New Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Toyota has announced the arrival of the highly anticipated Corolla Cross GR-Sport (GR-S) in South Africa.

Originally revealed at the 2026 Toyota State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) earlier this year, the popular SUV has officially gone on sale in South Africa in its two derivatives.

Prices for the all-new GR-S models start from R527,000 and include both a naturally aspirated and a hybrid option.

“Infused with the unmistakable DNA of Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR-S elevates the popular SUV with sportier styling, refined driving dynamics, and enhanced interior finishes – all tailored for South African lifestyles,” Toyota South Africa Motors said.

“Building on the success of the locally produced Corolla Cross, this latest derivative brings a new level of excitement to the compact SUV segment, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to vehicles that balance practicality, reliability, and emotional appeal.”

Performance

Despite being branded with GR badging, the latest Corolla Cross GR-Sport does not feature improved performance and instead shares the same powertrain selection as the rest of the line-up.

As such, buyers can choose between either a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a 1.8-litre hybrid (HEV).

The naturally aspirated motor produces 103kW and 172Nm, which drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), resulting in an average fuel consumption of 6.7l/100km.

In the hybrid variant, Toyota has paired the 1.8-litre engine with a single electric motor, combining for a lower output of 90kW.

As the brand does not disclose the complete torque stats for its hybrids, all we know is that its engine produces 142 Nm.

This variant offers an average fuel consumption of only 4.3l/100km.

Although Toyota opted not to boost the performance in the GR-Sport Corolla Cross, it does feature bespoke GR shock absorbers, while its steering and suspension have been tweaked to feel more responsive.

Features

Instead of powertrain upgrades, Toyota spent its time refining both the exterior profile and cabin in the latest GR-S Corolla Cross.

A bold black mesh grille with LED headlamps with sequential indicators adorns the front end, while a sporty skid plate rounds off the facelift.

Redefined mouldings and all-new 18-inch machined alloy wheels can be found along the SUV’s profile, while its rear features distinctive lights that are joined by a blacked-out badge and sculpted skid plate.

The Corolla Cross GR-S is offered in three colour options, which accompany a black roof. These are Glacier White, Chromium Silver, and Arizona Red.

On the inside, Toyota has reimagined the cabin with black leather upholstery and high-contrast red stitching, GR branding, and red seatbelts.

The multi-function leather steering wheel is accompanied by paddle shifters in the petrol variant, while aluminium sports pedals further reinforce its sporty identity.

An all-new centre console, finished in piano black with subtle red accents, offers a clean, intuitive layout, into which a 10.1-inch display audio system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are mounted.

These feature three customisable display modes, with an enhanced user interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as multi-touch functionality and improved Bluetooth connectivity.

Driver conveniences fitted on the Corolla Cross GR-S include a 360° Panoramic View Monitor, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a power back door with a kick sensor.

Joining the range’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are seven airbags, including driver and passenger, driver knee, front side, and curtain airbags.

Pricing

Prices for the updated Corolla Cross line-up in South Africa are as follows:

• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R420,700
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS – R458,400
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS HEV – R501,100
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR – R508,200
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport – R527,000 (New)
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV – R552,400
• Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport HEV – R569,700 (New)

All Corolla Cross models are sold with a 6-services/90,000km service plan and a 3-year/100,000km warranty, while the hybrid battery is covered by an 8-year/160,000km warranty.

Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport