Verdict
At RM133,800, the Corolla Cross costs RM235,150 less than the RM368,950 GR Corolla and makes far more sense for a Malaysian family needing its 440-litre boot, rear air vents and 1,620-mm-tall SUV cabin. The GR Corolla is a very different proposition: 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual deliver a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time. It also has double-wishbone rear suspension and front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials. But its 213-litre boot and lower 1,479-mm body ask for real compromise.
Pick the Toyota Corolla Cross if you want the cheaper, locally assembled five-seat SUV with a 440-litre boot, rear vents and a powered driver’s seat.
Pick the Toyota GR Corolla if 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual matter more than a RM235,150 saving and luggage space.
Key differences
- Price: Corolla Cross RM133,800; GR Corolla RM368,950.
- Power and torque: Corolla Cross 138 hp and 172 Nm; GR Corolla 296 hp and 400 Nm.
- Driveline and gearbox: Corolla Cross front-wheel drive CVT; GR Corolla all-wheel drive six-speed manual.
- Boot space: Corolla Cross 440 litres; GR Corolla 213 litres.
- Rear suspension: Corolla Cross torsion beam; GR Corolla double wishbone with stabiliser.
- Height: Corolla Cross 1,620 mm; GR Corolla 1,479 mm.
Corolla Cross
- RM235,150 cheaper to buy.
- 440-litre boot versus 213 litres.
- Rear air vents, 360-degree camera and powered driver’s seat.
- 138 hp and 172 Nm trail the GR Corolla’s 296 hp and 400 Nm.
- Front-wheel drive CVT instead of all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual.
- Torsion-beam rear suspension lacks the GR Corolla’s double wishbones and Torsen differentials.
GR Corolla
- 296 hp, 400 Nm and a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- All-wheel drive, six-speed manual and front/rear Torsen limited-slip differentials.
- Double-wishbone rear suspension and dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Costs RM235,150 more.
- 213-litre boot is 227 litres smaller.
- No rear air vents, while the Corolla Cross has them.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM133,800✓ | RM368,950 |
| Body type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM359 | RM207✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,798 cc | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | 138 hp at 6,400 rpm | 296 hp at 6,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 172 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 400 Nm at 3,250 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 80.5 mm × 88.3 mm | 87 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6MT |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Toyota |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 185 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,460 mm | 4,407 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm | 1,851 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,479 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 1,405 kg | 1,475 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 440 litres✓ | 213 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R18 | 235/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R18 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes CR1 | Yokohama Advan Apex |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Torsen Limited Slip Differential Front and Rear |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag) | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Wireless Charger, 1 USB Front, 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.1" Capacitive Touchscreen Display, 6 Speakers, Wireless Carplay and Wired Android Auto, USB and Bluetooth | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Corolla Cross & GR Corolla for sale
Corolla Cross vs GR Corolla FAQ
Is the Toyota Corolla Cross or Toyota GR Corolla better?
The Corolla Cross is better for family use, carrying 440 litres of luggage and providing rear air vents. The GR Corolla is better for performance, with 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR Corolla costs RM235,150 more than the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Which has more boot space?
The Corolla Cross has the larger boot at 440 litres, compared with 213 litres in the GR Corolla. That is a 227-litre advantage for the SUV.
