The Corolla Cross GR Sport was released in 2022, and its hybrid brother is the most recent vehicle to get the GR-S treatment. The Corolla Cross crossover’s ever-popular (and chart-topping) GR-S package sharpens its visual appeal while also enhancing driving performance. Customers continue to place a high value on the hybrid model because of its refinement, smooth acceleration, fuel efficiency, and nearly silent EV mode running.

Exterior Design

The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid features:

• Bespoke exterior package with a revised front grille design finished in gloss black
• Gloss black lower apron with the signature ‘GR Mesh’
• Vertical air ducts which incorporate compact fog lamp units
• Strong horizontal crossbar and large Toyota insignia
• Black exterior mirrors paired with a black roof and black roof rails to craft a sporty bi-tone design
• The rear employs a black roof spoiler, black tailgate trim and blacked-out rear diffuser
• The package is completed by a GR badge affixed to the rear

Three exterior colours are offered, which match the GR brand colours: Arizona Red Bi-Tone, Chromium Silver Bi-Tone and Glacier White Bi-Tone.

Interior Design

By adding some GR-inspired flair, the Corolla Cross cabin maintains its exquisite simplicity and excellent ergonomics. Within the Cross GR-S Hybrid, there are:

• The stylish black leather trim throughout with GR embossing on the front headrests
• Red contrast stitching and red perforation
• Red accent stripe on the instrument panel and piano black surface detailing
• Chunky 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching and piano black inserts

Ride & Handling

Under the skin changes comprise:

• New shock absorbers and revised coil springs
• Supplemented by a new brushless motor power steering module (EPS) – to deliver more responsive handling, steering wheel feedback and cornering prowess
• Unique 18″ black alloy wheels shod with 225/50R18 tyres

Engine & Drivetrain

The Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid powertrain features:

• Proven 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine
• CVT transmission with seven pre-programmed ‘steps’ and a ‘manual’ mode
• Total system output of 90 kW, with the electric motor offering up to 53 kW and 163 Nm
• Impressive fuel index of 4.3 l/100 km on the combined cycle
• CO2 emissions register a modest 98 g/km

Specification & Features

Using the Xr grade as a base, the standard specification is substantial:

• Keyless entry
• Power-adjustable and auto-retractable exterior mirrors
• All-round one-touch power windows
• LED lighting units
• Cruise Control
• TFT Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Dual-zone climate control
• Reverse camera
• Park Distance Control (PDC)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• LED interior Illumination
• Touchscreen infotainment system with CarPlay/Android Auto and USB

Towing capacity for the Hybrid model is rated at 400kg for both braked and unbraked.

Safety & Security

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which is standard on the Corolla Cross GR-S, provides a comprehensive array of active safety features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Pre-Collision System (PCS). The mandatory ABS, VSC, EBD, Hill Assist Control (HAC), and Brake Assist systems are added to this, along with passive safety features like ISOFIX and a full set of airbags.

Specification Changes & Enhancements

The convenience specification on the Xi and Xs models (both Petrol and Hybrid variants) has been increased – in line with customer feedback.

Exterior:

• Xi models receive an upgrade to LED headlamps (previously Halogen)
• Hybrid models get blue headlamp inserts conveying their hybrid credentials

Interior (Xi models):

• Touchscreen 8-inch display audio system with 6 speakers
• Reverse camera
• Revised speedometer design
• Full 4.2” TFT Multi-Information Display (MID)

Interior (Xs models):

• Front armrest added with cup holder functionality

Model Line-up & Pricing

Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi CVT – R 381 200

Corolla Cross 1.8 XS CVT – R 414 300

Corolla Cross 1.8 XR CVT – R 451 300

Corolla Cross 1.8 XS HEV – R 442 800

Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV – R 480 200

Corolla Cross 1.8 CVT GR-S – R 466 800

Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-S – R 495 200

Peace of Mind

All Corolla Cross vehicles come with a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty and a 6-service/90,000-mile service plan (with intervals set at 15,000 miles). There is an 8-year/195 000 km warranty provision on the hybrid battery. You can purchase service and warranty plan extensions from any Toyota dealership.

Connectivity

All Toyota models come equipped with Toyota Connect, including a complimentary 15 Gb in-car Wi-Fi allocation, vehicle status information and enhanced user features via the MyToyota app.