The “Corolla” nameplate was applied to various bodystyles, but never to a crossover. But that changed with the introduction of the Corolla Cross back in 2023.

And as you’d expect with the typical global lifecycle of a product (the car was actually launched globally in 2020), its manufacturer, in this case Toyota, would introduce a facelift in the middle of its production run.

So just what did Toyota change with this mid-cycle refresh? And how extensive were the updates? We’ll delve into the nitty gritty in this review!

The Facelift

The front end changes are the most visible. Toyota got rid of the large plastic grille, replacing it with a sleeker, seemingly EV-inspired panel with Lexus-esque perforations.

Other changes here include the addition of a new bonnet leading edge that then flows neatly into a faux lightbar, as well as slightly reprofiled side vents. The bottom half of the front bumper survives the facelift with no major changes though.

You’d need to pay a little more attention to spot the updates to the rear end of the vehicle. The first change is perhaps a little more obvious – Toyota fitted all-new brake lights to the Corolla Cross. The other differences are far more subtle, but are all badge-related.

Firstly, the “Corolla Cross” emblem no longer exists – it now lives on the boot release trim panel as an embossing. Secondly, the blue-tinged Toyota badge has been replaced with a regular one.

That’s because the job of telling the world that this is a hybrid is now the domain of the new HEV badge, which was actually unveiled several years earlier shortly after the local launch of the original Corolla Cross.

A Robust Cabin

The cabin is typical 2020s Toyota. All of the buttons and switch gear are the same as you’d find in pretty much every single other Toyota product. This is no bad thing.

Whilst its Chinese rivals try and win you over with flashy colours and funky trim textures, Toyota keeps their cars simple. That itself is a double edged sword (we’ll address this shortly), but what it does mean is a cabin that is easy to live with, and requires little adaptation to use.

All the switchgear is sensibly placed, and the digital cluster is also a joy to use. Occupants will not struggle for space in this car, though the dark cabin does make it feel claustrophic at times. Which then brings us to some of its negatives.

Most of its Chinese rivals come with far more equipment, and more importantly, with a better integrated infotainment screen. The supplied unit here literally only works for Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and the radio, with the former not even being wireless.

Also, it could really do with a panoramic sunroof to brighten up the cabin. Nothing wrong with Toyota’s choice of materials here – just that an all-black cabin isn’t as inviting as an interior fitted to a Korean or Chinese car.

The Drive

It may have the ride height of a crossover, but the Corolla Cross is actually fairly agile and nimble. It feels decently eager to turn-in, though some bodyroll usually follows.

Not that you’d really want to drive like that in the first place. Powering the car is a 2.0 litre inline four coupled to an electric motor. The combined powertrain is good for 196 bhp and 190 Nm of torque, which it sends to its front wheels via an e-CVT transmission.

Off-the-line acceleration is good up to about 30 km/h (the electric motor no doubt adding to that sense of agility). Pass that speed though and the CVT drone kicks in, as the combustion engines takes over.

It rides well and feels properly screwed together that’s for sure, but said drone and detectible wind noise does make it feel less competitive in a very saturated electrified crossover space.

The Core Essentials

With so many tech-heavy Chinese PHEVs for about the same price, you’d expect the Corolla Cross to struggle in making a case for itself. But all of the upstarts lack the pedigree and history of the Toyota badge.

Cars, products and brands will come and go. But a Toyota product will be an evergreen contender, cars that have been withstand the test of time. And that is something that no about of technology, screens and gimmicks can replicate at this point of time!

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