In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, the Corolla Cross has secured its place as South Africa’s favourite, with over 22 000 units sold last year alone. This success has also propelled it to become the country’s second-best selling passenger vehicle.
What’s new?
The latest iteration of the Corolla Cross elevates this model to new heights, introducing a range of improvements, including refined design elements, technologies and enhanced safety features.
Exterior:
On the outside there are a new bumper and grille, as well as redesigned headlamps, which feature sequential turn signals (on XR and GR-S models).
Exclusive to the XR and GR-S models are uniquely shaped Bi-Beam LED lamps and crystal-like LED daytime running lights. The rear end has been updated with a reimagined light design featuring an inner lens.
A sleek new carbon-neutral badge further highlights Toyota’s dedication to sustainability. Customers can also choose from two stunning new colours – Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze – for added personalisation.
Interior:
On the inside, you will find new premium materials and features like real stitching on the instrument panel and console lid, along with high-quality floor carpets with a heel pad.
Convenience is also a focus, with the addition of an electric parking brake, USB Type-C ports and Rear Occupant Detection for added safety.
The seating has been upgraded with rear reclining seats for added comfort and newly designed seat trims that feature dark brown accents. The interior trim colours remain unchanged: Black and Terra Rosa.
Technology:
The Corolla Cross now offers a larger, high-resolution Display Audio screen that provides three customisable display options. Now coming standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone connectivity is seamless.
The system also includes multi-touch control with a soft-touch interface, improved Bluetooth connectivity and an enhanced end-user interface for a smoother experience.
The newly digitised instrument cluster (available on XR and GR-S grades) offers improved visibility and personalised driving themes, tailoring the experience to suit individual preferences.
Equipment:
The new Corolla Cross makes loading and unloading easier than ever before with the introduction of a hands-free luggage and back door release system (Power Back Door + Kick Sensor) on the XR and GR-S models – a first for the Corolla Cross.
The back monitor now provides clearer image views, with customisable view modes that assist with parking and reversing.
The XR and GR-S grades also come with a 360° Panoramic View Monitor for enhanced visibility when driving and convenience when parking.
Prices:
The Corolla Cross retains its two-engine strategy (a 1.8-litre petrol engine and the 1.8-litre Hybrid (HEV). This, in combination with the grade strategy, results in a seven-model matrix:
Cross 1.8 Xi (R414 800), Cross 1.8 Xs (R452 200), Cross 1.8 Xs HEV (R494 400), Cross 1.8 XR (R501 500), Cross 1.8 XR HEV (R545 200), Cross 1.8 GR-S (R518 200) and the Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV (R561 700).
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
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