Mzansi’s favourite small crossover – and Toyota’s best-selling passenger car – has received a facelift. However, is it enough for the defending champion of the Cars.co.za Awards compact family-car category to fight off increasingly stiff competition?
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is immensely proud of the Corolla Cross, with good reason. The crossover has breathed new life into the iconic Corolla nameplate, has become a very strong seller (22 000 units of the pre-facelift model were sold last year) and, perhaps most importantly, is locally built.
The Corolla Cross’ success is not only important to TSAM, but also to automotive manufacturing in SA and ongoing efforts to secure this vital industry’s future. With a local content of around 45%, the Corolla Cross doesn’t only put food on the table for Toyota staff, but also workers at numerous parts suppliers.
But wait, there’s more. As the local motor industry attempts to evolve into a hub for manufacturing electrified-, also known as new-energy, vehicles (NEVs), the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s success in the local market is another reason to celebrate. It has helped Toyota secure 67% of South Africa’s NEV market!
That said, the segment is fiercely competitive, with Toyota noting in particular the influx of high-value Chinese offerings. There is simply no time to rest on one’s laurels. And so the 2023/24 CarsAwards programme’s Compact Family Car of the Year has gone under the proverbial knife for a midlife update.
What’s changed on the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross?
It’s probably better to start with what’s remained the same. There are no mechanical updates – the model’s engine, transmission and suspension configuration are as before. The Toyota Corolla Cross’ derivative line-up has not been changed either – it comprises Xi, XS, XR and GR-Sport trim grades.
The focus of the facelift has been on delivering an enhanced in-car experience. Interestingly, one of the major lessons that Toyota admits it has learned from the Chinese brands (or, perhaps, shifts in consumer behaviour it has noted) is that car buyers increasingly put the “in-car experience” above almost anything else. For that reason, Toyota has genuinely sharpened its small crossover offering in several key areas.
From XS grade and up, there is a new, larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the latter offering wireless connectivity. Toyota also implemented improved Bluetooth connectivity and a more attractive and intuitive user interface. XR and GR-Sport derivatives, meanwhile, feature a new, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with crisp, clear graphics and personalised themes.
The updated screens are not just for show – the reverse-view camera now provides clearer views and there are customisable view modes to assist drivers when they execute difficult parking manoeuvres. XR and GR-S derivatives are further equipped with a 360-degree panoramic view monitor.
Other detail changes include the adoption of an electric parking brake and the fitment of USB Type-C ports (including 2 for the rear passengers – a nice touch), as well as a rear-occupant detection system.
While we’re on the topic of the rear of the cabin, passengers in the back will undoubtedly also appreciate the new reclining backrests. Another first for the Corolla Cross is a hands-free tailgate release function (you can open the hatch by swiping your foot beneath the rear bumper) for XR and GR-S derivatives.
Subtle, but tasteful design revisions
The most noticeable change with the new Corolla Cross can be found at the front end. Here the car gets a new grille design (a type of painted honeycomb finish) that makes the Toyota look more modern.
The headlights, too, have been redesigned and have sequential turn signals (on XR and GR-S variants). Also unique to those 2 derivatives are Bi-Beam LED lamps and crystal-like LED daytime running lights. Not as obvious a change, but a neat tweak nonetheless: the rear lights also boast a refreshed design.
Was the update worthwhile? Yes, I think the new front-end treatment works. The previous car’s big black grille almost looked like Mr. Potato Head’s moustache. It is worth noting, however, that the GR-S does NOT get the new face. I also really like some of the colours, particularly Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze.
Inside, sharp-eyed visitors to Toyota’s new vehicle showroom will notice a few tweaks to the Corolla Cross beyond the new tech. There is now real stitching on the instrument panel and console lid, high-quality floor carpets with a heel pad and newly designed seat trims that feature dark brown accents.
As before, Black and Terra Rosa interior trim colours are offered, and I have a soft spot for the latter!
What’s the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross like to drive?
As before, there are 2 drivetrain options to choose from: a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated- (103 kW/173 Nm) or 1.8-litre hybrid (92 kW/142 Nm) 4-cylinder petrol engine, both in conjunction with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Provided you can afford either, your choice between the 2 will depend on whether you want optimised efficiency or not. The hybrid, with a claimed average consumption of 4.3 L/100 km, is considerably more miserly than its non-hybrid equivalent (6.8 L/100 km). It is worth noting, however, that realistically both figures are likely to be higher than stated, but more so in the case of the naturally aspirated variants.
Behind the ‘wheel, and ignoring the in-car improvements, there is not much to report here. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer punchy performance, but it does a fine job in a sound compact family car package.
The drone of the powertrain under full acceleration (without audible gear changes – because there aren’t any) is a consequence of the way a CVT operates and, yes, it can become a bit tiresome, but the CVT does facilitate good fuel economy (and operates more smoothly) if you adopt a restrained driving style.
On a particularly hot day in Gauteng, I was impressed with the Toyota Corolla Cross’ air-conditioning system (dual-zone from XS and up), non-intrusive active safety systems and general ride comfort.
I was less impressed with the seat comfort, however. I could never quite get comfortable, because there isn’t enough lateral support – and too much of a pronounced bulge in the centre of the backrest.
Rear occupant space is very good and the reclining backrest, ventilation outlets and USB ports will be appreciated on long family trips. The load bay is nicely sized, with a claimed luggage capacity of 440L.
How much does the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross cost in SA?
| Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi | R414 800 |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 XS | R452 200 |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 XS Hybrid | R494 400 |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 XR | R501 500 |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S (GR-Sport) | R518 200 |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR | R545 200 |
| Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR Sport | R561 700 |
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross variants come standard with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. HEV models carry an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery. Customers can purchase additional service/maintenance/warranty extensions via the Toyota dealer network.
New Toyota Corolla Cross Specs & Prices in South Africa
Summary
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross competes in a densely populated market segment, with not only a handful of high-value offerings from China (particularly the Haval Jolion, Toyota says), but also from established brands such as Volkswagen (T-Cross), Hyundai (Creta) and Kia (Seltos).
With the high popularity of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, the Jolion Pro Hybrid has been identified as a key rival of Toyota’s compact family car. The Jolion Pro’s strengths include significantly more power, a few more “nice-to-have” features (including a sunroof and heated/ventilated seats) and a lower price. It is thirstier, however, its ride quality is not quite as resolved as the Toyota’s, plus its luggage area is smaller.
See also: Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the updated Haval Jolion Pro
Following the latest update, the Corolla Cross’s specification is no longer lagging quite as badly and, in some instances, it has features that even the Jolion Pro doesn’t offer (hands-free tailgate operation, for example). It is more economical than the Haval, rides better, and has more luggage space.
And then, of course, you have to factor in that the Corolla Cross is a Toyota and what that means. If you consider that the Aichi-based brand has about 220 dealers and a reputation for good service, reliability and resale value, “plenty of peace of mind” comes part and parcel with the purchase, doesn’t it?
Find a new/used Toyota Corolla Cross listed for sale on Cars.co.za
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