The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport has always been the sportiest, most eye-catching grade in the Corolla Cross lineup — and Toyota South Africa has now given it a proper refresh for 2026. From a redesigned grille to new interior touches, here’s everything you need to know about what’s changed, what it costs, and whether it’s worth considering.
What’s New on the 2026 Corolla Cross GR-Sport?
When the facelifted Corolla Cross range first arrived in South Africa in early 2025, the GR-Sport variants were noticeably left out of the visual update. They gained some extra standard kit, but the exterior styling remained untouched. That’s now been corrected.
Previewed at Toyota’s State of the Motoring Industry (SOMI) 2026 event in Gauteng, the refreshed GR-Sport is built locally at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal — and it looks noticeably different from the European version revealed in May 2025.
Exterior Changes: A Sharper, More Purposeful Look
The most striking update is upfront. Toyota has replaced the old grille design — which featured horizontal bars flanking the Toyota badge — with a bold honeycomb-style grille that looks more aggressive and premium. Notably, this new grille finally carries a “GR” badge, something that was oddly absent on the previous model.
The headlamps have also received a subtle rework to their lighting signature, and both the front and rear skidplates have been redesigned. New dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels replace the previous all-black units, giving the car a more dynamic, two-toned stance. Three exterior colour options are available — Glacier White, Arizona Red, and Chromium Silver — all paired with a black roof and black side-mirror caps as standard.
Interior Tweaks: Sporting Details That Make a Statement
Inside, Toyota has leaned into the GR racing aesthetic more confidently. The front headrests now feature full-colour “GR” logos, matching the logo added to the steering wheel. Red seatbelts add a pop of colour, and additional red stitching has been woven throughout the cabin. The gear lever has also been redesigned for a cleaner, more modern feel. The slim red decorative strips previously found on the dashboard have been removed, resulting in a slightly cleaner overall look.
Powertrain: No Changes Here
Mechanically, the GR-Sport is unchanged. Buyers can still choose between two powertrain options:
The standard 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 103 kW and 172 Nm, driving the front wheels through a CVT gearbox. The hybrid variant uses Toyota’s proven 1.8-litre hybrid system, combining a petrol engine and electric motor for a total system output of 90 kW, with 142 Nm from the petrol unit and 163 Nm from the electric motor.
Both powertrains are well-suited to South African driving conditions — the petrol for drivers who prefer a more direct experience, and the hybrid for those looking to reduce fuel costs on daily commutes. If you’re interested in taking your green driving ambitions even further, EV24.africa offers import options for fully electric vehicles, expanding the choices available to South African drivers exploring sustainable mobility.
2026 Corolla Cross Pricing in South Africa
Prices across the full Corolla Cross range have increased slightly, with hikes ranging from R5,900 to R8,800 depending on the derivative.
| Derivative | Price |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XI | R420,700 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS | R458,400 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS | R501,100 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR | R508,200 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport | R527,000 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XR | R552,400 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-Sport | R569,700 |
All prices include a 3-year/100,000 km warranty and a 6-service/90,000 km service plan. Hybrid models also benefit from an additional 8-year/195,000 km battery warranty.
Is the GR-Sport Worth the Premium Over the XR?
The GR-Sport sits above the XR grade and commands a R18,800 premium in petrol form, or R17,300 more in hybrid spec. In return, you get the distinctive styling updates, sportier interior touches, and the GR badge identity that sets it apart from the rest of the range. For buyers who want their crossover to look the part and stand out in traffic, the jump in price is arguably justified.
For those in the market for a used crossover or a more affordable entry into the segment, auto24.co.za lists a wide range of second-hand vehicles, including models like the Toyota Rav4, Haval Jolion, and other popular crossovers that compete in a similar space — worth browsing if you want to compare your options before committing.
Staying Informed About the South African Auto Market
The local car market continues to evolve quickly, with new model refreshes, price changes, and competitive newcomers appearing regularly. For the latest automotive news, in-depth car reviews, and driving tips relevant to South African roads, imotonews.co.za is a solid resource to bookmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main exterior changes on the refreshed GR-Sport? The biggest update is the new honeycomb-style grille, which now carries a “GR” badge for the first time. Redesigned front and rear skidplates and new dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels also feature.
Have the engines changed on the 2026 GR-Sport? No. Both the 103 kW 1.8-litre petrol and the 90 kW 1.8-litre hybrid carry over unchanged.
What’s new inside the cabin? Red seatbelts, full-colour GR logos on the headrests and steering wheel, additional red stitching, and a redesigned gear lever are the key interior additions.
Where is the Corolla Cross GR-Sport built? It’s assembled locally at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal, making it a proudly South African-built product.
