GR Built The Corolla Cross You Wanted But Decided You Don’t Deserve It

It’s no secret that the Corolla Cross is more sensible than exciting, but Toyota’s latest update gives it a dose of much-needed attitude. The refreshed version has now landed in Japan, bringing with it some exclusive upgrades, including the GR Sport trim and a range of eye-catching accessories. But unlike the new RAV4 GR Sport that will be sold in North America, this one’s staying put, and we’re not getting it.

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The GR Sport package adds an aggressive bodykit and a few chassis tweaks for buyers who want their compact SUV to look like it goes faster than it probably does. And for those who think that’s still not enough, Toyota offers a lineup of extras from GR Parts and Modellista to push the styling envelope even further.

A Familiar Face, with Local Flavor

Visually, the Japanese-market Corolla Cross mirrors the European model in both standard and GR Sport versions. The only real difference, aside from the expected right-hand-drive setup, is the front badge, which follows local styling conventions for non-GR Toyotas in Japan.

Japanese buyers also get a few technical features the rest of the world misses out on. There’s a “Snow Extra” mode for the E-Four all-wheel-drive system, and something called “Signal Road Projection,” which uses the turn signals to project arrows on the road. It’s a clever way to signal intentions to pedestrians and other drivers.

The GR Sport brings a healthy dose of visual aggression to the otherwise reserved Corolla Cross. The standout feature is the front bumper, clearly influenced by the GR Corolla hot hatch. Gone is the standard honeycomb grille and LED bar, replaced by bigger cooling intakes and a lower splitter. Inside, the upgrades include bucket seats with suede-like upholstery, gray stitching, and GR Sport branding

Toyota

The sporty treatment continues with black 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and a retuned suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 mm (0.4 inches). The springs are stiffer, and extra bracing at the rear adds rigidity for a more planted feel, at least in theory.

More: Toyota Just Killed Every Gas-Only Corolla In Japan

Powering the GR Sport is a self-charging hybrid setup featuring a “high-output” 2.0-liter engine. It’s paired with a 10-speed sequential shiftmatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels via the E-Four system. Toyota hasn’t shared detailed specs, but there is a dedicated Sport mode exclusive to this trim. Other models in the Japanese Corolla Cross lineup make do with a smaller 1.8-liter hybrid engine.

The Corolla Cross GR Sport hits Japanese showrooms on August 4 with a starting price of ¥3,895,000 (about $27,200). The standard Corolla Cross starts at ¥2,760,000 ($19,300) for the front-wheel-drive version, and ¥3,019,000 ($21,100) for the E-Four all-wheel-drive variant.

More Flair from GR Parts

Buyers wanting to take their Corolla Cross GR Sport even further can dip into the GR Parts catalogue. Available upgrades include a more aggressive bodykit with a larger front splitter, extended side skirts, and a revised rear bumper. Interestingly, there’s no oversized wing at the back, as Toyota seems to have shown some restraint.

Other accessories include side window visors, carbon-look door handle protectors, a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic license plate frame, valve caps, and GR-branded floor mats. You can also opt for additional chassis bracing, which claims to reduce vibration and improve handling.

The bodykit itself is priced at ¥242,000 ($1,700), while the carbon plate holder costs ¥19,800 ($140). GR floor and luggage mats run ¥46,200 ($320), and the extra bracing is listed at ¥169,400 ($1,200).

Modellista Goes for a Classier Look

Finally, we should mention the Modellista upgrades, which are available for the rest of the Corolla Cross lineup. The “Tech Elegant Style” adds several body-colored aero components such as front and rear bumper extensions, sculpted side skirts, and flared fenders.

There’s also a chrome-style grille garnish with matching side trim and a different set of 18-inch alloy wheels to complete the upscale vibe. The aero kit goes for ¥311,300 ($2,200), while the wheels will set you back another ¥290,400 ($2,000).