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TMNA, the North American arm of Toyota (NYSE: TM)* said today in Plano, Texas that the 2026 model Toyota Cross compact SUV has been tweaked.
“The 2026 Corolla Cross is continuing to bring entry SUV customers the combination of style and value that’s just right. For model year 2026 it receives two new front fascia designs, with a modern, color-matched look for the Hybrid version and a bold, rugged design for the gas-powered model. The new front-end designs create a distinct look for each powertrain while also evolving the crossover’s compact, sporty shape. The interior also receives an update with a reconfigured console storage design and larger available touchscreen,” Toyota said.
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid appearance changes from a new front grille and bumper combination, with the gas model switching its grille. Also new to Corolla Cross is so-called Cavalry Blue exterior paint, available on the gas LE, XLE and Hybrid SE, XSE model. The Hybrid SE and XSE grades also have Cavalry Blue with Jet Black roof two-tone point available. Two new wheel designs are also available, including 18-inch alloy wheels with dark-gray metallic finish and machined accents on the XLE and 18-inch aluminum alloy sport wheels in a glossy-black finish for the Hybrid XSE grade.
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The interior has a new front console design that maximizes usable space on all grades and the addition of a Portobello interior color on the XLE grade. There are optional 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and a 7-inch Multi Information Display (MID) or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Additionally, a Cold-Weather package with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats now be standard on the XLE AWD and Hybrid XSE grades and optional on LE AWD and SE.
Powertrains
The Corolla Cross Hybrid model has Toyota’s 5th Generation Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system and standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and three electric motors. The drivetrain is an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). Altogether, it has a net combined output of 196 horsepower and an 8 second 0-60 time,.. It has a manufacturer estimated 42 combined MPG rating for all Hybrid grades.
Gas-powered models have the (marketing babble alert> so-called Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S). Overall, it produces a 169 horsepower on the gas model and has a physical first gear.
The gas-powered AWD model uses Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control system that directs up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when it’s needed – and disengages completely when it’s not. This helps Corolla Cross’ fuel economy with a manufacturer estimated 30 combined MPG rating on AWD models; FWD equipped models have a manufacturer estimated 32 combined MPG rating.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
All grades come standard with both the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) an assortment of advanced active safety equipment and convenience features, as well as Toyota’s STAR Safety System. There are also optional safety and convenience features such as Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, standard on LE and XLE and SE and XSE grades, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, standard on the XLE and XSE grades. All grades come with nine airbags throughout the cabin standard.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
The Toyota STAR Safety System includes:
- Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (Enhanced VSC)
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Smart Stop Technology (SST)
Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Corolla Cross Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.
The 2026 Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid also come standard with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of Roadside Assistance, regardless of mileage.
Assembled in the U.S. in Huntsville, Alabama by non-unionized workers, the 2026 Corolla Cross will come with choices of Hybrid or gas-powered models. The Hybrid model will have three grades: S, SE, and XSE – all equipped with standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. The gas-powered models have: L, LE and XLE all with FWD or optional AWD. They aare expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships later this year, with pricing announced closer to launch.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
A Freshened 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Debuts
Click for more.
TMNA, the North American arm of Toyota (NYSE: TM)* said today in Plano, Texas that the 2026 model Toyota Cross compact SUV has been tweaked.
“The 2026 Corolla Cross is continuing to bring entry SUV customers the combination of style and value that’s just right. For model year 2026 it receives two new front fascia designs, with a modern, color-matched look for the Hybrid version and a bold, rugged design for the gas-powered model. The new front-end designs create a distinct look for each powertrain while also evolving the crossover’s compact, sporty shape. The interior also receives an update with a reconfigured console storage design and larger available touchscreen,” Toyota said.
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid appearance changes from a new front grille and bumper combination, with the gas model switching its grille. Also new to Corolla Cross is so-called Cavalry Blue exterior paint, available on the gas LE, XLE and Hybrid SE, XSE model. The Hybrid SE and XSE grades also have Cavalry Blue with Jet Black roof two-tone point available. Two new wheel designs are also available, including 18-inch alloy wheels with dark-gray metallic finish and machined accents on the XLE and 18-inch aluminum alloy sport wheels in a glossy-black finish for the Hybrid XSE grade.
Click for more.
The interior has a new front console design that maximizes usable space on all grades and the addition of a Portobello interior color on the XLE grade. There are optional 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and a 7-inch Multi Information Display (MID) or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Additionally, a Cold-Weather package with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats now be standard on the XLE AWD and Hybrid XSE grades and optional on LE AWD and SE.
Powertrains
The Corolla Cross Hybrid model has Toyota’s 5th Generation Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system and standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and three electric motors. The drivetrain is an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). Altogether, it has a net combined output of 196 horsepower and an 8 second 0-60 time,.. It has a manufacturer estimated 42 combined MPG rating for all Hybrid grades.
Gas-powered models have the (marketing babble alert> so-called Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S). Overall, it produces a 169 horsepower on the gas model and has a physical first gear.
The gas-powered AWD model uses Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control system that directs up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when it’s needed – and disengages completely when it’s not. This helps Corolla Cross’ fuel economy with a manufacturer estimated 30 combined MPG rating on AWD models; FWD equipped models have a manufacturer estimated 32 combined MPG rating.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
All grades come standard with both the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) an assortment of advanced active safety equipment and convenience features, as well as Toyota’s STAR Safety System. There are also optional safety and convenience features such as Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, standard on LE and XLE and SE and XSE grades, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, standard on the XLE and XSE grades. All grades come with nine airbags throughout the cabin standard.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes:
The Toyota STAR Safety System includes:
Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Corolla Cross Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.
The 2026 Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid also come standard with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of Roadside Assistance, regardless of mileage.
Assembled in the U.S. in Huntsville, Alabama by non-unionized workers, the 2026 Corolla Cross will come with choices of Hybrid or gas-powered models. The Hybrid model will have three grades: S, SE, and XSE – all equipped with standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. The gas-powered models have: L, LE and XLE all with FWD or optional AWD. They aare expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships later this year, with pricing announced closer to launch.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.