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.

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.