Al-Qalam 
By Imraan Buccus
When Toyota launched the Corolla Cross on local soil back in 2021, it didn’t just dip a toe into the compact SUV segment – it cannonballed right into the deep end and made a splash that’s still rippling through the market. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s still going strong as the best-selling SUV in South Africa, the country’s top-selling hybrid, and the second-best-selling passenger vehicle overall. That’s no small feat in a fiercely competitive landscape.
Now, Toyota has given its beloved SUV a refresh – and it’s more than just a nip and tuck. The updated Corolla Cross is smarter, sleeker, and more in tune with what South African families want: practicality, economy, style, and peace of mind.
Fresh Look, Familiar Favourite
Visually, the Corolla Cross has received a noticeable update. All models (except the GR-S) now wear a fresh front bumper with sharper lines and a more geometric grille that gives the car a more assertive, modern look. The new headlamp design on XR and GR-S models features sequential turn indicators, and Bi-Beam LED lights add a crystal-clear edge to night driving. At the rear, it’s all about refinement – redesigned tail lamps offer a more cohesive and contemporary finish.
Toyota has also added two new colours: Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze, which add a sophisticated pop to the palette. And the new carbon-neutral badge proudly hints at the model’s eco-conscious direction, a nod to Toyota’s increasing focus on sustainability.
More Luxurious Inside
Step inside the refreshed Corolla Cross, and the cabin feels more premium than ever before. Toyota’s always been good at getting the basics right, but the new model pushes further with thoughtful touches that lift the interior from utilitarian to plush.
There’s real stitching on the dashboard and console lid, soft-touch materials, and high-quality carpeting with a dedicated heel pad – small details, but ones that elevate the experience. Rear passengers benefit from reclining seats, and the updated seat trim, with its dark brown accents, looks and feels more upmarket.
USB Type-C ports have been added for modern connectivity, and rear occupant detection is now included for added safety – a smart, family-focused addition. As before, interior colours remain either black or the slightly more daring Terra Rosa.
Tech Upgrades For Modern Life
One of the biggest changes is in the infotainment system. The new Corolla Cross features a larger, high-res screen across the range, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard on higher trims. On the XR and GR-S, you’ll find a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, bringing the cockpit firmly into the digital age.
The updated interface is more intuitive and user-friendly, and improvements to Bluetooth and multi-touch functionality mean less fiddling and more driving. It’s slick, fast, and fits well with the vehicle’s tech-forward identity.
Built For Busy Lives
Family life is chaotic. Toyota knows this. So they’ve made life a little easier with clever features that make everyday driving a breeze. The hands-free power tailgate – now available on XR and GR-S – is a winner. Simply wave a foot under the bumper to open the boot. Whether it’s groceries or a baby on your hip, it’s an absolute game-changer.
Add in a 360° panoramic view monitor, clearer rear camera image quality, and improved Park Distance Control, and parking stress becomes a thing of the past. All models also now come with an electric parking brake, a welcome modern upgrade.
Safety-wise, the XR and GR-S models feature the full Toyota Safety Sense suite. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-crash Alert with Front Cross Traffic Assist, Lane Trace Assist, and Auto High Beam. Together, these make the Corolla Cross one of the safest cars in its class.
Staying True To Its Roots
What really makes the Corolla Cross so appealing is its ability to strike a balance. It takes everything South Africans loved about the original Corolla – reliability, value, efficiency – and wraps it up in a family-friendly SUV body.
It’s also playing a key role in Toyota’s push for greener mobility. With hybrid variants now commanding solid sales, the Corolla Cross has become the poster child for Toyota’s carbon-neutral ambitions. And judging by the numbers – 67% NEV market share – that strategy is working.
Range And Pricing
Toyota’s stuck with the proven 1.8-litre petrol and hybrid engine combo across the seven-model line-up. Prices are still competitive, starting at R414,800 for the entry-level 1.8 Xi and topping out at R561,700 for the range-topping 1.8 GR-S HEV.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
• 1.8 Xi – R414,800
• 1.8 Xs – R452,200
• 1.8 Xs HEV – R494,400
• 1.8 XR – R501,500
• 1.8 XR HEV – R545,200
• 1.8 GR-S – R518,200
• 1.8 GR-S HEV – R561,700
All models come standard with a 6-services/90,000km service plan and 3-year/100,000km warranty. Hybrid models get an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery, and Toyota’s vast dealer network (over 220 outlets nationwide) makes servicing and support a breeze.
Final Word
The Toyota Corolla Cross has matured gracefully. It’s not just about looking better – it’s smarter, safer, and more user-friendly. Toyota has listened to its customers and delivered a product that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but simply makes it better.
For growing families, city commuters, or anyone looking for a reliable, value-packed SUV with a strong hybrid option, the Corolla Cross remains the benchmark. And now, with a sharper suit and even more tech, it’s filled with life – and ready for anything South Africa throws its way.
