Introducing the Toyota Corolla Cross GR SPORT! Released on August 4, 2025. A closer look at the details and appeal of this SUV with the soul of motorsports.

Toyota’s “TOYOTA GAZOO Racing” has added the long-awaited new “Corolla Cross GR SPORT,” which will be released on August 4, 2025. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price has been set at 3,895,000 yen (including consumption tax), and it is a car that offers value that is worth, or even more, than that price.

Toyota Motor Corporation’s sports car brand, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, has brought together its passion and technology to develop the GR sports car series, aiming to bring the joy of driving and the excitement of motorsports to as many people as possible. The GR SPORT lineup, which inherits the philosophy of the GR series and combines everyday usability with high-level sports performance, will be joined by the long-awaited new model, the Corolla Cross GR SPORT, which will be released on August 4, 2025. This model is attracting attention as a new option for users with active lifestyles and those who pursue the joy of driving.

The GR brand’s newest assassin: Corolla Cross GR SPORT’s positioning and overview

The Corolla Cross GR SPORT was developed based on the GR brand’s core philosophy of “making ever-better cars inspired by motorsports.” This philosophy means incorporating the technology and knowledge cultivated in the rigorous world of motorsports into production vehicle development, thoroughly refining the car’s fundamental performance. GR series development drivers, who were involved in the development of full-scale sports models such as the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, were also deeply involved in the development process of the Corolla Cross GR SPORT, and by incorporating their knowledge and sensibilities, they were able to achieve the sporty driving performance unique to GR, despite being an SUV. Specifically, the body rigidity has been strengthened and the suspension has been specially tuned to ensure a sense of unity with the car and the joy of driving are fully enjoyed, even in everyday driving situations.

The GR SPORT series boasts a diverse lineup that includes the existing Aqua GR SPORT, Yaris Cross GR SPORT, Hilux GR SPORT, Land Cruiser GR SPORT, and the Copen GR SPORT (currently on sale in Japan), a model jointly developed with Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. Each model brings out the appeal of the base vehicle while adding the essence of GR, giving it its own unique personality. The Corolla Cross GR SPORT follows these models and plays a role in further expanding the worldview of GR.

Thoroughly refined driving performance: Driving performance that inherits the GR DNA

The suspension, which is the foundation of driving performance, employs a specially tuned MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a specially tuned double wishbone suspension in the rear. This combination is an important element in achieving both precise handling and high driving stability while ensuring a comfortable ride as expected of an SUV.

Specially tuned suspension system

Looking at the finer details, the bushings on the front lower arms No. 1 and No. 2 have been made harder, improving responsiveness to steering inputs and providing a more direct steering feel. Additionally, the adoption of shock absorbers with built-in rebound springs and optimizing the spring constant of the coil springs effectively absorbs inputs from the road surface, providing a flat, high-quality ride. Additionally, lowering the vehicle height by 10 mm from the base model lowers the center of gravity, contributing to improved stability when cornering. These tunings have been refined down to the smallest detail through thorough testing and evaluation by the GR development drivers.

Enhanced body rigidity for rock-solid driving

Enhanced body rigidity is also an important feature of the GR SPORT model. To further enhance the Corolla Cross’s already high body rigidity, two tunnel braces under the floor have been added, along with a new rear bumper reinforcement (a brace exclusive to GR SPORT) on the lower back. This improves the torsional rigidity of the entire vehicle, forming a solid foundation for the suspension to function more effectively. As a result, stability at high speeds and accurate line tracing on winding roads are improved, allowing the driver to step on the accelerator with confidence. The solid body also contributes to an improved ride quality, helping to reduce fatigue on long drives.

The soul of GR lies at its heart: Dedicated powertrain with a 2.0L M20A-FXS engine and driving modes

The powertrain employs a newly developed hybrid system equipped with a 2.0L M20A-FXS engine tuned specifically for the GR SPORT. This engine combines high thermal efficiency with high power output, and by inheriting Toyota’s compact, lightweight, and low-loss technologies that have been cultivated over many years, it achieves powerful driving performance while maintaining excellent fuel economy.

2.0L hybrid system that combines high power output with low fuel consumption

The system’s maximum output reaches 146kW (199PS), providing outstanding response to accelerator operation. Optimized drive control enhances the sense of unity between accelerator pedal operation and acceleration feel, allowing the driver to experience pleasant acceleration that is faithful to their intentions. The GR SPORT is equipped with a 10-speed sequential shiftmatic transmission that provides a manual-like shift feel. This allows the driver to actively shift gears and control engine speed, allowing for a sportier driving experience. From start to highway speeds, the car achieves a high level of balance between direct, powerful driving and excellent fuel economy (WLTC mode fuel economy of 23.3km/L).

