is built on the Toyota New Global  Architecture (TNGA), specifically the TNGA-C platform that’s also used for the Corolla Altis and C-HR.

The fascia of Toyota’s new crossover SUV is dominated by a large grille, as well as an aggressive bumper, and sharp LED headlights. The grille of the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross looks like the tweaked version of the one fitted in the new Hilux. The black cladding on the bumper gives this vehicle a bolder stance, which is a nice touch and could indicate that it is ready to go anywhere.   

Look at the wide fender flares

Moving on to its side, you can’t help but notice the Corolla Cross’ wide fender flares, which adds muscle to its overall look. The black cladding from the front extends to the side, and all the way to rear. It also gets a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear is equipped with wraparound LED taillights that are distinctive and a bit reminiscent of the current RAV4.

As a whole, the Corolla Cross is like a shrunk RAV4, and a redesigned C-HR. It’s as if Toyota wants to offer a vehicle that looks conservatively good combined with having the ability to be a utilitarian machine.  

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment

Inside, the Corolla Cross features a Terra Rossa red interior theme, along with the addition of a 7-inch Multi Information Display (MID) on the instrument cluster. Placed right at the center of the dashboard is the 9-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay.

The Corolla Cross also comes with a power moonroof, power adjustable driver seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. In addition, rear passengers get USB outlets as well as aircon vents in the middle.

>>> Related: List of all Toyota SUVs in the Philippines: Price list with Brief review

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense

In terms of safety, the 2021 Corolla Cross is integrated with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes safety tech such as pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control with lane tracing assist, automatic high beam, as well as panoramic view monitor. This crossover SUV also gets seven airbags.   

What do you think about the Corolla Cross' look?

Powering the Corolla Cross is either a 1.8-liter gasoline or a 1.8-liter hybrid engine. The gasoline power unit delivers 140 hp and 175 Nm of torque. It is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). On the other hand, the hybrid engine makes 98 hp and 142 Nm, and it is connected to a CVT. This engine is combined with a 600 V electric motor, which gives an additional 72 hp and 163 Nm.

Pricing for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at 989,000 Thai Baht (around Php 1,570,000)

In Thailand, the Corolla Cross is offered in four variants: Sport, Hybrid Smart, Hybrid Premium, and Hybrid Premium Safety. Pricing starts at 989,000 Thai Baht (around Php 1,570,000) and the top-spec variant is priced at 1,199,000 Thai Baht (around Php 1,903,000). It is available in the following exterior colors: Metal Stream Metallic, Red  Mica Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Celestite Gray Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Nebula Blue, and Graphite Metallic.

As of this writing, Toyota has yet to announce if it plans to sell the Corolla Cross to the rest of the ASEAN market, but we expect that it does so in the months to come.

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