Toyota has unveiled the refreshed version of the Corolla Cross, a popular SUV based on the Corolla sedan. Positioned as an SUV, it shares its foundation with the Innova Hycross in India, utilizing the modular TNGA-C platform.
What’s New with the Corolla Cross Facelift?
The facelift introduces several styling updates to align the model with other Toyota SUVs globally. Four years after its debut, the Corolla Cross receives a redesigned grille featuring a distinctive honeycomb pattern, a unique touch for Toyota models. The front bumper undergoes design modifications, and the headlights now showcase sequential turn signals. A fresh trim piece connects the Toyota logo with the revamped headlamp design.
Internally, the Corolla Cross incorporates a digital cockpit setup, boasting a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. Enhancing the interior experience is a new panoramic sunroof with a frameless design, complemented by an electric sunshade. The Corolla Cross facelift also integrates updates to the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite and minor interior refinements.
Also Read: Toyota Sedan Cars in India
Despite these enhancements, the powertrain options remain unchanged. The Corolla Cross offers a naturally aspirated 138hp, 1.8-liter petrol engine with a CVT automatic transmission. Additionally, a 1.8-liter petrol-hybrid variant, generating a combined 121hp paired with an e-CVT gearbox, is available.
Corolla Cross in India: Change in Plans
While the Corolla Cross, internally referred to as Toyota C SUV, was initially contemplated as a new made-in-India product for both domestic and export markets, recent developments suggest a shift in plans. The SUV was anticipated to roll out from Toyota's third facility in Karnataka, with the project, codenamed 340 D, scheduled for a potential launch in June 2026, targeting an annual production volume of 75,000 units.
However, sources indicate that the project did not meet the required technical and commercial viability. Consequently, Toyota has decided to put the plans on hold, leading to the shelving of the Corolla Cross SUV's India launch. This decision marks a strategic shift for the automaker in the Indian market.
In essence, the Corolla Cross facelift brings a blend of refreshed aesthetics and updated features to this SUV model. While the global appeal of the Corolla Cross remains strong, the decision to defer its introduction in the Indian market reflects Toyota's strategic recalibration in response to technical and commercial considerations.