The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated small SUV updates in Australia. With a mid-life facelift, new tech, and the introduction of a sporty GR Sport variant, Toyota aims to strengthen its position in the competitive compact SUV segment. The updated model is set to arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2025, bringing a host of aesthetic and technological improvements.
Corolla Cross 2026: Comparison Table
| Feature | 2026 Corolla Cross GX | 2026 Corolla Cross GXL | 2026 Corolla Cross Atmos | 2026 Corolla Cross GR Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.0L Hybrid FWD | 2.0L Hybrid FWD/AWD | 2.0L Hybrid FWD/AWD | 2.0L Hybrid AWD Only |
| Output | 146kW (est.) | 146kW (est.) | 146kW (est.) | 146kW (est.) |
| Transmission | CVT Auto | CVT Auto | CVT Auto | CVT Auto |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Space | 425L (FWD) / 390L (AWD) | 425L (FWD) / 390L (AWD) | 425L (FWD) / 390L (AWD) | 390L (AWD) |
| Infotainment | 8″ touchscreen | 10.5″ touchscreen | 10.5″ touchscreen, JBL audio | 10.5″ touchscreen, JBL audio |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 |
| Unique Features | Wireless CarPlay, 17″ alloys | Panoramic View, roof rails | Heated seats, moonroof | 19″ alloys, Sport mode |
Key Highlights of the 2026 Corolla Cross
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New GR Sport Variant: Aggressive styling, 19-inch black alloy wheels, unique front bumper, and all-wheel-drive only.
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Updated Exterior: New grille, fresh alloy wheel designs, revised LED headlights for GXL and Atmos grades.
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Enhanced Interior: Wider center console, updated gear shifter, and new tech features.
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Hybrid Powertrain: Expected to carry over the 146kW petrol-electric hybrid system.
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Safety: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite—forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and more.
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More Color Options: New hues include Massive Grey, Ink, Ash Slate, Shadow Platinum, and Feverish Red, with optional two-tone black roof.
Exterior and Design Updates
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross receives a subtle but impactful facelift. The most noticeable change is the new integrated mesh grille, which replaces last year’s honeycomb design for a more rugged, modern look. The GXL and Atmos grades benefit from fresh alloy wheel designs and a revised LED headlight signature, enhancing both style and visibility.
The new GR Sport variant stands out with a unique front bumper, darkened 19-inch alloy wheels, and GR Sport badging. This model rides on lowered coil springs with a unique shock absorber tune and special electric power steering tuning for a sportier drive.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Corolla Cross gets a wider center console and an updated gear shifter design. The dashboard retains its tiered layout, but with improved materials and updated controls. Tech features include a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen (with a 10.5-inch option), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and up to nine JBL speakers in higher trims.
The GR Sport model adds sport seats with Alcantara microfibre, a sport mode with quicker throttle response, and a new AWD snow mode for the 2.0L AWD variant.
Powertrain and Performance
Toyota is expected to continue with its proven hybrid powertrain for the 2026 Corolla Cross. The 146kW petrol-electric hybrid system will be available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, except for the GR Sport, which is AWD only. The hybrid system offers impressive fuel efficiency, with consumption dropping to less than 4.5L/100km in some variants.
Performance remains brisk, with the Corolla Cross capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 to 7.7 seconds, depending on the variant. Top speed is around 180km/h.
Safety and Driver Assistance
All 2026 Corolla Cross models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high-beam assist, traffic sign recognition, and proactive driving assist5.
The Panoramic View Monitor, available on higher trims, provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle for safer parking and maneuvering.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the 2026 Corolla Cross has not yet been officially announced for Australia. However, based on current models, the range is expected to start around $34,000 for the entry-level GX and rise to over $51,000 for the range-topping Atmos and new GR Sport variants.
The updated Corolla Cross is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross be available in Australia?
A: The updated Corolla Cross is expected in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2025.
Q: What is new in the 2026 Corolla Cross?
A: Key updates include a new grille, fresh alloy wheel designs, revised LED headlights, a wider center console, updated tech, and a new GR Sport variant.
Q: What safety features are standard?
A: All models come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.
