The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross gets a BIG Refresh // The Good, Bad, and UGLY

[@bobbyjones2112]

I think the new Cross looks better than the old one for sure!

[@yslee1401]

You can see the grille design language from Lexus LM. Those openings from the top are gradual

[@CristianChereji]

Which is not very hard, as the old one is extremely ugly. The best car segment, they have a great power train and fuel economy and they almost sold none of them in Europe. The new one is not a beauty but is better.

[@byhsu6140]

​@CristianChereji the new Corolla Cross looks good in the flesh. Is one the best sellers right now in Taiwan. I see them everywhere.

[@JWFas]

The existing Corolla Cross hybrid isn't bad, but when I spec out an XSE trim it makes more sense to go up a little higher to a Rav4 hybrid.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I'm with you -- except for the fact that a RAV4 won't fit into my garage and that's a must for me!

[@MARTINRIGGSS]

I just spec’ed one out and holy cow it’s definitely in RAV4 territory. At least with the RAV4 you get a regular auto and not a CVT.

[@skolarii]

Maybe its just me but I love the frowny mouth grille. The RAV4 has a similar angry grille and I love its design too.

[@yslee1401]

I like the angry grill design like the new Subaru Crosstrek 😊. Like the RAV4, it has this urban assault vehicle look and when seen from the rear view mirror, it shouts “ get the F out of my way”

[@tylerpereira4]

I agree with you, the 1st gen design looks the best. My cross has that and im glad I got it before the design changed

[@eleanormassaro5195]

The new Front Grill on the Corolla cross actually looks like a baby TX. It looks much better than the current grill.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

The gas version of the current gen is probably made to look like a RAV4 because it does. I like the new grille though. It’s definitely an improvement.

[@darknessislight3689]

Team Toyota 😊 love the new design language ❤ another fantastic refresh

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Idk why Toyota insists on ugly designs. The Corolla Cross front end should just look exactly like the Corolla Hatchback front end. The Hatchback front end is a great look and was Toyota's best looking front end before the Crown Sport was introduced

[@masonvevo.]

agreed

[@tinhinnh]

no

[@alwayne5932]

Not agreed …I think they make good looking cars the only ones that might not look so good looking might be the ones in America or in certain European countries that’s what I think

[@michaeloreilly657]

Front end sooo sad.

[@alwayne5932]

@@michaeloreilly657 well I think in my country where am from Jamaica 🇯🇲 & in Japan.. but am living in the US now I think we have some of the nicest ones 😁

[@rogerb7147]

I think the height of the Corolla Cross lends to styling challenges. Most of the other small crossovers are several inches lower. The Corolla Cross is high, including the hood level which leads to a lot of front area the stylists have to work. My '23 XLE has a tepid attempt at accent lighting in the front doors. But it's there, a curved light above the armrest. I didn't notice at first cause in the city it seems like ordinary ambient light from the outside. Now that I know it exists it is kinda neat. Thanks to Kirk for bringing these changes to us, they're mostly for the better. Although I see in the comments some do like the "unhappy" grill. IMO as cars become used cars most styling become more generic and accepted.

[@PROutdoors94]

New front end looks great but the Corolla Cross’ biggest design issue to me is the rear tail lights. They definitely need a refresh in my opinion.

[@Mist3man4423]

This is just what the Corolla Cross needed. Just needs an adventure trim like the Rav4.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The Land Cruiser FJ will be approximately the same size as the Cross and offer plenty of adventure.

[@Mist3man4423]

@@rightlanehog3151 That is true.

[@pattygotdatcake]

Agreed!! I would love to see a sportier trim

[@iammarccolomayt82094]

Absolutely complete elegance & love this❤❤❤

[@rightlanehog3151]

Kick, In general, the Corolla Cross is a solid offering and the Hybrid powertrain is class-leading but there are two areas where the Cross is in desperate need of 'refreshment'. The rear seat leg room requires an additional 2-3 inches to match the HR-V as well as other major competitors. What was Toyota thinking when they decided the tiny Corolla hatch wheelbase would work for the Cross??? The high voltage cable ⚡⚡to the rear electric motor has to be re-routed to allow a spare tire in the spare tire compartment! 🤨

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Yes! That missing spare tire because of electrical cables sounds like the Toyota engineers took the day off and let their kids design that layout!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@Steve_in_NJ It was very sloppy for the Hybrid masters at Toyota. When the Cross and Cross Hybrid first came out in Asia they were all FWD but that is no excuse. Toyota built a whole new plant in Alabama for production of AWD, North American Corolla Crosses so they made confounding oversights from the get go. When we consider the Corolla sedan made in Mississippi and overseas Corolla wagons have longer wheelbases, the short wheelbase in the Cross that came out after them is even more inexplicable.

