Production Models

When Toyota first rolled out the Corolla Cross into the crowded local compact crossover market back in 2020, it soon became another best-selling model for the brand.

Market acceptance was immediate for the stylish crossover that offered the perfect blend of practicality, decent performance and modern design.

The Corolla Cross was among the first crossovers that Toyota offered locally with hybrid powertrains at a time when people began to appreciate the benefits of electrified vehicles.

When Toyota introduced the latest iteration of refreshed Corolla Cross, it decided to offer only the new variants with hybrid powertrains.

The top-of-line variant remained the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV.

Interestingly enough the top variant - the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV - didn't get the new grille design and facade.

Still the top Corolla Cross lived up to its sporty tag with the bold bumpers, glossy black highlights, the GR-S decals.

The GR-S exterior also featured 2-beam LED Projector headlights with Sequential Turn Signal, LED Daytime Running Lights, Clearance Lamp, LED Front and Rear Fog Lamps, Smoked LED Rear Combination Lamps, Outside Rear View Mirrors that Power Adjust and Auto Fold and with integrated Side Turn Signals as well as Rain-Sensing front windshield wipers

Also included are rear spoilers, roof rail, fin antenna, and overfenders.

What truly distinguishes the Corolla Cross GR-S is the Panoramic Moon Roof, as well as the 18-inch GR-S wheels wrapped by Michelin tires.

Toyota focused on enhancing the cabin feel of the GR-S, making it more upscale with the use of soft-touch materials, although it still featured some hard plastic and piano black surfaces.

Electronic parking brake with Brake Hold feature replaced the foot-operated parking brake in the old Corolla Cross variants. The controls are found behind the traditional auto-shift lever on the center console.

Other updates include the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster; the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; wireless charger for mobile phones.

One can connect phones to the audio system via Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB portal up front. Two Type C portals are available for rear seat passengers. Also available is 12-volt socket to power devices.

Leather upholstery for the seats, the adjustable center armrest, and the dash enhance the upscale feel of the cabin.

The driver's seat power adjusts 8-ways although the front passenger only gets four-way manual adjusting seat.

The rear seat splits and reclines 60:40 and feature a center armrest.

The Corolla Cross cabin is quite roomy in the front and comes with decent leg, head and elbow room in the back.

Comfort and convenience features include Smart Keyless Entry, Push Button Start, Power Windows, Powered Rear Door with Kick Sensor, as well as Auto Dual Zone Climate Control System.

The GR-S variant provides a refined ride, maintaining comfort while enhancing stability and handling from the GR-tuned suspension featuring front MacPherson Struts and rear Torsion Beams both with Stabilizer Bars.

Driver benefits from a Steering Wheel that tilts and telescopes and feature switches to control the Audio, Display, Phone, Cruise Control, and Lane Departure functions.

Although sporting the GR-S tag, the top-of-line Corolla Cross can be best described as comfortable, safe and uneventful.

Powering the Corolla Cross GR-S is a 1.8-liter hybrid engine that produces a combined 122 PS and 142 Nm of torque, paired to an eCVT that manages front-wheel drive.

While driving dynamics may not thrill the adventurous at heart, the vehicle's TNGA platform offers a smooth and quiet journey.

Also a very fuel efficient drive as many have reported attaining an average of 17-18 kilometers per liter in the city and up to 26 kilometers per liter on the highway.

The Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV comes fully loaded with Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Vehicle Security System.

The TSS features functions like Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The TVSS comes with Alarm, Immobilizer, and Digital Video Recorded.

Other safety features include multiple airbags and curtain shield and 3-point ELR seatbelts for five; Anti-Lock Brake Signal; Electronic Brake Distribution; Vehicle Stability Control; Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The GR-S also comes with Panoramic View Monitor and front and rear Sonar.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is designed to appeal to a market that values stylish aesthetics and a comfortable, feature-rich interior while also being thoughtful about driving dynamics and hybrid efficiency.

Perhaps the best thing that you can say about the Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV is that it's a Toyota.