Toyota has unveiled the pricing for the new Corolla Cross GR-Sport, the flagship of the popular SUV series.
The GR-Sport (GR-S) was one of eight new Toyota models that recently debuted at the company’s State of the Motoring Industry event, alongside other big names like the new RAV4 and Land Cruiser FJ.
As a reminder, the Corolla Cross received a facelift last year, but the same treatment was not extended to the GR-Sport variants, until now.
The revamped GR-S is now listed on Toyota South Africa Motor’s website in two specifications, and prices start at R527,000.
Features
The new GR-S has been given a black grille with a honeycomb-style pattern, matching the design seen on the standard models post facelift.
It further distinguishes itself with subtly reworked LED headlights, and a unique GR front bumper with a more prominent black surrounds for the fog lamps and a lower grille below the licence plate.
It also has exclusive Gazoo Racing badges on the front and rear, dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, and black side mirror caps.
Buyers have a choice of three exterior colours, Arizona Red, Glacier White, and Chromium Silver, all of which are paired with a black roof for a two-tone effect.
The sporty overhaul extends to the cabin, which features black leather upholstery with GR-branded seats and red cross stitching.
The seatbelts are now red for added flair, though Toyota has removed the red strip from the dashboard that the previous version had.
It also has a GR badge on the multifunction leather steering wheel (complete with paddle shifters), GR-themed floor mats, and aluminium sports pedals.
All of this is in addition to the features found on the standard Corolla Cross, which includes keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, six speakers, an electric driver’s seat, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Driving and safety aids found on the Toyota include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, hill assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and seven airbags.
Engine
While the new Corolla has “Gazoo Racing” in its name, Toyota’s GR-Sport models are not comparable to “true” GR cars like the GR Yaris or Supra.
It has the same engine selection as the standard units, meaning you’ll have a choice of either a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a 1.8-litre hybrid (HEV).
The naturally aspirated version produces 103kW and 172Nm, which is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
This results in an average fuel consumption of 6.7l/100km.
The HEV, meanwhile, pairs the combustion engine with a small electric motor that greatly improves its efficiency at low speeds.
It has a lower output of 90kW, and the engine produces 142Nm (Toyota doesn’t disclose the complete torque stats for its hybrids).
The trade-off is a greatly improved fuel stat of 4.3l/100km.
The non-hybrid has a 47-litre tank, while the hybrid only has a 36-litre capacity.
Despite this, the HEV’s improved economy means it can travel 837km on a single tank compared to its sibling’s 702km.
While the GR-S doesn’t have a more powerful engine, Toyota has modified the SUV to have a sportier feel.
It has bespoke GR shock absorbers, and the steering and suspension have been tweaked to feel more responsive.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the updated Toyota Corolla Cross series is as follows:
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R414,800
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS – R452,200
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS – R494,400
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR – R501,500
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport – R527,000 (New)
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XR – R545,200
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-Sport – R569,700 (New)
This includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 6-service/90,000km service plan.
The HEV units additionally receive an 8-year/195,000km hybrid battery warranty.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport
