2026 Toyota Corolla

The 2026 Corolla Cross arrives in a trio of trims, each sculpted with distinct visual cues and functional enhancements. The L trim is understated yet confident, with black body moldings, 17-inch steel wheels, and a minimalist grille that whispers capability. The LE trim refines the silhouette with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and color-keyed accents that lend a metropolitan polish. The XLE trim is the apex of exterior sophistication—18-inch machined alloy wheels, LED fog lights, chrome window surrounds, and a rear spoiler that subtly nods to its athletic DNA. Hybrid variants mirror their gas-powered counterparts in trim nomenclature but elevate the aesthetic with blue-accented badging, aerodynamic tweaks, and a slightly more aggressive stance. The Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE, exclusive to the electrified lineup, flaunts sport-tuned suspension, gloss-black accents, and a two-tone roof option that turns heads without trying.

Under the hood, the 2026 Corolla Cross offers two distinct powertrains, each engineered for a different kind of driver. The standard 2.0-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimics gear shifts for a more engaging drive. Fuel economy hovers around 31 mpg city and 33 mpg highway—efficient without being anemic. The Hybrid variant is where the Corolla Cross truly flexes its technological muscle. A 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine is mated to two electric motors and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Combined output reaches 196 horsepower, with torque delivered instantaneously thanks to electric propulsion. Fuel economy soars to an EPA-estimated 45 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. All hybrid trims come standard with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, ensuring traction without sacrificing efficiency.

The Corolla Cross is engineered for real-world agility. Its TNGA-C platform offers a low center of gravity and rigid body structure, translating to confident cornering and minimal body roll. The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear (or multi-link rear on hybrid models) provide a ride that’s both supple and responsive. Acceleration is brisk in the hybrid, thanks to electric torque fill. The gas model, while more subdued, offers linear power delivery and a composed demeanor on highways. Braking is firm and progressive, with regenerative braking on hybrid trims adding efficiency to every stop. Steering is electrically assisted, tuned for urban maneuverability yet stable at freeway speeds. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, and Sport—each recalibrating throttle response and steering weight to suit your mood. The hybrid adds EV Mode for short bursts of electric-only driving, ideal for parking garages or quiet neighborhoods.

Step inside and the Corolla Cross reveals a cabin that’s both utilitarian and indulgent. Seating for five is standard, with ample headroom and legroom even for rear passengers. The L trim offers cloth upholstery and manual adjustments, while the LE adds premium fabric, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The XLE trim indulges with SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. Technology is omnipresent. A standard 8-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch display on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board. The available JBL Premium Audio system with nine speakers transforms the cabin into a rolling concert hall. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, while the XLE and Hybrid XSE offer a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel with customizable layouts. Storage is clever and abundant. The rear cargo area offers up to 24 cubic feet of space, expandable via 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Hidden compartments, underfloor storage, and a hands-free power liftgate (XLE only) make loading and unloading effortless.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on every 2026 Corolla Cross, offering a suite of active safety technologies that operate with near-prescient awareness. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection uses millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera to detect hazards day or night. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist gently nudges the vehicle back into its lane if drift is detected. Lane Tracing Assist keeps the vehicle centered using road edge detection and adaptive cruise control. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full-speed range maintains safe following distances and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop in traffic. Road Sign Assist reads speed limits, stop signs, and yield indicators, displaying them on the instrument cluster. Automatic High Beams adjust lighting based on oncoming traffic, ensuring optimal visibility without blinding others. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on LE and above, while the XLE and Hybrid XSE add Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. Eight airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and rear seat-mounted side airbags, form a cocoon of passive protection. The Star Safety System—Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology—is standard across all trims. At Perry Motors Toyota in Bishop, CA, we invite you to experience the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross—a vehicle that doesn’t just meet expectations, it redefines them. Whether you’re navigating the winding roads of the Eastern Sierra or cruising through downtown Bishop, the Corolla Cross is ready to elevate every journey.