GR SPORT’s exclusive SPORT mode enhances the driving experience

Furthermore, the Drive Mode Select function, which allows drivers to select the optimal driving style to suit the driving situation and their preferences, features a “SPORT mode” exclusive to the GR SPORT. When this SPORT mode is selected, GR SPORT-specific tuning maintains engine speed higher than normal driving and improves motor assist responsiveness. This maximizes acceleration response, allowing drivers to fully enjoy the thrill of sporty driving, such as dynamic driving on winding roads and powerful acceleration when overtaking. Another major attraction of the Corolla Cross GR SPORT is its ability to accommodate a variety of driving styles, from fuel-conscious driving in Normal mode or Eco mode for everyday driving to more passionate driving in SPORT mode.

Exterior design that combines functional beauty and aggressiveness

The exterior design is a special feature that pursues the sportiness and functional beauty that only GR SPORT can offer. The front bumper, which determines the impression of the front mask, features an evolved version of the “Functional MATRIX” grille, a design element symbolic of the GR brand.

A distinctive front face

This grille not only gives a powerful appearance, but also contributes to improved cooling performance. Furthermore, openings on the sides of the grille optimize airflow around the front tires, helping to ensure driving stability. As the GR’s front identity, the upper grille has a sharp design that connects the shape of the headlights in a single line, emphasizing its wideness. By making this upper grille thin and the lower part low, it creates a visually low center of gravity and a sense of stability, giving the front face a bold and sporty impression.

Sporty attention to detail

The vehicle is fitted with specially designed 19-inch aluminum wheels that combine a dark clear cut lustre with a black finish. Paired with 225/45R19 Yokohama Rubber “ADVAN FLEVA” tires, they deliver superior grip and sharp handling. Optional red brake calipers (front and rear, with the front featuring the GR logo) further accentuate the sporty look. Exclusive black parts, such as the door window frame moldings, rear bumper lower garnish, and Toyota emblems on the front and rear, tighten the overall look and create a more aggressive feel. Of course, the GR SPORT emblems on the front and rear emphasize this special model. Three exclusive two-tone exterior colors (optional), including a blacked-out roof, are available to enhance the vehicle’s individuality: “Black x Emotional Red II,” “Black x Platinum White Pearl Mica,” and “Black x Ash.”

A dedicated interior space that excites the driver

The interior is fitted with a number of exclusive features that envelop the driver and passengers in a sporty atmosphere. The first thing that catches your eye are the exclusive sports seats embroidered with the GR logo.

Special sports seats that combine holding power and texture

The shape of this seat has been optimized to provide firm support for the body even when strong lateral G-forces are applied during cornering. The main material for the seat upholstery is a combination of high-quality, non-slip suede-like upholstery (Blanknob® perforation) and synthetic leather, with gray stitching, achieving both a firm hold and a high-quality feel. This enhances the driver’s sense of unity with the car and contributes to precise steering. The seat shoulders, decorated in smoked silver metallic, also add a design accent.

A cockpit designed for ease of operation and high-quality decoration

The steering wheel, which the driver constantly touches, is a special leather-wrapped three-spoke type with gray stitching, smoke silver metallic accents, and the GR logo. Its thickness and shape have also been carefully considered to provide a comfortable grip, improving operability. At the back of the steering wheel, dedicated paddle shifters are installed, allowing for manual-feel shift operation, supporting sporty driving. At the driver’s feet, dedicated aluminum pedals (accelerator and brake) are installed to enhance the sporty impression.

Around the instrument panel, the center cluster, instrument panel ornament, side register bezel, heater control panel, meter cluster, genuine leather-wrapped shift knob, and inside door handles are all decorated with a subdued, exclusive smoked silver metallic finish, creating a unified, high-quality, sporty feel throughout the interior. A dedicated smart key bearing the GR logo is also available to enhance everyday usability, further enhancing the joy of ownership. These exclusive features have been developed with meticulous attention to both functionality and design, creating a space that lifts the driver’s spirits.

Corolla Cross GR SPORT specs

A word from the editorial department

The Corolla Cross GR SPORT incorporates the technology and passion Toyota GAZOO Racing has cultivated through its motorsports activities, achieving a high level of fusion between everyday ease of use and authentic sports performance. While retaining the excellent utility and comfort of the base Corolla Cross, the GR SPORT pursues the unique GR driving experience through specially tuned suspension, enhanced body rigidity, and a dedicated powertrain. The exterior and interior are also uniquely designed and equipped, resulting in a vehicle that delivers both joy of ownership and driving pleasure. For drivers seeking driving pleasure beyond the bounds of an SUV, the Corolla Cross GR SPORT is an extremely attractive option. Its driving performance is sure to bring new discoveries and excitement to drivers in every situation, from daily commutes to weekend leisure activities. The Corolla Cross GR SPORT perfectly embodies the GR SPORT series’ goal of “bringing GR’s driving performance and worldview to more customers.”

Corolla Cross GR SPORT

https://toyotagazooracing.com/jp/gr/corollacrossgrs

Toyota News Release

https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/toyota/42817470.html