First Look: Updated 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota opened up an entirely new market segment with the crossover version of its evergreen Corolla model. Now, the Japanese automaker is giving us a first look at the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and there are some welcome updates. Headlight.News takes a closer look.

It’s been nearly six decades since the first Toyota Corolla rolled off the line in Japan and, since then, over 50 million motorists around the world have bought one. That’s more than twice as many as the Volkswagen Beetle, the closest runner-up.  But, until recently, sales of the familiar passenger car were starting to slide as more and more buyers shifted to the SUV and crossover market.

Looking to shore up the long-lived nameplate, the Japanese automaker brought out an all new CUV package for 2022, the Corolla Cross. And, in typical Toyota fashion, it’s bringing out a mid-cycle update of its smallest crossover for the upcoming model-year.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross gets some modest, yet welcome, updates, including unique new grilles for the gas and hybrid models, new wheels and paint colors, and an optional new 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. Here’s more:

What’s new with the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Don`t expected to be shocked by the 2026 update. As is normal industry practice, Toyota avoided any changes that would require new sheet metal.

That doesn’t mean it’s skipped any changes to the subcompact crossover’s exterior. All versions get new grille designs. The hybrid, for starters, switches to a body-colored mesh design. The gas model has a more lattice-like design that will match whatever body color a customer opts for. It has a wider, more rugged looking shape.

Depending upon the trim, there are also new wheels and tires, such as the 18-inch alloys now available on the Corolla Cross XLE package.

There’s also the new Cavalry Blue paint, and two trims – the SE and XSE – even offer two-tone options.

Wrapping up the major changes, there’s an updated center console with an optional 10.5-inch screen, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen the standard issue.

Powertrain carries over

Two powertrain packages carry over for 2026:

• There’s a 2.0-liter gas engine making 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.
• The Corolla Cross Hybrid pairs the 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine with three motors to boost output to 196 hp.

Significantly, the hybrid is not only the sportier and more powerful drivetrain option but also yields an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined. The naturally aspirated gas model comes in at 32 mpg combined.

More Toyota News

• Toyota Upgrades the Sporty GR Corolla for 2025
• Toyota Celica Revival Rumors Gain Steam
• First Drive: 2025 Toyota Camry – Hybrid Power Takes it to a New Level

A competitive segment

It came as little surprise when Toyota initially introduced the Corolla Cross, considering the shift in U.S. market demand over the last few decades. Some competitors, like General Motors and Ford, have all but abandoned sedans, coupes and hatchbacks entirely. Toyota continues to produce multiple Corolla body styles but demand for the Cross has been where the real momentum now comes.

Corolla Cross dropped into an increasingly crowded market segment where it goes up against the likes of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos and the Volkswagen Taos.

It also wedges itself into a space beneath the long-popular RAV4. The strategy, based on current sales numbers, has clearly clicked with U.S. buyers.