The Chinese-market twin of Toyota’s popular Corolla Cross gets a redesigned front as part of its mid-cycle update
- Corolla Cross and Frontlander twins are preparing to receive updated facelifts in China.
- GAC’s Frontlander adopts a unique front-end design with a body-colored closed-off grille.
- Both models will retain existing 2.0L gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrain options.
Compact SUVs have become the bread and butter of global lineups, and few exemplify that better than the Toyota Corolla Cross. Built to suit a broad range of markets, it also faces a unique challenge in China, where regulations require foreign automakers to sell locally-made variants through separate joint ventures.
That’s how the Frontlander came to be, a and is essentially a Corolla Cross sibling exclusive to GAC Toyota. Now, both models are preparing to launch facelifted versions, bringing updated styling and familiar powertrains.
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In China, the Corolla Cross is manufactured by FAW Toyota, while the Frontlander is assembled byGAC Toyota. Both refreshed versions have surfaced early, thanks to filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, offering a preview ahead of their official market debuts.
Styling Tweaks
While FAW’s Corolla Cross inherits the styling from the recently facelifted global-spec model, GAC’s Frontlander has its identity up front. The sharp nose looks similar to the GR Sport trim of the crossover, which is available in Europe and Japan, but the lower portion of the bumper swaps the massive grille for an EV-inspired design. A body-colored insert enhances aerodynamics, leaving just a small opening for the cooling intakes. This is paired with a prominent lower section finished with glossy trim accents.
The LEDs look identical to those found in higher-spec Corolla Cross trims in other markets, although entry-level models are treated with carry-over headlights. The rest of the bodywork appears to be identical to the outgoing Frontlander. We don’t have photos of the interior yet, but it safe to assume that it will gain an updated digital cockpit.
The facelifted Toyota Frontlander (above) from MIIT compared to the outgoing version (below).
The Frontlander measures 4,490 mm (176.8 inches) long, 1,825 mm (71.8 inches) wide and 1,625 mm (64 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm (103.9 inches). These measurements are identical to the facelifted Corolla Cross, which means the new SUV havs gained 5 mm (0.2 inches) compared to the pre-facelift version.
Carryover Engines, Hybrid Still in the Mix
As with its predecessor, the compact model will be available with gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrain options. The non-electrified 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 169 hp (126 kW / 171 PS), moving the front wheels through a CVT. The hybrid combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (156 hp) with a 111 hp electric motor and a ternary lithium-ion battery, routed through an E-CVT to the front wheels.
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Toyota hasn’t announced a release date yet, but the updated Frontlander is expected to arrive in showrooms soon. Current models are already being discounted, with the outgoing gasoline version starting at ¥89,800 ($12,500) and the hybrid at ¥111,800 ($15,600), suggesting that the facelifted models are just around the corner.
The Corolla Cross was originally launched in 2020 and has since grown into one of Toyota’s most successful models. In 2024, it ranked as the world’s third best-selling vehicle with 859,000 units sold, marking an 18 percent increase over 2023. That places it ahead of the Corolla sedan and hatchback, though it still trails the larger RAV4, which continues to lead global sales.
TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS