One of Australia’s most popular hybrid SUVs has received a new look and a sportier flagship model, due in showrooms by the end of this year.
The updated 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross small SUV has been revealed for Australia – with a new look and extra features – ahead of its local arrival in the second half of this year.
At the top of the range is a new GR Sport edition, with sportier styling, uniquely tuned suspension, and a Sport mode.
Prices for the 2026 Corolla Cross are due to be revealed closer to its arrival in Toyota Australia showrooms during the second half of this year.
The current model is priced from $36,480 to $50,030 before on-road costs, after the line-up went 2.0-litre hybrid-only in mid-2024.
New for model-year 2026 is a restyled front end with a new mesh grille, and on the GXL model up, a “revised” LED headlight signature.
Not mentioned in Toyota Australia’s media release, but announced for European models – built in the same factory as our versions – is updated adaptive high-beam tech for the headlights, and new LED tail-lights with updated signatures and aerodynamic fins.
There are also revised 18-inch alloy wheels, Corolla Cross embossing on the tailgate and, confirmed for Australia, a selection of new colours: Massive Grey, Ink, Ash Slate, Shadow Platinum and Feverish Red.
Two-tone paint – with a black roof – will be offered on select Corolla Cross variants finished in Shadow Platinum, Feverish Red, Frosted White and Ash Slate.
Joining the Australian range will be a GR Sport grade, with standard all-wheel drive, a unique front bumper inspired by the GR Corolla hot hatch, and darkened 19-inch model-specific wheels.
It picks up 10mm-lower sports springs and dampers, retuned steering, paddle shifters, and a model-first Sport mode that keeps the RPM higher and “when the driver lifts off the throttle … automatically enhances deceleration to achieve a sportier braking feel”.
Toyota Europe also lists front sports seats trimmed in Brin-Naub – a “suede-like synthetic leather” – and adorned with red contrast stitching and GR logos.
Inside, there is a new, larger centre console with an additional smartphone storage slot, restyled gear selector, sliding storage compartment, and a “revised” cupholder design.
Other new features include updated ambient lighting, additional sound deadening material to reduce noise, and on all-wheel-drive models in Europe, a Snow Extra mode.
Toyota Australia promises “increased standard specification” for the full range – which will retain GX, GXL and Atmos variants alongside the new GR Sport – but has not provided any further details.
No changes are listed to the 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid system, which currently produces 146kW with either front- or all-wheel drive.
More details are due closer to the Australian arrival of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross later this year.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
