2021 Toyota Corolla Cross launched in PH, starts at Php 1.285M

Toyota Motor Philippines is on a roll lately, previously launching the refreshed versions of the Wigo hatchback and Vios sedan. Today, they’ve introduced another model in the form of the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross. 

The Corolla Cross is now Toyota’s fourth hybrid model in the company’s Philippine lineup, the others being the Prius and Prius C, and Corolla Altis Hybrid. This new model is also available in two variants: the 1.8 G with a naturally-aspirated engine, and the 1.8 V which comes with a hybrid powertrain.

On the outside, the Corolla Cross looks nothing like its namesake, the Corolla Altis. As standard, the 1.8 G gets halogen projector headlights and daytime running lights, a black front grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and black door window frame mouldings. Upgrading to the 1.8 V Hybrid will give you LED headlights and daytime running lights, gunmetal finish on the front grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, and addition of chrome on the door window frame mouldings. Both variants get LED fog lights as standard.

Inside, the dashboard of the Corolla Cross looks very familiar. It’s pretty much the same as what you’ll see in the Corolla Altis sedan. The 1.8 G variant gets fabric seats while the 1.8 V gets leather. Getting the 1.8 V variant also gets you additional equipment such as a digital and analog instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT display, auto-dimming rear view mirror, dual zone automatic climate control, rear A/C vents, power adjustable driver’s seat, and a tonneau cover. In the center for the V variant is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The G variant gets a smaller 6.8-inch display with T-Link.

Standard equipment on both variants are smart entry with push button start, speed-sensing door locks, reverse camera, and automatic up/down function for all four windows.

Under the hood, the Toyota Corolla Cross is powered by a 1.8-liter Dual VVT-i gasoline engine on the 1.8 G variant. It produces a maximum output of 138 hp and 177 Nm of torque. The 1.8 V on the other hand gets the same displacement 1.8-liter powertrain but in hybrid form. This is the same engine on the Corolla Altis Hybrid. It produces 97 hp and 142 Nm of torque. The electric motor it’s paired with produces 71 hp and 163 Nm of torque. Total system output when combined is 120 hp. Both powertrain options are paired to what Toyota calls a Super CVT-i. 

In terms of safety, the Corolla Cross 1.8 V Hybrid comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense. This suite of driver aids gives the Corolla Cross safety features which are lane departure alert, pre-collision system, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control. This also makes the Corolla Cross the fifth model in Toyota’s local lineup to be equipped with TSS after the Hiace Super Grandia Elite,  Corolla Altis 1.8 V Hybrid, Alphard, and Prius.

As for pricing, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross in its 1.8 G variant retails for Php 1,285,000. The 1.8 V Hybrid goes for Php 1,650,000. Those who want the Corolla Cross in Pearl White will have to pay an additional Php 15,000. 

The launch of the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross finally fills the gap in the Toyota’s local lineup where they haven’t been offering a subcompact crossover that slots below the RAV4. This also expands further the number of hybrid and electric vehicles available in the country which we hope will be warmly accepted by future car buyers.