[@markaruski]

Yes! Definitely needs the spare tire!

[@tinhinnh]

I personally still prefer the angry look, what i don’t like is the bland shaped taillights

[@Michael-ur5qb]

Yeah I think the taillights make the whole rear end look dated. If anything they need to bring more sharp edges like the Rav4 to this. It’s just so bland compared to the rest of the line up.

[@samjam6989]

Looks like a 1997 toyota corolla from the back end 😂

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Whaat? The GR Corolla Cross looks so cool. A Highlander RAV4 mashup is cool.👍😎

[@Tyrewhisperer]

It's not a real GR. It's a GR SPORT trim which doesn't make it any faster. I have a Toyota Yaris GR SPORT, looks stunning but is not any faster than a normal one.

[@mark_u]

​@@TyrewhispererYeah, Toyota slightly tweaked the suspension tuning and nothing else 😅

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@TyrewhispererThat’s too bad.😕

[@bigdaddy5150sh71]

I have a question. Is the instrument cluster still blocked by the steering wheel? That looked like a design flaw.

[@rick8125]

If you get your hands on any inside info on the 2025 Rav4 please share!!!

[@rich1hawaii]

and the 2026

[@nazspeed1]

The Chr didn't sell because it never had AWD in America I personally like it but no AWD and We Want Crown Sport please!

[@blackwatch7151]

Looks so much better.

[@byhsu6140]

The Headlamps look nice. The new corolla cross looks very good. It is one of the best selling SUV right now in Taiwan. 23.5km per liter , very fuel efficient.

[@MechaBouncer]

I managed to find and lease a 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE and I'm pretty happy with the styling of the Hybrid version compared to the regular. I think I still like it more than this newer styling too.

[@worrywart1311]

Wow, you can also use the grille for grating cheese, fruit and veggies. How convenient.

[@islandon22]

It's definitely an improvement. But the Prius is for more attractive. Or better yet, would be the Corolla Hatch HYBRID. If it was out here in North America, it would be in my garage right now.

[@rightlanehog3151]

There is no logical reason to deny us the Hybrid hatch.

[@davidc-l9174]

My problem with the Corolla Cross is that you have to deal with Toyota. If you’re willing to take whatever a dealer has or will get, you’re probably good. If you care at all about the color, option packages, etc. then it’ll likely be a disappointment. The U.S. regions are all throwing on a bunch of BS add-ons like body side molding and other junk no one wants but they force you to pay for.

[@kenhoward3512]

It's built in Huntsville, Alabama, and you can't order one the way you want it? That's difficult to believe.

[@davidc-l9174]

@@kenhoward3512Have you actually tried? That’s not how Toyota works. They decide what they’re building and how the vehicles will be equipped in each region. You get what’s out there, period. If something in the pipeline doesn’t match what you want, then you either keep waiting or have to compromise. And almost all will have some dumb added things like side molding, etc. Again, that’s from the collective region deciding this.

[@craigo2142]

It looks much more mature. Hope we can get more outside colors and colors for the interior. Sure it isn't built as well as a UX, but, I think it will give the UX a good run for the money.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Working at that factory, I saw a few test vehicles come through the line with some cool new interior designs...but it might not make it to final production, as well as at least 1 new color that was cool (might not make it to production)

[@saltyt.1886]

But does the Corolla Cross Hybrid still not have a spare tire? If so, still a NO SALE for me.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

When I had an Elantra and the first Kona, they didn't have a spare tire and I was lucky to never need one. Still, it's like having insurance. You hope you never need it, but it's nice to know it's there!

[@tylerf9400]

Just buy one then, not hard to add.

[@dontdoxmebro]

Saves weight. Just pay for aaa

[@PlasmaSnake369]

The Crosses in Thailand are made in Thailand which is considered a lower cost of living country last time I checked. So I think its marketed as a more high end car there. There's Toyotas you can buy new in Indonesia for like 8000 bucks

[@shadowhound5113]

I hate the cheese grader front. The Camry is barely a refresh. Toyletta could have put hammer on the Corolla cross. I am glad the didn’t. The Camry doesn’t really have the hammerhead.

