The New Toyota Corolla Cross is Now Exclusively Available as a Hybrid

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) officially launched the updated version of the Toyota Corolla Cross in the Philippines. While the nameplate was officially Introduced in 2020 as the brand’s first hybrid electric crossover, the new 2024 Corolla Cross now comes in an all-HEV lineup across all variants. It’s also the Philippines’ best-selling Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) model to date.  

Photo by PJ Cana.

The new Corolla Cross is only the latest in Toyota’s push for more sustainable and earth-friendly mobility options, which it pioneered in 2001 with the introduction of the Prius.  which it introduced back in 2001. Combining the best of both worlds, the crossover SUV is efficient and versatile, and is powered by Toyota's advanced hybrid technology.

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At Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ summit in Japan recently, Toyota’s chief scientist, Gill Pratt cautioned against a rapid transition to electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting the potential for consumers to hold onto older gasoline vehicles who spoke to the. Pratt suggested that instead of focusing solely on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrids should be given more prominence. He warned that subsidies and restrictions targeting specific powertrains might make EVs appealing to those who can afford them, but could have the opposite effect on others.

“Toyota has consistently advocated for a multipronged approach that incorporates hybrids and alternative fuels as a more effective solution for the environment and the auto industry,” the Cleanearth article said. 

The Corolla Cross HEV is another step in this direction. Powered by a hybrid 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve DOHC, chain drive with VVT-i engine with CVT transmission, it combines the power of a conventional engine with the fuel efficiency of an electric motor for an eco-friendlier drive. 

Photo by Toyota.

“The Corolla is the best-selling Toyota nameplate in the world,” TMP President Masando Hashimoto said. “Since the introduction of the brand in 1966, roughly 50 million units have been sold in 150 countries – and that includes the Philippines. The Corolla’s story continues today, and with its role in carbon neutrality, we are working on having the Corolla enjoyed by generations to come.

Aside from the Corolla Cross, the Corolla Altis, Camry, RAV4, Alphard, and Yaris Cross also have HEV variants.

Toyota Corolla Cross HEV 2024

Bold and athletic, the Corolla Cross HEV comes in three variants, but all feature sharp lines, expressive contours, and an aerodynamic silhouette. The V HEV and G HEV variants sport a mesh-like grille with hexagonal outlines, while the GR-S HEV variant retains the stylish front façade of the previous Corolla Cross GR-S HEV. 

Photo by Toyota.

The V HEV and GR-S HEV variants now have LED lamps with automatic high beam (AHB) and sequential turn signal, while the G HEV variant has upgraded from halogen lamps to LED lamps. Both the GR-S HEV and V HEV variants have a power back door with kick sensor, while the top-of-the-line GR-S HEV variant comes with a panoramic view monitor camera and a panoramic moonroof.  

Inside, all variants now have LED interior lamps and a leather steering wheel. The foot brake has also now been replaced with an electronic parking brake (EPB). The new model also comes with a 12.3-inch fully digital multi-information display (MID) for the GR-S HEV. The V HEV, meanwhile, has a seven-inch thin-film-transistor (TFT) MID, while the G HEV has a 4.2-inch TFT MID. All three variants have a 10-inch display audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charger.

Photo by PJ Cana.

Safety features include Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) for the GR-S and V variants which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. All variants have active safety features such as Emergency Brake Signal (EBS), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

TMP President Masando Hashimoto emphasized the role of the Corolla Cross in Toyota’s drive to enable customers to pursue sustainable mobility options. 

Photo by Alvin Uy.

“The Corolla Cross, the first strong hybrid crossover in the Philippines, has been a key to accelerating electrification in the Philippines,” he said. “TMP pioneered hybrid in 2009, but it’s upon the Corolla Cross launch in 2020 when we started achieving 3-digit annual sales figures of xEVs. Last year, TMP reached 7,203 Lexus and Toyota xEV sales.

“As of end of February 2024, there are already more than 4,000 electrified Corolla Cross on the road, part of the more than 13,000-strong customers who chose electrified Toyota and Lexus models since we started the electrified movement,” he added.

The new Corolla Cross is available in three variants: the GR-S HEV (P1.917 million), the V HEV (P1.763 million) and the G HEV (P1.498 million)