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2026 Toyota Corolla Cross update revealed, gets GR Sport variant

Toyota Australia has announced 2026 updates for the Corolla Cross lineup, with the introduction of a new GR Sport variant, confirmed for the second half of 2025. Other updates include exterior design tweaks and more standard equipment across the board.

Positioned as the new performance flagship, the Corolla Cross GR Sport will be exclusively offered with all-wheel drive, and comes with lowered and retuned suspension, and enhanced steering responsiveness. Styling also receives a more aggressive touch, with a unique front bumper bar design and dark 19-inch alloy wheels setting it apart.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport - rear

All variants – from entry-level GX to mid-spec GXL and top-shelf Atmos – benefit from a cosmetic update, including a new mesh grille treatment at the front and revised LED lighting signatures from GXL upwards. The refresh brings a subtle but modernised look.

The Corolla Cross’s hybrid-only powertrain strategy continues, as Toyota doubles down on efficiency-focused models for the local market. While no mechanical changes have been detailed yet, the GR Sport will feature a Sport mode and paddle shifters.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport - interior

Right now the Corolla Cross features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid producing a decent 146kW. It’s available in both front- and all-wheel drive forms. These specs are likely to carry over.

A fresh palette of exterior colours will accompany the facelift, with new shades such as Ash Slate, Feverish Red, Ink, Massive Grey, and Shadow Platinum. Buyers will also have the option to add a contrasting black roof on select setups.

Full pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch, but Toyota says the updated range will roll into Australian showrooms sometime in the second half of 2025.

Brett Davis

Brett started out as a motor mechanic but eventually became frustrated working on cars that weren't his. He then earned a degree in journalism and scored a job at Top Gear Australia back in 2008, and then worked at Zoom/Extreme Performance magazines, CarAdvice, and started PerformanceDrive/PDriveTV in 2011 with Josh Bennis. He's now the owner and managing editor here at Driving Enthusiast.
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