2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid First Look: More Different Looking, Mostly the Same
Some styling updates better differentiate the hybrid models, while every Corolla Cross's interior is upgraded.
We have a somewhat hot-cold relationship with the Toyota Corolla Cross. It’s cheap, even as a hybrid, holds a lot of cargo, and is still rather efficient in non-hybrid form. That's all good, but the SUV leveraging the iconic Corolla name fizzles inside, where the cabin feels low-rent and the back seat is tight, and dynamically, with an unrefined ride. Some of those shortcomings are being addressed by the Corolla Cross's first update, which lands for the 2026 model year.
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First, Style Points
First off, the non-hybrid and hybrid versions of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross will become more distinct from each other. The hybrid version will gain a color-matched grille over the contrasting black design that the standard Corolla Cross uses. There are other changes that include different side openings, a different upper grille trim treatment, and mesh-like pattern. Unless you knew what you were looking at, it’s entirely possible to think the hybrid is a totally new vehicle if you only see the front end.
Other updates to the exterior include a new Cavalry Blue paint on the LE, XLE gas and SE and XSE trims on the hybrid. The Jet Black roof joins this new blue SE and XSE hybrid trims. There are also new 18-inch wheel options with a dark gray and machined face finish on the XLE trim and glossy black finish on the XSE and its sport designed wheels. For an idea on how these new colors and wheels look, the Corolla Cross Hybrid images in the story features the new body, roof, and wheel hues.
Mechanically Unchanged
Gas Corolla Cross models still utilize a 169-hp 2.0-liter I-4 with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) driving either the front wheels or all four via optional all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross Hybrid uses Toyota’s classic hybrid setup, combining a four-cylinder engine with two electric motors (a starter-generator and a larger electric drive motor) through a planetary style CVT to drive the front wheels and a separate, third motor spinning the rear axle for on-demand all-wheel drive. Total output stands at 196 hp, and the hybrid continues to impress with its fuel efficiency at 42 mpg on the EPA's combined driving cycle. The next best is the front-drive non-hybrid with a 30 mpg combined and finally the non-hybrid AWD Toyota Corolla Cross comes in with a still impressive 32 mpg.
What’s not impressive is the Corolla Cross's slow acceleration, which we expect won't be getting any quicker given how every 2026 Corolla Cross makes the same power as before. Even with its burlier 196 hp, the Corolla Cross Hybrid isn't much quicker. The last Corolla Cross hybrid we tested needed 7.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the gas version needed between 8.4 and 9.3 seconds in our testing.
Finally, a Better Interior!
At least you’ll find an updated interior which includes an available 10.5-inch touchscreen and a new center console design. This new screen option really makes the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross start to feel more modern and upper class than it did in 2025. Otherwise, the eight-inch touchscreen remains standard on the LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trims but both screens control the standard six-speaker sound system. If you want a bit more thump, the nine-speaker JBL system with subwoofer and amplifier are optional only on the XLE and XSE trims. All trims will have wireless capability for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll can also choose one of two different gauge cluster panels, going with either the seven-inch multi information display (MID) or a 12.3-inch digital cluster as an option.
Another major change focuses on the center console leading up to the dashboard along with the gearshift surround. Gone are the grab handle–like features that drop out of the dash and into the center console. The wireless charging found on the LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trims and storage shelf remain but no longer look like they are confined into a cubby hole as the 2025 version.
It also feels like a more open area as several features have moved away from the upper shelf below the dashboard. One of the two USB C ports moves down beside the shifter and is just ahead of the relocated brake hold button and parking brake toggle. If you choose the LE, XLE, SE, or XSE trim, your rear passengers gain two USB C ports.
Ahead of the shifter is where the seat heating controls have moved along with the heated steering wheel button on the Cold-Weather package that’s now standard on the XLE AWD and Hybrid XSE trims but optional on the LE AWD and SE trims. Otherwise, you’ll find just the drive mode switch and EV Mode button on the hybrid. You’ll find a new color wrapping the seats known as “Portobello” on the Corolla Cross XLE trim.
The Huntsville, Alabama–assembled 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid are expected to be on sale sometime later this year. Pricing is set to be announced closer to its launch date.
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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