Originally spawned as a compact city car in 1966, the Corolla has continued to evolve in line with the needs of the times and of the regions it is sold in. The Corolla Cross represents the first foray into the crossover/SUV space and combines the respected core-product characteristics Corolla is known for, with a new bodyshape that offers enhanced function and utility.

The Corolla Cross also carries particular significance for South Africa, as the model is locally produced in Toyota's long-running Prospecton Plant in Durban. The Cross thus continues the legacy of producing Corollas in Mzansi, making it #ProudlySouthAfrican. Securing the manufacturing contract for this model, carries considerable importance - having a direct impact on job creation, industry viability and economic support for not only South Africa, but Africa as a whole. Reinforcing this, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened and endorsed the Corolla Cross production line on 26 October 2021.

The Foundation

Underpinning the 'Cross' is Toyota's acclaimed TNGA platform. TNGA stands for Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and represents a modular platform, capable of underpinning hatch, sedan and SUV model ranges as seen in C-HR, Prius, RAV4 and 12th-generation Corolla models.

TNGA Platform (GA-C)
Excellent ride quality without compromising agility
Low NVH-levels
Contributes to spacious cabin and class-leading luggage capacity
Excellent visibility and cabin ergonomics
Low centre of gravity - fundamental to securing a more engaging driving position and more responsive and precise handling with less body roll
McPherson front suspension design
Torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced packaging and excellent ride comfort

The Exterior

The Corolla Cross fuses the striking design language of the Corolla Sedan and Hatch models with a SUV-shape to provide a harmonious design.

Large, elongated headlamps
Prominent trapezoidal radiator grille
Broad 'upswept' lower bumper with vertical accent lines
Fender flares creating a sense of width
Sleek glasshouse and C-pillar trim with Corolla Cross detailing
Large elliptical taillamps with trapezoidal detailing and crease lines at the rear

The Interior

The interior space echoes that of its Corolla Hatch and Sedan siblings. Here designers pursued an elegant design with excellent ergonomics and occupant space. The Corolla Cross has a premium feel with soft-touch elements and stylish metallic trim (grade dependant).

Soft-touch materials
Double-stitched accent detail
Large centrally-mounted infotainment system
Outstanding visibility
Large door openings enhance utility
Design prioritised spaciousness and occupant comfort
Class-leading luggage capacity of 440 litres
60/40 split rear seat to aid convenience

The Powertrains

As the Corolla Cross is poised to take Corolla into the 'new age', it is paramount that this model embraces the New-Energy philosophy. In recognition of this, we are proud to announce the inclusion of both conventional petrol and Hybrid Petrol-Electric powertrains in the Corolla Cross. This will also signal Toyota's first Hybrid powertrain production on local turf.

Both powerplants are exclusively mated to Toyota's latest generation CVT transmission, aiding powertrain efficiency while offering the user convenience of an automatic transmission.

Petrol Model:


1.8-litre VVTi 2ZR-FE engine
103 kW @ 6000 rpm & 173Nm @ 4400 rpm
Prioritises refinement and strong mid-range torque delivery
6.8 litres per 100 km fuel index
CO2 emissions = 154 g/km
Paired with a CVT transmission
Offers seven pre-programmed steps in manual mode

Hybrid Model:

1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine
Petrol engine outputs of 72kW & 142Nm (pure ICE mode)
Latest generation Hybrid powertrain with more a compact yet more efficient battery pack
Smooth, immediate acceleration response
Electric motor provides an instant torque boost aiding acceleration (similar to turbo/supercharger)
Ultra-refined and quiet operation
Dedicated EV mode where operation is restricted to near-silent, full-electric propulsion
Automatically recharges the battery pack either via regenerative braking or by the petrol engine
Closed-loop system means there is no need to "plug-In" to recharge the battery
Electric motor outputs of 53kW and 163Nm (at full capacity)
Total system output of 90kW
4.3 litre per 100 km fuel index & 98 g/km CO2 output
Improved performance and fuel efficiency over conventional petrol model

The Grade Line-up

A three-grade strategy has been adopted, using Toyota's familiar Xi, Xs and Xr nomenclature (also found on the Cross' Corolla stablemates and other Toyota passenger vehicles).

Xi denotes the entry-level model, which is aimed at customers seeking core-value motoring
Mid-tier Xs adds additional comfort and convenience specification
Flagship Xr grade receives upgraded exterior aesthetics, larger alloy wheels and added features

The Specification List

The Corolla Cross comes comprehensively equipped - no matter which grade you choose. The standard specification fare includes the following:

Xi standard specification:


Colour coding, keyless entry, power-adjustable and auto-retractable exterior mirrors
17" alloy wheels shod with 215/60/R17 tyres
LED taillamps and automatic light control.
Four cupholders, stowage binnacles, 60/40 fold-down rear seats and steering switches.
Cruise Control, air-conditioning, 12-volt power outlet & all-round one-touch power windows
Multi-Information Display (MID) for the driver
Toyota Connect

Xs standard specification:

Foglamps & Upgraded LED headlamps
Park Distance Control (PDC) and rain-sensing wipers.
Black Leather Interior
Air-conditioning upgraded to dual-zone variant
Multi-Information Display (MID) is upgraded to the TFT-type.
Touchscreen audio with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Two additional USB ports
Reverse camera
Toyota Connect

XR standard specification:


Anti-theft system
Auto door-lock
ISOFIX anchor points
Driver + Passenger + Side airbags across the board
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
ABS + EBD + Hill Assist Control

XR models:

Toyota Safety Sense which comprises:
Adaptive Cruise Control,
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Lane Trace Assist (LTA)
Pre-Collision System (PCS)

The Models & Pricing

18" alloy wheels shod with 225/50/R18 tyres
Black and grey radiator grille
Toyota Safety Sense
Choice of Black or 'Terra Rossa' (Red) Leather interior
LED interior Illumination
Toyota Connect

The Safety Systems

All Corolla Cross models offer buyers a comprehensive safety and security package.

All models:

As referenced, the Corolla Cross employs a two engine strategy (a 1.8-litre petrol engine and ultra-fuel-efficient 1.8-litre Hybrid). This in combination with the aforementioned three-grade strategy results in a five-model matrix:

Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi - R 349 900
Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs - R 390 100
Corolla Cross 1.8 XR - R 425 400
Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid Xs - R 413 000
Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR - R 448 300

The Service Plan & Warranty

A six-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all Corolla Cross models
Service intervals of 12-months/15 000 km
A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is included
Hybrid model carries an 8-year warranty on the Hybrid battery
Additional service and warranty plan extensions can be purchased from their nearest Toyota dealer (220 outlets nationwide).