Latest news with #CorollaCross
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota's Next Corolla Cross Could Get Prius-Like Makeover
From the GR Corolla to TRD-badged large SUVs, Toyota has several new models for all kinds of enthusiasts, be it those who enjoy track days or adventure junkies who prefer off-roading. However, there are a few cheaper Toyotas that still give off the dependable-but-entirely-unremarkable vibe many still associate with the brand. One such Toyota is the Corolla Cross, the smallest Toyota crossover in America. Based on comments by a Toyota exec, this model's bland design is hurting sales in certain markets. He strongly hinted at the need for a more exciting future design, as well as a look unique to major markets, to drive more interest in the Honda HR-V rival. In Europe, sales of the Corolla Cross were down by 14% across the first four months of 2025, whereas the more evocative C-HR (not currently sold in the USA) saw sales rise by 9.6% over the same period, relative to 2024. "We don't have the perfect Corolla Cross for Europe, in the sense it's a global model," said Andrea Carlucci, head of product strategy and marketing at Toyota Europe, when speaking with Auto News. "If we bring more European zest, sales will be up." He specifically suggested that designing a single model to cater to both Japanese and American tastes has come at the expense of what Europeans want. The next Corolla Cross, then, could get unique designs for Europe and the USA. It wouldn't be the first time a major model gets a unique design for these two regions - Honda already sells a Euro HR-V that looks completely different to the American one. To address the crossover's lack of personality, a new GR Sport trim was recently introduced for Europe. Around the same time, the US-spec Corolla Cross got a more aggressive design, but it's still not as interesting as a Hyundai Kona or Chevrolet Trailblazer. Carlucci's comments suggest that the next Corolla Cross will receive a much sportier design, and as we've seen recently with the Prius, Toyota has the ability to quickly transform a nameplate from bland to glam. In America, the current Corolla Cross has a 169-horsepower engine. Paired with a CVT, acceleration is both languid and boomy. Take the Mazda CX-30, for example; its base model makes 191 hp, and the conventional six-speed automatic also makes for a sportier driving experience. Then again, Americans don't seem to be as sensitive to the Corolla Cross's ordinary look. In the first quarter of 2025, sales of Toyota's smallest SUV in this market were up by 45.2% relative to 2024. The popularity of the 196-hp hybrid helps, too - it's one of the most efficient crossovers around, and isn't as slow as the base model. But Toyota has clearly not yet unlocked the potential of the Corolla Cross. If the next gen could mix a Prius-like makeover with hybrid-only powertrains (as the 2026 RAV4 has done), it could become yet another best-seller for the company. We don't expect to see the second-gen Corolla Cross before 2027. Related: This Is The Cheapest New Toyota Car In America Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota's Next Corolla Cross Could Get Prius-Like Makeover
Unique designs for Europe and America possible From the GR Corolla to TRD-badged large SUVs, Toyota has several new models for all kinds of enthusiasts, be it those who enjoy track days or adventure junkies who prefer off-roading. However, there are a few cheaper Toyotas that still give off the dependable-but-entirely-unremarkable vibe many still associate with the brand. One such Toyota is the Corolla Cross, the smallest Toyota crossover in America. Based on comments by a Toyota exec, this model's bland design is hurting sales in certain markets. He strongly hinted at the need for a more exciting future design, as well as a look unique to major markets, to drive more interest in the Honda HR-V rival. Bland Design Blamed For Flagging Corolla Cross Sales 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross — Source: Toyota In Europe, sales of the Corolla Cross were down by 14% across the first four months of 2025, whereas the more evocative C-HR (not currently sold in the USA) saw sales rise by 9.6% over the same period, relative to 2024. 'We don't have the perfect Corolla Cross for Europe, in the sense it's a global model,' said Andrea Carlucci, head of product strategy and marketing at Toyota Europe, when speaking with Auto News. 'If we bring more European zest, sales will be up.' He specifically suggested that designing a single model to cater to both Japanese and American tastes has come at the expense of what Europeans want. The next Corolla Cross, then, could get unique designs for Europe and the USA. It wouldn't be the first time a major model gets a unique design for these two regions – Honda already sells a Euro HR-V that looks completely different to the American one. Source: Toyota To address the crossover's lack of personality, a new GR Sport trim was recently introduced for Europe. Around the same time, the US-spec Corolla Cross got a more aggressive design, but it's still not as interesting as a Hyundai Kona or Chevrolet Trailblazer. