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.

Coming or going? The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross gas and hybrid models.

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

A new grille distinguishes the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

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.