[@usmankhalid9438]

In 🇺🇸 We Need Toyota YarisCross HEV AWD. Its better then CHR and New Corolla Cross. Toyota should bring that in 🇺🇸

[@Steve_in_NJ]

OMG! Timing on this video is just perfect!!!!! I love the Corolla Cross Hybrid -- until I sat inside one. Then, not so much. Yes, the interior is so bland and that 8" infotainment screen is awful! Pushed me right back to a 2024 Hyundai Kona again. Fingers crossed that this crossover (see what I did there?) refresh is out in the fall, just in time for my lease end and then maybe I can be one of the first to get one. Alas, if they really don't arrive in the U.S. until 2025, then I will not get one. If the new 2025 Camry is coming out in April 2024, then why can't the 2025 Cross Hybrid come out in September?

[@mark_u]

Refreshed front end looks more upscale. Hoped there were more changes for the plain rear end though. Toyota should have rectified the weird "Corolla CROSS" badging on the tailgate garnish, which is only present in the ASEAN model.

[@Escanor990]

I really liked the new design of Cross. Do you know when the arene woven OS will come out and will you make video about it? Thanks

[@Gopinathk17]

When are they revealing the new redesign of RAV4?

[@johnbourgeois6863]

Great review thanks Kirk, very informative and I agree 100% that a new grill look will make this a much more attractive car. That existing angry look is not good !

[@quintonhorne5152]

This is the first time I’ve looked at it. I’ll have to drive one

[@fernandovargas7562]

Great the Corolla Cross hybrid one for the city … cool video….

[@LordTakkun86]

Since we (Malaysian) will get the similar trim to Thailand models. i tell you what we are missing out. Our market will only be getting 1.8 2ZR engine. for both normal and hybrid. we wont get to have dynamic force engine until estimated around 2028.

[@KirkKreifels]

Oof 😣

[@ThatCarGuy174]

I think this should be released ASAP Bc I love electric cars and this Corolla cross hybrid looks so cool and I can’t wait to see it in 2025 As I love Electric Cars Like this So I Sure hope to see this car in 2025.

[@isaiahjohnson2638]

Do you think they will have the acidic blast yellow color in the 2025 model? I want that color, but worry waiting for the U.S. 2025 release will result in no yellow option 😬

[@RetroClinic]

The fully digital MID is ONLY on the new Lexus LBX. All the other Lexus models have the older smaller MID and separate LED indicators and gauges.

[@jjptech]

For Thailand they are using the same 1.8L engine as in LATAM, a little bit more refined so it makes 140hp instead of the 122hp of the old one. New few gadgets here and there, but nothing massive.

[@arturogomez2768]

I would definitely get a hybrid corolla cross if it weren't for the lack of legroom in the backseat!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Yes, it was a terrible design decision to us the shortest Corolla hatch wheelbase for the Cross.

[@ahchigo]

I like the new cross but I doubt Toyota will be fast to bring the new refresh to the US market. I don't know how the cross is selling in other cities but I don't think it is doing well in NYC. There are tons of Rav4, CRV, Sorento on the streets and for the subcompact crossover I see more HRV, Seltos , Kona than the cross. I hope they do bring it soon. it's about time for me to get a new car and i have my eyes on the cross for a couple of years now

[@moeanthony9308]

The cross was dated from day one. It needs a re fresh. The new chr not available in na looks ten times better. Give the cross the hammer head front design

[@jn9604]

I know that how a car looks to someone is subjective and we all like different things. For me Toyota and Lexus have some of the ugliest front ends on the marker today. My preference is for simple classic lines without all the trendy new shapes that go out of style in a few years. LED lights have been one of the drivers of that because you can make pretty much any shape and to me all those weird shaped lights are just that weird shaped. I wish somebody would come up with a modern Volvo 240; meaning something with a simple design, not much content, very low tech, however very functional meaning function over form. And with a lower price becasue it doesn't have all the crap. Profit would be based on volume, not high margins. I know it will likely never happen, but it would be great. I miss my Volvo 240 still today. IF parts were easier to find I would buy another old one and fix it up as my daily.

[@ic_0129]

The new exterior looks fine to me but the they barely did anything to the interior. I thought they would freshen up the interior like they did with the new camry and prius. I was hoping the center armrest was going to be like the camry's and the prius. I just hope they make the center arm rest extendable.

