Toyota Corolla Cross Facelift Announced

Here’s your first look at the Toyota Corolla Cross facelift which we think previews what will be coming to SA by early 2025.

The Toyota Corolla Cross facelift has just been formally revealed in Thailand. As a reminder, it made its debut in that particular market back in 2020 and an update was due. The Toyota Corolla Cross touched down in South Africa towards the end of 2021 and by our estimates, we think this new look model will be hitting SA showrooms by early 2025.

What’s changed? The biggest change can be found at the front of the vehicle, with a new-look redesigned grille in a body-coloured finish and honeycomb pattern. There are new LED headlights with sequential indicators too. Toyota has added a new colour; Cement Gray Metallic.

Climb inside and the biggest change can be found with the addition of a conventional electronic handbrake replacing the foot-operating parking brake. The Thai market model gets a new panoramic frameless roof with electric sunshade. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included.

Further convenience items include wireless charging pads, USB-C ports at the front and rear, dual-zone climate control and new features added to the semi-autonomous safety tech. Toyota Thailand is offering a choice of either black or dark rose trim.

It appears the powertrain lineup is carried over. Toyota’s offering its 1.8-litre self-charging petrol hybrid engine with 90 kW and 163 Nm, as well as a conventional 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol that makes 103 kW and 172 Nm. The hybrid is said to use only 4.3 L/100 km, with the latter engine consuming 6.8 L/100 km. Both automatic and manual transmissions will be available, but the hybrid makes use of an E-CVT.

Toyota Corolla Cross Facelift in South Africa?

We estimate the Toyota Corolla Cross Facelift will be unveiled locally and be sold from early 2025. As a reminder, our Corolla Cross units are assembled at Toyota’s factory in Durban.