Description
Toyota unveiled the first generation of the Rav4 SUV in 1994, and it was built on the same platform with the Corolla. In 2020, the Japanese car-maker introduced a new crossover based on the Corolla: the Corolla Cross.
By 2020, the Corolla was the most successful Toyota ever built. It was sold in over 48 million units since 1966 in over 150 countries around the world. The Japanese car-maker decided to use the well-known nameplate and added the Cross after it. The new model was unveiled in Thailand in July 2020.
Toyota built the Corolla based on the TNGA*1 platform (GA-C), which helped the car-maker upgrade it with new bodywork. The same platform was used for the C-HR model, but while the CH-R featured a sportier look with a hatch-back style, the Corolla Cross offered a more conventional, SUV-like profile. The car's front side looked aggressive, with narrow headlights and a massive grille that was complemented by the black apron and a silver shield. The sculptured panel doors and the widened rear quarter panels confirmed the rugged styling. In the back, the designers decided to install a roof spoiler on top of the tailgate.
Corolla Cross offered up to five seats inside and promised a more significant headroom for the rear passengers. Since the car featured the same wheelbase as the C-HR, the legroom was the same. For the instrument panel, the Corolla Cross took more elements from the regular compact sibling. A floating-type infotainment unit was installed on top of the center stack. The instrument cluster featured the same analog dials as the Corolla.
Under the hood, the Corolla Cross offered a 1.8-liter engine or a Hybrid system carried-over from the C-HR. Both versions were mated to a CVT transmission. Toyota offered the Corolla Cross as a front-wheel-drive only.
Press Release
Bangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2020Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has added the new Corolla Cross compact SUV to its Corolla series. The global premiere of the model was held in Thailand today (https://www.toyota.co.th/en/news/EdBwlNOD), where sales have now commenced. The Corolla Cross will be launched in a growing number of other markets, going forward.
Corolla Cross
Since its launch in Japan in 1966, the Corolla series has sold a cumulative total of 48 million units or more, in more than 150 countries and regions around the world; it is Toyota's best-selling car. The Corolla has continued to evolve in line with the needs of the times and of the regions it is sold in. By adding a new model to the Corolla series to suit the growing demand of SUVs, the enhanced Corolla line-up enables customers to select the model that better suits their diverse lifestyles and life stages.
With "Corolla Meets SUV" being the key phrase for the development of the Corolla Cross, the model was designed as a new type of SUV that combines dignified sturdiness in the exterior, and utility in a manner that exceeds customer expectations. The TNGA*1 platform (GA-C) has enabled the Corolla Cross to achieve high-quality performance, a comfortable ride, and outstanding quietness. In addition to its exceptional comfort, the Corolla Cross provides a spacious cabin, easy entry into and exit from the car, class-leading*2 luggage space suitable for all scenarios, and safety equipment inherited from the Corolla series. In this way, the new model realizes comfort, utility, and peace of mind for customers.
Daizo Kameyama, Chief Engineer in charge of development, commented on the unveiling of the new model: " Now that the Corolla Cross has newly joined the Corolla family, we sincerely hope that our customers will warmly welcome the vehicle to become part of their families: just like their partners, siblings or even friends. We wish that the Corolla Cross could assist customers in creating a new story by loading on their vehicle the people who are important to them, the luggage, and their dreams for the future."
Overall
The Corolla Cross frame is based on the TNGA platform (GA-C)
A new torsion-beam suspension results in a stable, cushioned ride
A spacious cabin and class-leading luggage space
Exterior
The Corolla Cross features a powerful, sleek, and sophisticated appearance
A relaxed side view hints at a spacious interior and underlines the car's status
An imposing and powerful front and rear
Sturdy front fender molds underscore the car's sense of energy
The contrast between the rear fenders and the cabin results in an impressive rearview
Interior
A comfortable interior space
Outstanding views and ample head clearance
Class-leading luggage capacity of 487 liters / 440 liters*3
Outstanding utility
The height providing easy access to the luggage space
The large spacious door openings; this makes entering or exiting the vehicle easy even when carrying a child
Performance
Superb maneuverability
An elevated driving position contributes to a wide field of view, and helps minimize blind spots
A class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters results in responsive handling
Combination of driving performance and comfort
Optimized suspension geometry and the use of large, soft bushings ensure that passengers in all seats enjoy a comfortable ride
Safety equipment
Safety equipment*4 inherited from the Corolla series provides safety and customer peace of mind.
Environmental performance
Lightening the body has enabled even the gasoline-powered grades to achieve superb fuel efficiency.*5 As a result, both the gasoline-powered and hybrid models boast class-leading environmental performance.
