First released for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross is a fantastic choice if you're interested in a subcompact SUV that's incredibly fun to drive. Even though it hasn't been around very long, it keeps getting better with improvements and innovations year after year. If you're interested in a Toyota Corolla Cross for sale, then the 2026 model is an amazing place to start, thanks to its excellent features and terrific performance options.
What's more, Toyota is giving the 2026 model some notable improvements and upgrades, including new looks for the front end, enhanced tech features inside, and more. Let's check out some of our favorite things about the 2026 Corolla Cross, and you'll see why it's better than ever before.
Two Impressive Engine Options
Although we're going to look at some new updates and changes for the 2026 Corolla Cross, one thing that hasn't changed is the remarkable performance and fuel efficiency you can get with this vehicle. Toyota has earned a legendary reputation for its engines and vehicle designs over the years, so it's no surprise that its modern lineup is just as incredible.
You've got two options here, letting you choose the kind of performance you want, starting with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that provides 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power for a small SUV. This engine comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD), though all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.
If you're looking for enhanced performance, then there's a hybrid version of this 2.0L engine available that delivers a combined 196 hp to zip you along the road. You get an electronically-controlled CVT with this engine, and it comes with AWD standard rather than an available option. As you might expect, fuel efficiency is also excellent with the hybrid powertrain.
The standard engine gets an estimated 31 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway in FWD, while the AWD hybrid setup gets an estimated 45 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, letting you get more done between stops for gas. Getting such fuel economy on top of the functionality of an SUV is an unbeatable combination.
New Fascia Treatments to Enjoy
The moment you lay your eyes on the 2026 Corolla Cross, you'll quickly notice one of the biggest changes that Toyota has made for this new model year. The front end has received a major overhaul, and it looks better than ever; plus, there are notable differences between the gas and hybrid models. In both, Toyota has given the front fascia a bolder appearance that catches the eye and refuses to let go.
Gas models have a wide, rugged grille on the front end that makes an immediate impression, indicating the power and sophistication of this subcompact SUV. It's not garish or over the top, opting instead to make a clear statement and showcase the versatility and refined strength of this SUV.
Hybrid models have a color-matched grille instead that carries the body color of the Corolla Cross across the front end. It's a subtle difference that can be overlooked at first, but once you recognize it, you'll quickly see how beautifully it sets these two models apart and complements the performance of the hybrid Corolla Cross.
New Updates to the Exterior
The revitalized front fascia isn't the only part of the Corolla Cross's exterior that's received some updates and changes for the 2026 model year. Checking this SUV out from the side, you'll notice some new 18-inch alloy wheels, available in dark gray on select trims or black on some others. These are large, striking wheels for a small SUV like this, with new designs that are subtle yet brilliantly realized.
The glossy-black finish for the XSE Hybrid trim is a particular favorite of ours and really highlights other details on the Corolla Cross this year. Perhaps the most remarkable new exterior option is a new color, Cavalry Blue, which is offered on all but the starting gas and hybrid trims. Available with a black roof to create a stunning contrast, this is one more great option for an already gorgeous SUV.
Great Tech Features Inside
One thing we love about the Corolla Cross is that there are six total trim levels available: three with the gas engine and three with the hybrid powertrain. This gives you the freedom to get the kind of performance you want and still prioritize other features and options to meet your needs. These trim levels let you access some excellent technology inside the Corolla Cross, so you can find whatever sort of driving experience you're looking for.
The base L and S Hybrid trims come with a seven-inch digital driver display, a pair of USB-C charging ports up front, and an eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with a six-speaker sound system, all providing an excellent starting point. Looking at the highest two trims (the XLE for the gas engine and the XSE Hybrid), we find a number of impressive upgrades. Ambient interior lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere inside the cabin, along with a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports.
With the XLE and XSE Hybrid, you get a gorgeous 12.3-inch digital driver display plus a 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen; also, a nine-speaker JBL Premium sound system is available. Add dual-zone automatic air conditioning and more great features, and you have the perfect daily driver.
Toyota's Standard Safety Suite
Although there's a lot we love about the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross, few attributes are as impressive as how hard it works to keep you safe. Every Corolla Cross comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a stunning suite of driver assistance features designed to protect you and your passengers. This includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, a Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams. You also get Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to make your daily routine safer and less of a hassle.
Higher trims provide you with advanced safety tech to take things further, such as a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which warn you about folks lurking in your blind spot or approaching as you're backing up. The two highest trims come with Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking to make maneuvering through crowded parking lots and into tight spots even easier. All of these different systems come together beautifully to make the 2026 Corolla Cross one of the safest subcompact SUVs out there, which is what we always look for.
Enjoy Refreshed Styling and So Much More
As you can see, there are a tremendous number of features and options that help ensure the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is better than it's ever been. That's saying something because this was already one of our favorite SUVs and a beautiful addition to the Toyota lineup, which includes legendary models like the RAV4 and Highlander.
With its revised exterior styling, advanced interior tech features, and the same great performance and fuel efficiency we've come to expect from previous years, the 2026 model revamps what the Corolla Cross offers without trying to fix anything that wasn't broken. If you're ready to see what this gorgeous SUV has to offer, then we're here at Toyota of Bowling Green to show you everything it can do.