Key Points in This Review:
- Updates for the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV are minimal.
- The biggest change is a new front grille and a larger optional infotainment screen.
- The Corolla Cross’ gas-only and gas-electric hybrid powertrains are unchanged.
We’ll keep this short and sweet — the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is only mildly refreshed for the new model year, and it’s up to you if these changes are worth the modest price increase versus the 2025 model.
Externally, there’s a revised front end for both gas-only and gas-electric hybrid models, with the latter seeing the biggest visual zhuzh-up with its grille lattice now of a body-colored hexagonal motif and looking modestly sharp in the new Cavalry Blue paint color. There’s also a new available 18-inch wheel design in a choice of two finishes.
Related: 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Receives Light Refresh, More Color Choices
Inside, the center console has been reworked with a new gear selector and updated charging pad both for improved ergonomics and to bring it more in line with the rest of the Toyota lineup. A new 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen is available as either an upgrade or standard kit, depending on the trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen still standard.
Other than a fresh Portobello brown upholstery option, that’s it. Yes, really really. Every single bit of the mechanical stuff was left alone, meaning both Corolla Cross variants utilize the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine adapted from the regular Corolla sedan. The standard gas-powered version wrings an unchanged 169 horsepower and 150 pounds-feet of torque from this buzzer, whereas the hybrid’s extra electric motors zap this to 196 hp total.
You’ve still got your choice of front- or all-wheel drive for the gas model and standard AWD for the hybrid, though the hybrid’s system uses a rear electric motor instead of the gas-only model’s mechanical setup. And hybrid or not, you still have a continuously variable automatic transmission.
How Does the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Drive?
- Takeaway: Due to no mechanical changes, the updated 2026 Corolla Cross drives largely the same as before.
Correct! It sure does drive the same as before. How’d you know!? Anyway, it’s the same story we’ve recounted in our prior Corolla Cross coverage; the 2.0-liter’s reasonable power is a notch above adequate in front-drive guise and miserable with AWD. With just one dude in the car, the FWD gas Corolla Cross was absolutely fine for standard commuting activities, merging on standard-length on-ramps right at medium highway speeds if you absolutely cane it. As is the case with all entry-level four-cylinders across the industry, the 2.0-liter’s not giving up the 169-hp goods without a sensorial fight. It’s loud, thrashy and harsh when you squeeze it like a juiced orange, but it’s a clear step up from the base powertrain in the Subaru Crosstrek and what’s in all Honda HR-Vs. When not stepping on its neck, however, it’s a reasonably inert powertrain for pootling around town.
How Does the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Ride, and How Fuel-Efficient Is It?
- Takeaway: It rides and drives surprisingly well, and manufacturer-estimated gas mileage is strong for the Corolla Cross Hybrid at 42 mpg combined — considerably better than the AWD gas-only model’s 30 mpg combined.
That’s with just this lonesome fella at the wheel. If you need AWD or haul more than one additional passenger (or a big-ass dog) more than once in a while, the hybrid, with its juicier 196 hp and (modest) low-end torque-fill, should be your choice. It’s not meaningfully quieter apart from its low-speed electric-only operation, but it is a medium step up in motivation and a dimensional leap in efficiency.
It still rides and handles reasonably well, too, with the SUV having a sporting character. Its burden is daily mundanity, but you’ll never have a rotten time when the way turns unexpectedly squiggled, with better-than-necessary body control and quick turn-in. More importantly, the Corolla Cross still rides just fine, though body motions can be busy at times.
How Is the Interior of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross?
- Takeaway: Materials are somewhat cheap, and space might be an issue for larger passengers.
Interior space is as it was before, and though this 5-foot-11-inch author had no problem with comfort, sitting behind my driving position for an extended journey would be a bit cramped. I dig the new 10.5-inch infotainment screen (shared with the Corolla sedan), but I still get frustrated with the infotainment interface’s lack of a home button and bare-bones-to-a-fault layout. Still, it was easy enough to use, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the digital architecture of choice anyways.
The biggest issue I had was the Corolla Cross’ extensive use of cheap interior materials. It’s certainly an affordable car and doesn’t need Lexus-lite hardware, but patches of rough-cut plastic edges and a ridiculously cheap-looking headliner in my well-optioned XLE and XSE test cars were unpleasant standouts.
But again, none of this should come as a surprise — this is just a mid-cycle refresh, as the car’s not significantly different than it was before. Some new style and better ergonomics for 2026? Sure, why not. I’ll take mine as a hybrid in Cavalry Blue.
More Toyota News From Cars.com:
- How Much Is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross?
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid?
- Toyota Makes AWD Standard on 2026 Highlander Lineup
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Priced From $25,375, New FX Edition Rolls on White Wheels
- Long-Term 2025 Toyota 4Runner Update: How Efficient Is the Hybrid After 5,000 Miles?
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
.png)
