Toyota Motor PH Unveils 2021 Corolla Cross with Prices Starting at P 1.285M (w/ Specs)

After a long wait, Toyota Motor Philippines has finally entered the compact crossover segment with the 2021 Corolla Cross. Sitting below the RAV4 in terms of size and price, the Corolla Cross aims to bring the brand’s success in the compact sedan space into the small SUV segment.

Sharing its basic TNGA GA-C platform with the Corolla, the Corolla Cross swaps the sedan’s independent rear suspension for a newly-developed torsion beam. Despite its simpler construction, Toyota says its been tuned for better grip and a smoother ride, while improving its overall balance and agility. Moreover, the emphasis is to provide a more spacious interior with easy ingress/egress as well as a large cargo hold.

For the Philippine market, the Corolla Cross comes with two engine choices. Curiously, the local version doesn’t adopt the Thai market’s 2ZR-FBE engine. Instead, the 2ZR-FE is found in its place and this one makes 138 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, Toyota is the first to offer a gasoline-electric hybrid variant in the compact crossover space thanks to the 1.8 HV pairing its 98 horsepower, 142 Nm of torque 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine to an electric motor that produces 71 horsepower and 163 Nm of torque. Overall output is rated at 120 horsepower with around 200 Nm of torque.

Both variants come exclusively with a CVT powering the front wheels.

Features of the 2021 Corolla Cross include a push start/stop engine, automatic folding side view mirrors, speed-sensing door locks, and automatic climate control. Meanwhile, the 1.8 HV adds rain-sensing wipers, leather seats, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, and a retractable cargo cover. It’s the only variant to also receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Toyota Safety Sense, a driver assist tech package that bundles Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing Assist, and automatic high beam is standard only on the hybrid variant. And unlike the Corolla Altis Hybrid, the Corolla Cross Hybrid adds a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. Both variants though have 7 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and rear parking sensors as standard equipment, but only the 1.8 HV has a reverse camera.

The 2021 Corolla Cross comes in the following colors: Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Metal Stream Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl Mica. Say what you will about the design, but with the 2021 Corolla Cross’s starting price pegged at 1.285 million for the 1.8 G and 1.650 million for the 1.8 HV (P 15,000 for the Platinum White, of course), Toyota will surely sell a boatload of these. Toyota dealers across the country are now accepting reservations with customer deliveries to start by August 26.

For those wondering, Toyota Motor Philippines is offering some accessories for the Corolla Cross including this better-looking front grille. It will also offer the Hybrid variant with a Balloon Payment Plus scheme pioneered by the 2020 Vios.

Source: Car Guides PH