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

Updated Feb 22, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Thailand gets the high-riding Corolla first. The rest of the world will follow.

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.  

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.   

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross

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

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

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.   

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross

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.

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross

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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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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