New 2026 Corolla Cross Update: Better Looks, Same Reliable Power

Toyota is giving its compact crossover a subtle facelift for the 2026 model year, with the Corolla Cross receiving updates that help it feel a bit more in step with the times. There is no radical transformation here, but Toyota has worked in just enough design tweaks and technology upgrades to keep things fresh.

From the outside, the biggest update is up front. Toyota has redesigned the grille, offering different treatments for gasoline and hybrid versions. The gasoline model goes for a more rugged, textured appearance, while the hybrid wears a sleeker, body-colored front grille that makes it look more refined. It is a small change, but one that helps you tell the new version apart from earlier ones at a glance.

Toyota also added a new exterior color called Cavalry Blue. It is available on the LE and XLE gasoline trims and on the SE and XSE hybrid trims. If you choose the SE or XSE hybrid, you can also opt for a stylish two-tone look that pairs Cavalry Blue with a Jet Black roof. Toyota has made a habit of adding new color options almost every year, and 2026 is no exception.

New wheel designs are also part of the refresh. The XLE trim now offers 18-inch alloy wheels finished in dark-gray metallic with machined accents. The Hybrid XSE trim features 18-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels in a glossy black finish. These subtle enhancements help sharpen the Corolla Cross’s appearance without pushing it into anything too bold.

Inside the cabin, Toyota has updated the center console and made a larger infotainment screen available. The XLE and XSE trims now come standard with a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while LE and SE trims can add it as part of a multimedia package. The base L, as well as the LE, SE, and S trims, still include the standard 8-inch display. All models feature the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with six speakers, and if you want a richer sound experience, a nine-speaker JBL Premium system with subwoofer and amplifier is available on the XLE and XSE trims.

Under the hood, everything stays the same. The gasoline version still runs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower. It delivers a manufacturer-estimated 30 miles per gallon combined for all-wheel drive models and 32 miles per gallon for front-wheel drive ones. The hybrid version uses the same 2.0-liter engine but adds three electric motors to reach a combined 196 horsepower and up to 42 miles per gallon across all hybrid trims.

Toyota is not trying to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, the 2026 Corolla Cross gets a light touch of modernization—enough to stay competitive in the compact crossover space. If you are already a fan of the Corolla Cross’s reliability and ease of use, this update should be right up your alley.