The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport has been introduced in the ASEAN region, and it is already available for retail in markets such as Thailand and Malaysia. The new Corolla Cross GR Sport features a revamped exterior and a slightly updated interior as compared to the current model sold in the Philippine market, which debuted in 2024.
At first glance, individuals familiar with the vehicle can instantly spot the design update it received in the front end. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport features a new grille design that looks simpler yet bolder.
Toyota let go of the glossy black trims seen on the grille surrounds of the outgoing GR Sport model. The front bumper remains the same, but it now comes integrated with a honeycomb trim, which is also seen on the fog light housing. The lower bumper of the new Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport now gets a simpler gunmetal trim as compared to the large faux skid plate design seen on the old model.
Turning at the side, the new Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport comes with a more refined look, as it now comes with simpler black cladding on its doors. It also comes with a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels, which are said to be lightweight, contributing to the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, according to Toyota.
The rear also gets design updates, particularly on the bumper trim. Similar to the treatment done to the front and the side, the new Corolla Cross GR Sport’s rear bumper comes with a simple silver trim. The Corolla Cross logo or lettering on the tailgate is now in black as compared to the old model, which comes in chrome.
Inside, the overall interior design remains the same. The dashboard layout still looks similar to the outgoing model, and it still has the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen stacked in the middle. The said touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New to the Corolla Cross Sport GR Sport interior is the integration of red stitching, black suede trim, and an embroidered GR emblem, which are all seen in the front seats. It also comes with new GR Sport seat belts as well as new dark silver trim on the steering wheel.
Powering the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport is still the 1.8-liter gasoline engine, which delivers 97 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an electric motor that generates 71 horsepower and 163 Nm of torque. Combined, the engine puts out 120 horsepower, mated to an e-CVT.
Autocar’s Take
The new 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport comes with subtle yet distinctive design updates, which are arguably more appealing than the current model sold in the Philippines. The design updates make the Corolla Cross GR Sport cleaner-looking while also having a sportier finish. The decision to let go of the aggressive faux skid plate silver trim is a welcome sight, as it gives the vehicle a toned-down finish but not lacking in style points.
The question is, would Toyota Motor Philippines launch the updated Corolla Cross GR Sport? The answer to that is Toyota PH could most probably introduce the new Corolla Cross GR Sport. Having it already available in other ASEAN countries like Thailand and Malaysia, we could expect Toyota PH to launch the said car within the year. But take note, Toyota PH has yet to make an official announcement.
