Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially launched the new and improved version of the Toyota Corolla Cross. It’s only been in the market for four years, but it’s already on the top of most buyers’ wishlists.
If you’re still on the fence about getting one, we go some of the more interesting aspects of the new vehicle to help inform your decision.
Toyota’s best-selling hybrid so far
It may be one of Toyota’s newer models, but it’s already one of its best-selling hybrids in the Philippines so far. To date, Toyota claims it has already sold some 13,000 electrified vehicles in the Philippines. This includes even full-battery electric vehicles. The bulk of that number, however, is made up of hybrids.
Breaking down that figure further, Toyota managed to sell 7,203 electrified vehicles in 2023, made up of Toyota and Lexus models. Since its first introduction, Toyota has already managed to sell more than 4,000 (as of end of February 2024) electrified Corolla Cross units. That means the Corolla Cross accounts for almost one-third of all Toyota hybrids. It has achieved all that in just a span of four years.
Vital improvements
Toyota is not one to rest on its laurels. And so, for the 2024 model year Corolla Cross, it has listened to customer concerned and made some vital improvements.
First of all, the headlamps are now all-LED, regardless of the variant. The V HEV and GR-S HEV variants now have LED lamps with automatic high beam (AHB) and sequential turn signals too.
Loading your things is now easer with the addition of the power tailgate with kick sensor fitted in the GR-S HEV and V HEV variants. The top-of-the-line GR-S HEV variant comes with a panoramic view monitor camera and a panoramic moonroof for that added premium feel.
On the inside, all variants now have LED interior lamps and a leather steering wheel. The foot brake has also now been replaced with an electronic parking brake (EPB).
All hybrid variants
Regardless of what variant you choose, you can now take the first steps towards reducing your carbon footprint and experiencing electrified vehicles as all the Corolla Cross variants are now full-hybrids. These are all full-hybrids, meaning they come with a built-in EV mode (where the ICE is turned off) for carbon-free driving for a short range. As such, they are also eligible for number coding exemption.
The hybrid experience starts at ₱1,498,000 for the G HEV variant, ₱1,763,000 for the V HEV variant, and ₱1,917,000 for the GR-S HEV variant.
In fact, the G HEV variant just happens to be the most affordable hybrid in the Toyota stable, coming out at ₱100,000 less than the Yaris Cross Hybrid while offering a more space.
Toyota Safety Sense
Formerly exclusive to premium models like the HiAce, Camry Hybrid, and Corolla Altis Hybrid, Toyota’s innovative safety technology suite is now available in the Corolla Cross.
The GR-S and V variants are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. All variants have active safety features such as Emergency Brake Signal (EBS), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Monitor with your phone
Practically all cars let you connect your phone to the vehicle’s in-car entertainment system. In the Corolla Cross’s case, all three variants have a 10-inch display audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charger for convenient smartphone charging on the go.
In addition to that, there’s the myToyota Connect feature. It works by linking your car to your phone through the myToyota App. Once connected, you can unlock new functionalities like monitoring your vehicle’s vital information like fuel level, oil life, or battery level and so on even when not in the vehicle. There’s also a "Find My Car" feature that helps you locate the vehicle if you’ve forgotten where you parked. It also has insights into driving behavior, maintenance notifications, trip records, and geofencing. Finally, it can even help during critical times with a feature like stolen vehicle tracking.
The improvements to the Corolla Cross are part of the drive to continue nurturing the Corolla brand. The Corolla is the best-selling Toyota nameplate in the world. Since the introduction of the brand in 1966, roughly 50 million units have been sold in 150 countries – and that includes the Philippines.
The new Corolla Cross is now available for viewing and reservation at any Toyota dealership nationwide.