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Carlucci's comments suggest that the next Corolla Cross will receive a much sportier design, and as we've seen recently with the Prius, Toyota has the ability to quickly transform a nameplate from bland to glam. More Power Would Be Welcome, Too Source: Toyota In America, the current Corolla Cross has a 169-horsepower engine. Paired with a CVT, acceleration is both languid and boomy. Take the Mazda CX-30, for example; its base model makes 191 hp, and the conventional six-speed automatic also makes for a sportier driving experience. Then again, Americans don't seem to be as sensitive to the Corolla Cross's ordinary look. In the first quarter of 2025, sales of Toyota's smallest SUV in this market were up by 45.2% relative to 2024. The popularity of the 196-hp hybrid helps, too – it's one of the most efficient crossovers around, and isn't as slow as the base model. But Toyota has clearly not yet unlocked the potential of the Corolla Cross. If the next gen could mix a Prius-like makeover with hybrid-only powertrains (as the 2026 RAV4 has done), it could become yet another best-seller for the company. We don't expect to see the second-gen Corolla Cross before 2027. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
SowetanLIVE
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- SowetanLIVE
Toyota clears the air on insurer's lawsuit over 2022 Durban floods
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) says it has nothing to do with a lawsuit brought by its insurer against several government bodies in connection with the devastating floods that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal in 2022. The case has been filed by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd, the company that covered Toyota's losses after flooding shut down its Prospecton manufacturing plant near Durban in April 2022. The insurer is now going after the eThekwini municipality, the department of transport and Transnet in an effort to recover the payout it made. This kind of legal move is known as subrogation — when one party steps into the legal rights of another party, typically to pursue a claim or recover losses. The process often involves an insurance company taking over a policyholder's right to sue a responsible third party after paying out a claim. Toyota, however, has made it clear it's not behind the lawsuit, not funding it and won't see a cent if the insurer wins the case. 'We became aware of the legal proceedings and, with Tokio Marine's approval, reached out to the parties involved to let them know what was coming,' said TSAM in a statement. With the matter now officially before the courts, TSAM says it won't be commenting any further. Questions about the case, it added, should be directed to Tokio Marine. The 2022 floods caused widespread damage across the province and forced a temporary shutdown of the Prospecton plant, which is a key production hub for models such as the Hilux, Fortuner, Hiace, Corolla Cross and Corolla Quest. The disaster also dealt a blow to the local supply chain and export schedules.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Toyota clears the air on insurer's lawsuit over 2022 Durban floods
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) says it has nothing to do with a lawsuit brought by its insurer against several government bodies in connection with the devastating floods that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal in 2022. The case has been filed by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd, the company that covered Toyota's losses after flooding shut down its Prospecton manufacturing plant near Durban in April 2022. The insurer is now going after the eThekwini municipality, the department of transport and Transnet in an effort to recover the payout it made. This kind of legal move is known as subrogation — when one party steps into the legal rights of another party, typically to pursue a claim or recover losses. The process often involves an insurance company taking over a policyholder's right to sue a responsible third party after paying out a claim. Toyota, however, has made it clear it's not behind the lawsuit, not funding it and won't see a cent if the insurer wins the case. 'We became aware of the legal proceedings and, with Tokio Marine's approval, reached out to the parties involved to let them know what was coming,' said TSAM in a statement. With the matter now officially before the courts, TSAM says it won't be commenting any further. Questions about the case, it added, should be directed to Tokio Marine. The 2022 floods caused widespread damage across the province and forced a temporary shutdown of the Prospecton plant, which is a key production hub for models such as the Hilux, Fortuner, Hiace, Corolla Cross and Corolla Quest.
RTÉ News
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Toyota reveal new RAV4, Corolla Cross, bZ4X Touring, Aygo X and Lexus ES
Toyota recently showcased a number of new vehicles to be launched in 2025 and beyond. Included in the reveal were the newly upgraded RAV4, the bZ4X Touring Sports, the Aygo X, Corolla Cross, as well as the Lexus ES, for which there was a sneak preview at Toyota's Kenshiki event earlier this year. Many of the new models will come with hybrid and electric powertrains. The RAV4 PHEV will be capable of travelling up to 100 kms on pure electric power. The Corolla Cross overlaps the RAV4, with only slightly less space and a more estate-like shape. For the first time, Toyota have introduced the GR Sport Trim, which adds a slightly sportier suspension set-up as well as extra spec. The bZ4X Touring is an all-electric SUV with a WLTP range of over 500 km and we could see it in Ireland for the first half of 2026. Finally, Lexus' new ES goes electric and has more space as it takes over from the LS as their top saloon in the current lineup.
