While it’s no surprise that the Toyota Corolla Cross is often regarded as a practical choice over an emotional one, the latest upgrade from Toyota has given this compact SUV a much-needed boost in terms of aesthetics and appeal.
The new generation of the Toyota Corolla Cross, recently unveiled in Japan, comes with exclusive upgrades, including the sportier GR Sport version and a range of striking accessories. However, the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport will only be available in select markets worldwide, such as Japan and Europe.
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross with the “cooler” GR Sport version.
Specifically, the GR Sport package adds a bolder body kit and some chassis tweaks for customers who want their SUV to look faster. For those who want even more, Toyota offers accessories developed by the GR Parts and Modellista divisions to increase the “cool” factor.
In terms of design, the Japanese market Toyota Corolla Cross is quite similar to the European version. The only notable difference, apart from the right-hand drive as per Japanese standards, is the front logo. This logo has been adjusted to conform to local design standards for non-GR Toyota models in Japan.
A closer look at the front end of the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport.
Additionally, Japanese customers benefit from a few technical features unavailable in other markets. Notably, the Snow Extra mode for the E-Four all-wheel-drive system and Signal Road Projection technology, which uses turn signals to project arrows onto the road surface. This is an intelligent solution for indicating directions to pedestrians and other vehicles.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport features turn signals that project arrows onto the road.
The GR Sport brings a much-needed sporty breeze to the otherwise sedate Corolla Cross. The highlight is the front bumper, inspired by the high-performance GR Corolla hatchback. The honeycomb grille and standard LED strip are replaced by a large air intake and a lower splitter.
Rear view of the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport.
The sporty theme continues with 19-inch black alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and a retuned suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 mm. Stiffer springs and a reinforced rear frame are said to increase rigidity, at least in theory.
The interior has also been upgraded with faux suede upholstery, embracing the occupants, along with gray stitching and GR Sport logos.
Interior of the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport.
Sporty front seats…
… and digital instrument cluster of the GR Sport.
The GR Sport’s metal-plated pedal set.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport is powered by a self-charging hybrid powertrain with a 2.0L gasoline engine, delivering high output, paired with a 10-speed Shiftmatic automatic transmission and E-Four all-wheel drive. Toyota has not released detailed specifications but confirmed that this version will have a unique Sport mode. In contrast, the standard versions of the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross in Japan use a hybrid system with a smaller 1.8L engine.
For those who want to take the “warrior” look of the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport even further, there are GR Parts accessories like a more aggressive body kit with a large front splitter, extended side skirts, and a redesigned rear bumper. Notably, the car does not have a massive rear wing, indicating some restraint from Toyota.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport with GR Parts accessories.
Other GR Parts accessories include rain guards for the side windows, carbon-style door handle protectors, carbon fiber-reinforced license plate frames, valve stem caps, and GR-branded floor mats. Customers can also opt for a chassis brace to reduce vibration and improve handling.
Finally, there’s the Modellista upgrade package, applicable to other versions of the Toyota Corolla Cross as well. The Tech Elegant Style package adds aerodynamic elements in the body color, such as front and rear aprons, side skirts, and extended wheel arch trims. It also features a chrome-plated grille with matching trim and new 18-inch alloy wheels for a more premium look.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross with Modellista accessories.
According to plans, the new Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport will arrive at Japanese dealerships on August 4, with a starting price of 3,895,000 Yen (approximately 801 million VND). The standard version of the car is priced from 2,760,000 Yen (496 million VND) for the front-wheel-drive model and 3,019,000 Yen (543 million VND) for the AWD version.