[@alicornaynay]

When you speak on the moonroof and how “we can only dream of having one” bc “it’s too expensive for Toyota to incorporate that much glass” - are you specifically referencing the North American market? Would love to add context on my situation - my lease on a 2020 Corolla ends next January and I’m in Ontario, Canada where the wait time for the Cross Hybrid is approximately a year, so I’m hoping to put an order in soon and get it financed… I’m just not 100% sold on this year’s Cross due to inferior fuel efficiency and backseat space to the Kia Niro and boring overall interior. I am hopeful the 2025 model will ease some of my issues - regardless, a moonroof would be worth the trouble of trying to extend my lease haha! But if that isn’t even predicted to be in the NA market, I’ll put a deposit down for a 2024 vehicle in March or April. Many thanks in advance! (Thank you so much for this update btw!!)

[@oligarchy-usa]

The Corolla Cross needs a good, strong refresh. The initial release current-gen looks & feels very cheap/cut-rate, even in the top trim levels (exterior & interior), & isn't attractive at all (IMO). Toyota also needs to learn how to build a muffler/exhaust system that doesn't look like was pulled out of a junkyard & just bolted on in a drunken stupor. Take some lessons from Mazda on how to build a good-looking, properly-designed/concealed muffler & sporty exhaust pipe setup. Same with the cheap-looking & poorly-designed taillights. It's like Toyota cut every little tacky corner possible, especially on the USA/NA version release, to make it as low-rent, entry-level as possible (but for $30K-$40K+ real-world prices no-less).

[@moeanthony9308]

Well said

[@ahmedshahab4105]

When will this go on sale?

[@Gopinathk17]

That new front face looks much better.

[@andre4carignan]

Any chance the Corolla cross could could add a plugin like the Prius for the near feature?

[@TalismanPHX]

Looks a lot better

[@foxgood]

I think the interior of the Corolla and Corolla Cross could use a major interior refresh, it's old and very basic. Modernity wouldn't hurt.

[@johanlandman4097]

It’s all about rock solid reliability.

[@thrash123ful]

Do you think this front end design will be used on the next gen Rav?

[@KMVSD]

the funny things about this refresh, there are lots of poll in multiple forum guess which "front facia" we goanna get are we goanna get the JP one or not refresh. and what most people wish about is the are we goanna get 2.0 hybrid engine or not lol

[@KreeH2023]

I wish Toyota would have focused more on AWD off-road, snowy road conditions, similar to the Subaru Crosstrek vs racy sport lowered styling. My comment is for the US market.

[@lostjr]

Hybrid version is still with a $2000 surcharge over MSRP in N. California. I like the new design FWIW.

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

I do like the new front end as well as the GR Sport front end. Lots of choice is good in this case.

[@stevenjames1138]

That new front end looks WAY better than the current version! Much improved! Looking forward to the next gen a few years from now after this refresh. BTW, I agree that the second version showed is also ugly.

[@DavidDLee]

Sounds like the same powertrain and only cosmetic differences, unless you go for top trims, then maybe some interior improvements. For me, no reason to wait. I don't see anything bad with the grille, in fact the yellow hybrid grille looks definitely worse to me than current gas. New one looks fine, not great.

[@samkong2741]

I really like the “LEXUS” style incorporated front grille design. 👍

[@got2544]

Watching From 🇹🇭 Thailand 😂

[@Puntun0]

Talk about Toyota Yaris Cross please

[@jemramos321]

Toyota should get a hold on the truth that people buy their products not beacause of styling but because its bulletproof..stil got the ridiculous piano black center console. Our region got dnga yaris cross that somehow much more accpetable in my opinion. I hope they start their ne design language from there on in terms of interior.exterior....meh

[@scraps0233]

Do you think they will move to all hybrid powertrain in the new upcoming cross kinda like the Camry is going?

[@KirkKreifels]

Probably. Hard to say when

[@scraps0233]

@@minimalist0000 I agree. And it’s a very proven hybrid system.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The Cross should have been 100% Hybrid from Day 1. Right now Toyota is over-promising and under-delivering Hybrids.

[@gordonnguyen7160]

Couldn’t believe the tx has that single beam headlights like the Corolla cross which costs about $30k

[@davina9183]

I just bought the 2024 last weekend and mine has the ambient lights on the doors and has the all digital cluster 🤷‍♀️

[@grahamstefaan]

I just want a prius prime V.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Just say YES to the Prius V!!!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@raeraehxd5915]

The new design looking really good

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

Kirk, Anything about the New KIA Carnival Hybrid model? Yet?? 🇺🇲

[@rick8125]

Any thoughts on an updated Corolla sedan? Seems due…

[@KirkKreifels]

Probably next year

[@laipply1]

What about the Toyota Sienna?

