2026 Toyota Corolla Cross: Five Things to Know

Published on August 13, 2025 in Previews by Dominic Boucher

The very popular Toyota Corolla Cross is getting a mid-cycle refresh for 2026. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety features, it's now more sophisticated than ever.

Here are five things you should know about it.

1. A new front-end design

The Corolla Cross gets a few minor exterior changes little for 2026, just enough to keep it up to date, with new bumpers, and a redesigned front grille for the hybrid model. It comes standard with 17-inch wheels, while the higher-end variants sport 18-inch wheels. The hybrid is available in six different colours, including a new two-tone option: cavalry blue with a black roof. Gas-powered models are available in a palette of seven colours, with bright red added to the menu.

2. Minor changes on board

The interior remains largely unchanged for 2026, with a few exceptions. The hybrid has a redesigned centre console, while the 7-inch digital instrument panel (12.3 inches optional) has been updated. In terms of technology, the multimedia system incorporates an 8- or 10.5-inch screen, depending on the version, and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Induction charging is available as an option. The interior may not be the most inspiring, but the Corolla Cross remains a spacious and comfortable utility vehicle for its occupants.

3. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

The Corolla Cross comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that generates 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). To reduce fuel consumption to 7.3 L/100 km, the L and LE versions come standard with front-wheel drive. Otherwise, the Corolla Cross can be fitted with all-wheel drive in L, LE, LE Premium, and XLE versions. These models remain fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 7.8 L/100 km. Towing capacity sits at 1,500 lb, regardless of the model.

4. Hybrid fuel efficiency

The SE and XSE models feature a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, a lithium-ion battery (4.08 Ah) and three electric motors. Outputs 196 horsepower sent to all four wheels thanks to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This hybrid powertrain is now in its fifth iteration, and thanks to yearly improvements, it consumes as little as 5.6 L/100 km, according to Toyota. The towing capacity is also 1,500 lb.

5. Still affordable

Even though the price tag is gradually increasing, the Corolla Cross is still one of the most affordable SUVs on the market, in both hybrid and gasoline-powered forms. Here is the Canadian price list, starting with the gasoline models (all fees included):

L (front-wheel drive): $32,298

L (all-wheel drive): $33,698

LE (front-wheel drive): $34,353

LE (all-wheel drive): $35,373

LE Premium (all-wheel drive): $37,598

XLE (all-wheel drive): $41,603

The hybrid models come in two versions: the SE costs $39,539, and the range-topping XSE starts at $42,364.