2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
First introduced to the Toyota lineup for 2022 as the smaller sibling to the compact RAV4, the Corolla Cross receives a facelift this year.
Updates focus on the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross’ design, tech, and cabin layout. Overall, the changes should help the 2026 Corolla Cross compete with other subcompact SUVs including aim the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Hyundai Kona.
Want an even more efficient option? Check out the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
What’s New
Exterior:
- New distinct front fascia designs for gas and hybrid models with revised grilles and bumpers
- Available Cavalry Blue exterior paint with LE and XLE trims on the non-hybrid side, plus the SE and XSE on the hybrid end of the lineup
- Hybrid grades also have the option for a two-tone exterior pairing the new paint color with a black roof
- XLE and XSE gain new 18-inch wheels
Interior:
- Reconfigured console storage design
- A larger available 10.5-inch touchscreen
- Available Portobello interior color with the XLE trim
- Standard Cold-Weather package with XLE AWD and Hybrid XSE, available with LE AWD and SE
What We Think
Just as the RAV4 has moved the masses in the United States since 1995, so too has the Corolla Cross endeavored to take up that mantle as the automaker’s latest entry-level SUV. Introduced for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross has proven to be a solid choice for those in the market for practical and safe transportation. It even beat the Honda HR-V in our comparison test.
Over the course of a year-long loan, we came to appreciate the Corolla Cross for its spacious trunk, decent ground clearance that made for impressive light off-road use, and robust suite of driver assistance features. We were even impressed with our front-wheel-drive model’s steering feel, even if we were let down by the mediocre driving experience. All-wheel-drive versions of Toyota’s SUV are much slower to accelerate, too.
Issues with the Corolla Cross extend beyond its bland driving manners. The second row is cramped, and the gas-only model lurches as it shifts out of its starter gear into the transmission’s continuously variable ratios.
Under load, the engine is strained and underpowered. Fortunately on AWD models, which strain harder to attain speed than the FWD Corolla Cross, ride quality improves with a more sophisticated rear suspension setup. The Corolla Cross Hybrid fixes many of the gas-only SUV’s issues with acceleration and refinement, while sprinkling in a welcome dose of efficiency. Styling and tech improve for 2026, but both hybrid and gas models continue to provide a forgettable drive.
Performance and MPGs
The 2026 Corolla Cross features a standard naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine developing 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. A CVT automatic connects the engine to a FWD or AWD layout. FWD models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds, but the AWD configuration takes an agonizing 9.3 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill. For 2025, the EPA rated the gas-only Corolla Cross at 29-31/32-33 mpg city/highway.
If these powertrain and fuel economy specifications aren’t appealing to you, be sure to check out the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which improves on the gas-only model in nearly every metric.
Toyota Corolla Cross: A Truly Global SUV
The humble Corolla Cross is a globe-trotter, with assembly taking place in plants across the world. Manufacturing has taken place in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, Malaysia, China, South Africa, Pakistan, and the United States.
The small SUV has also been sold in every region around the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The Corolla Cross is perhaps not the most exciting SUV to drive, but its presence is ubiquitous.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross receives decent safety scores from IIHS, with the highest score of Good in the small overlap front test and the original moderate overlap front test.
Headlights are rated as Good for models equipped at the XLE trim while outfitted with the Adaptive Front Lighting System package; all other trims receive a score of Acceptable. The pedestrian front crash prevention system and seat belt reminders get a score of Good, while the LATCH ease of use is rated at an impressive Good+.
As for advanced safety features, all versions of the Toyota Corolla Cross receive the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance equipment. This bundle includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, emergency braking, and automatic high-beams. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Up front, the cabin of the Corolla Cross feels spacious and open. However, the SUV’s second row is far more cramped than that of its rivals. With the seats up, cargo volume is competitive. Flipping the rear seats down doesn’t open up quite as much space as offered by competitors.
Technology
Toyota upgrades screens inside the Corolla Cross, making a 12.3-inch driver display and 10.5-inch touchscreen available. These screens serve as the new top-level displays. Gas XLE AWD and Hybrid XSE trims also gain a new standard Cold-Weather package this year, which adds a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The package is available for gas LE AWD and Hybrid SE models, as well.
Toyota outfits every Corolla Cross with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Basic models receive a 7.0-inch instrument cluster and 8.0-inch touchscreen. A six-speaker sound system serves as the lower-end setup, and audiophiles can indulge in an available eight-speaker arrangement from JBL.
Other returning tech includes a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot, Drive Connect with cloud navigation, Safety Connect with emergency assistance button and automatic collision notification, and Service Connect with maintenance updates and vehicle health reports.
Recommended Trim
Gas versions of the 2026 Corolla Cross carry over with the same trim structure as the 2025 offerings. Gas models include L, LE, and XLE trims. Within the non-hybrid side of the 2026 Corolla Cross lineup, we’d stick with the mid-level LE trim. In our experience driving one for a year, the pros far outweighed the cons.
Hybrid models are offered in S, SE, and XSE grades, which receive a sport-tuned suspension to accompany the extra power over the standard car. With the hybrid, we recommend not spending too much on options, because the higher the price climbs, the more we’d consider the more spacious and powerful RAV4 Hybrid.