[@kdc300z]

If you could scroll through the pics a little faster that would be great......

[@xqz3536]

Hybrid looks is the reason that makes me buy a standard one instead

[@bjsimon802]

Those interior are simply made for people of all walks of life. Simple is better for bigger person who needs practicality over luxury

[@ProductShroomz]

Wouldn’t it be on toyotas upcoming vehicles page if it would come in 2025?

[@farcinue]

I would love a more lux, lexus version for the US market. I want something this size, but nice.

[@magnoliap5824]

Can’t wait for Kirk to be wrong about an updated regular Highlander! This vehicle is way too small for me! 😂😂😂

[@rightlanehog3151]

it would be strange to see the regular Highlander disappear but you never know..........

[@avdp9095]

Have you seen spyshots new bev from Toyota on BZ forum???? Looks like a smaller bz4x but doesn't look at all at the previewed small bev for Europe as shown on an event in Brussels, december. It us not the Urban concept.....maybe a new bev or just a facelifted version of the bz4x????

[@KirkKreifels]

Pretty sure it's a solterra

[@avdp9095]

​@@KirkKreifelsyes, i think you are right, hope so.

[@StephenWillcox]

I am all for the new RX design. Way more cohesive and has more continuity. The last generation seemed unfinished.

[@yslee1401]

It has the Lexus LM type design language embedded in the new front end design

[@midwest9040]

As nice as this version is, I would rather wait to see if the Corolla Cross Hybrid drivetrain will make its way over to the Mazda CX-30 hybrid. Which is a much better looking vehicle & has a more upscale interior.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Toyota cannot keep up with the demand for Hybrid components for its own cars. It could be years before they can start supplying them to Mazda.

[@midwest9040]

I did say I would wait....or didn't you read that? Besides, I'm prepared to "wait" until solid state batteries come out anyway.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@midwest9040 My mistake, I thought you were waiting for current Toyota Hybrid components not hypothetical ones.

[@tonyw2167]

The Thailand facelift version of the Corolla Cross looks a lot better than the one in N America with a frowning/sad face.

[@1956jude]

Why does Toyota insist on continuing with those glued on ipads?

[@eivis13]

The old one looks like a Forester and the new model looks like it came out from Hyundai/Kia. I prefer the old design even if it stands out like a sore thumb from any other corolla/auris. The new one looks like the Happy RAV4 (previous generation) got face punched.

[@ItsHimSlim]

Idk why, but when a car gets discontinued in the US the redesign/refreshed model looks way better than other cars in the segment. Like ford fusion/mondeo and , but we get a crown it's an aesthetic downgrade to me

[@markallen2984]

I don’t think many people buy the Corolla Cross for its styling. In my opinion, all car companies should hire Italian stylists.

[@sgrant9814]

Rather not,have the panno rood.....they normally do not open and imo, if you have a glass roof it should, at least partially, open.....they are huge heat sinks in summer so opening helps exhaust the heat

[@JimmyDeneus-e9k]

New 😍😍😍💯

[@playallato]

The front looks more upscale, the rear lights are still super outdated tho :(

[@raeraehxd5915]

I love the GR sport look

[@jr7055]

I wish Toyota would clean up the muffler in the back. It just hangs down and looks so cheap and unfinished. You can't see it in these pictures very well because they blacked it out. I think Toyota made the muffler look cheap on purpose to not takeaway from the Rav4. Up your game Toyota!

[@usmankhalid9438]

Need new designs are Corolla and Corolla HEV and RAV 4 and RAV HEV in 🇺🇸. Come on Toyota.

[@gregkramer5588]

Toyota front ends just have been bad for a decade IMO. It does not seem to improve much but the new CC and the RX are getting better.

[@User0963-e4m]

The front looks more like crown insignia.

[@bjsimon802]

I think the new grill is nicer, and they can change color like the camry

[@charliechungOG]

The old one looked like Emperor Zurg from Buzz Lightyear

[@HappyBuffalo-ky9ni]

I’m waiting for the Corolla sedan and hatch redesign.

[@HumbleBearcat]

I really like the original classy design of Cross. Unforetunately, the hybrid is really ugly, and then the face lift design is not much better and will wear off quickly. If Toyota kept the original design on the hybrid as the European and Asian versions then I would've bought it over the new Prius.