PLANO, Texas – Arriving at Toyota dealerships is another compact SUV with a “Made in Huntsville” stamp.
The 2026 Corolla Cross has a combination of efficiency, capability, and functionality for customers seeking a stylish, value priced compact SUV, the automaker announced in a news release.
The Cross comes in gas and hybrid models that are assembled at the massive Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville.
For model year 2026, the Corolla Cross package changes up with two new front fascia designs that enhance its style and presence. The hybrid model receives a sleek, modern look with a seamless color-matched grille, while the gas-powered version receives a bold, rugged design that is built to stand out.
All grades also receive new LED daytime running lights.
The interior also receives changes that enhance Corolla Cross’ usability, the company said. The front console is reworked on all grades to maximize its usable storage space while also providing driver-friendly access to the gear shifter and other controls.
For models equipped with a wireless Qi charger, a divider helps keep phones in place. The XLE grade also adds a Portobello interior color to its options.
Corolla Cross’ tech also keeps evolving, with a newly available 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Toyota said.
Additionally, for extra comfort on chilly days, a Cold-Weather package with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats is now standard on the gas XLE AWD and hybrid XSE grades (this option is also now available on gas LE AWD and hybrid SE grades).
Also new to Corolla Cross is the cool hue of Cavalry Blue exterior paint, available on the gas LE and XLE, as well as the hybrid SE and XSE models.
For an extra touch of style, the hybrid SE and XSE offer an exclusive two-tone option featuring Cavalry Blue paired with a sleek Jet Black roof—perfect for those who want to make a bold statement on the road.
The new color keeps the momentum moving on Corolla Cross’ playful approach to exterior paint, with 10 different colors across the grades, the automaker said.
Two new wheel designs are also available, including 18-inch alloy wheels with dark-gray metallic finish and machined accents on the XLE and 18-inch aluminum alloy sport wheels in a gloss-black finish for the hybrid XSE grade (previously equipped on the Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade model).
And, it’s not just the vehicle itself that has a Rocket City connection.
The engines for the Corolla Cross are made at the Toyota Alabama motor plant in North Huntsville.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid model will be available in three grades: S, SE, and XSE, all equipped with standard Electronic On-Demand AWD.
The gas-powered models will come in three grades: L, LE and XLE, all with FWD or AWD available.
Gas-powered models have the Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S).
Overall, it produces a punchy 169 horsepower on the gas model and has a physical first gear for an engaging driving experience.
Gas models are available in Front- or All-Wheel Drive across all grades.
For those who choose a gas-powered AWD model, Toyota’s clever Dynamic Torque Control system directs up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when it’s needed – and disengages completely when it’s not.
According to Toyota, this feature helps Corolla Cross’ fuel economy – another strong suit for this powertrain – with a manufacturer estimated 30 combined MPG rating on AWD models; FWD equipped models have a manufacturer estimated 32 combined MPG rating.
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