Discover the sporty 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport, now in Malaysia with a bold honeycomb grille, hybrid power and a price of RM148,800. Learn more today!
After debuting in Thailand, Toyota has rolled out the 2026 Corolla Cross GR Sport in Malaysia. While the core mechanicals remain unchanged, the compact SUV gets a visual overhaul that makes it look sharper and more athletic.
Exterior – a fresh honey‑comb face
The most eye‑catching tweak is the new front grille. Toyota has ditched the “wing” surround that once wrapped the badge and replaced it with a full‑width honey‑comb mesh. By eliminating the old frame, the grille appears to float, giving the nose a cleaner, more aerodynamic feel. The GR Sport emblem now sits proudly on the grille, reinforcing the model’s performance‑oriented identity.
Lower front bumper panels have been simplified, removing the previous three‑strip design. At the rear, the diffuser adopts a “pseudo‑vent” style that trims excess detail and tightens the overall silhouette. The Corolla Cross badge switches from chrome‑plated to a bold black finish, while a black roof‑rail trim becomes standard across all colour options, including Pearl White, Dark Turquoise and Mica Red.
Interior – racing cues inside the cabin
Inside, the GR Sport theme continues with a predominantly black dashboard highlighted by red stitching. The red contrast, previously limited to the steering wheel, gear lever and seat bolsters, now extends across the centre console and door panels, creating a cohesive, track‑inspired cabin.
The front seats gain a subtle ribbed pattern on the lower backrest and feature an embroidered GR logo on the headrest. This branding echo appears on the steering‑column garnish and the smart key, replacing the standard “Corolla Cross” wording with a more performance‑centric badge.
Powertrain – hybrid efficiency meets everyday agility
Under the hood, the Corolla Cross GR Sport retains the proven 1.8‑litre 2ZR‑FXE gasoline engine running on the Atkinson cycle, delivering 98 hp and 142 Nm of torque. Paired with a 72‑hp electric motor that produces 163 Nm, the combined output reaches 122 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels through an E‑CVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) designed specifically for Toyota’s hybrid range.
Pricing and market positioning
In Malaysia, the GR Sport is priced at RM148,800, which translates to roughly VND980 million. The lineup also offers two lower‑spec variants – the 1.8V and the standard 1.8 HEV – for buyers who prefer a less sport‑focused equipment list.
Will it arrive in Vietnam?
Given Toyota’s strategy of rolling out new models across Southeast Asia in quick succession, Vietnamese enthusiasts are already speculating about a local launch. If the Malaysian rollout proves successful, the 2026 Corolla Cross GR Sport could arrive in Vietnam later this year, bringing the sportier hybrid SUV to a wider audience.
Stay tuned for updates on availability, incentives, and test‑drive opportunities.