TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS 1.8 HEV XR

A powerhouse brand in hybrid technology, we've set course on a three-month stint in Toyota's updated Corolla Cross

- Alex Shahini

Fresh from its runner-up spot in our most recent SUV Shootout, the newest product to wear Toyota's famous Corolla nameplate impressed with its spacious, well-built interior, impressive build quality and all-round capability on both sealed surfaces and dirt roads.

Of course, as per our R500 000 price point in that comprehensive test, on that occasion it was this range's 1.8-litre CVT XR derivative tasked with putting its maker's best foot forward.

A brand with a well-established track record in the field of hybrid technology, Toyota feels confident that the inclusion of a petrol-electric powertrain within the modern Corolla Cross package adds a compelling piece to the puzzle; with the potential to significantly lower its average fuel consumption.

Introduced to South Africa in 2021 and facelifted earlier this year, the Corolla Cross is currently the second bestselling passenger vehicle in this market, accounting for 1 629 sales in the month of May 2025. Key to this ongoing success is, of course, the backing of Toyota Motors South Africa, which encompasses a broad dealership network and enviable resale values, as well as the perceived value that these advantages add to an already compelling asking price. While there is an XS HEV (hybrid-electric vehicle) in the portfolio priced from under R500 000, we'll be running the vehicle in more expensive XR trim (R545 200).

Standard specification here includes leather upholstery with electric adjustment for the driver's seat, climate control and an electrically operated tailgate. A vehicle marketed to young families, on the safety front this Corolla Cross is fitted with seven airbags, Isofix anchorage points and a full bouquet of advanced driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.