It’s not often that Southeast Asia gets an advantage over Europe, but that is definitely the case for the Corolla Cross, which received a facelift a full year (five months in the case of Malaysia) ahead of the West. Predictably, however, the Old Continent does get a few exclusive upgrades to make up for the lengthy delay.
The updated front fascia with the body-coloured honeycomb grille is shared with the ASEAN model, but the strip joining the headlights are now illuminated, forming a light bar of sorts. The main lamps have been redesigned again with available adaptive LED technology and L-shaped daytime running lights framing illuminated “dashes”.
The LED taillights are also new with a C-shaped graphic and fins that are claimed to improve vehicle stability. Meanwhile, the rear number plate garnish now has the “Corolla Cross” graphic stamped on in, and there’s also a new six-split-spoke design for the 18-inch alloy wheels.
Further extensive changes are to be found on the inside, where the Corolla Cross receives a new, wider centre console, gaining a USB-C port, a Qi wireless charger, a sliding storage box and redesigned cupholders. As part of the change, Android Auto connectivity is now 1.5 times faster, matching that of Apple CarPlay. The shifter and gearknob have also been revised with a more modern appearance.
Elsewhere, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display is standard in most of Europe, joined by a larger 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen as part of the standard Toyota Smart Connect package. Refinement has also been improved through the use of high-damping materials at the roof bonding to reduce rain and road noise, as well as additional material on the rear ventilator area that suppresses noise and vibration for rear passengers. Engine noise is further dampened by a new three-layer inner dash silencer on higher trim levels.
In Europe, the Corolla Cross continues to be hybrid only, with 140 PS 1.8 litre (now named Hybrid 140) and 197 PS 2.0 litre (Hybrid 200) options, plus an intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD-i) version of the latter with an additional 42 PS rear motor. The all-paw model gains a new Snow Extra mode that enhances stability and control on slippery surfaces, using the rear motor to prevent wheel spin and maintain grip.
For the first time, Europeans get a new GR Sport trim as part of the facelift, but this is not to be confused with the one offered in ASEAN. This one looks quite a bit more aggressive, with a massive octagonal lower grille and rectangular outer trims providing some familial resemblance to the latest facelifted GR Yaris and Corolla. This is paired with a 10 mm lower ride height, 19-inch machined Y-spoke alloys, gloss black logos and an exclusive Storm Grey paint option.
Inside, buyers receive Brin Naub suede-like faux leather upholstery with red stitching, GR-embroidered headrests and paddle shifters, and there’s also a unique Sport Mode that increases idle speed to improve throttle response and holds on to higher revs to increase engine braking.
GALLERY: 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross facelift for Europe
GALLERY: 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport facelift for Europe
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