2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Interior

The cabin of the 2026 Corolla Cross has been refreshed for more practicality and style. A reworked front console increases usable storage, making it easier to organize daily items. Higher trims now gain access to a newly available 10.5-inch touchscreen, which enhances media control, navigation, and connectivity. Depending on the model, the instrument cluster is offered either as a 7-inch display or a more advanced 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, putting essential driving information front and center.

Seating accommodates five passengers, with durable fabric upholstery on simpler grades and synthetic SofTex material (or mixed-media) in more premium versions. Higher trims may offer added comfort features like a heated steering wheel and heated front seats, making winter mornings in Norwich more pleasant. Rear-seat passengers benefit from dedicated rear vents that help maintain a balanced climate throughout the cabin.

Storage and cargo practicality are standout traits: the second-row seats fold in a 60/40 split, and when folded down, they open up to a roomy cargo area that can handle luggage, sports gear, or weekend shopping. For even more convenience, select models offer a power-adjustable liftgate, adding ease when loading bulky items.

Exterior

The 2026 Corolla Cross features new styling to distinguish its hybrid and gas-powered versions. Hybrid models receive a modern, color-matched grille, while the gas versions have a more rugged, wide front grille design. These changes lend each variant a distinct personality. New LED daytime running lights are standard, contributing to a sharper, more contemporary look.

On the side, available 18-inch alloy wheels in sporty finishes are now part of the palette, offering a refined yet athletic appearance. A new Cavalry Blue exterior color is introduced, with some trims offering a two-tone look when paired with a Jet Black roof.

In the rear, its compact crossover shape is reinforced by practical design elements like a sculpted liftgate and taillights that reflect its modern design. The elevated ride height gives the Cross a confident posture and gives drivers a good vantage point over traffic.

Performance

When it comes to performance, buyers can choose between a gas-powered or hybrid powertrain. The gas model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing around 169 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It also offers a smart Dynamic Torque Control AWD system for some trims, which can send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when traction is needed.

On the hybrid side, the 2026 Corolla Cross uses Toyota’s 5th-generation hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter engine and electric motors to produce about 196 net horsepower. All hybrid grades come with on-demand AWD, giving added stability without compromising the car-like handling its TNGA-C platform provides.

The suspension is tuned to balance agility and comfort, making the Cross feel composed on highways while still absorbing bumps and road imperfections. Front and rear setups give it a responsive feel and help create confidence whether navigating city streets or suburban roads.

Safety

Safety is a key focus for the 2026 Corolla Cross. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. That includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition.

Complementing that, Toyota’s STAR Safety System adds technologies such as enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. For parking support, higher grades offer front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, which helps when maneuvering in tight spots.

The Corolla Cross also comes with a full set of airbags, helping to protect occupants throughout the cabin.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross blends compact SUV versatility with thoughtful interior updates, refreshed exterior styling, efficient and capable performance options, and robust safety technologies. Its balanced design makes it well-suited for daily driving, family errands, and weekend outings in and around Norwich, Connecticut.