Hybrid small SUV gets spicy makeover: 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport revealed, but will Australia see this sporty spin on the MG ZS and Hyundai Kona rival?

Toyota has revealed a GR Sport variant of its Corolla Cross small SUV at the Bangkok Motor Show.

Toyota said the Corolla Cross GR Sport is part of the brand’s recent promise to launch more GR-branded SUVs and add the “DNA of motorsport” to its line-up.

However, like other GR Sport models, the core changes are mainly aesthetic, with the Corolla Cross version scoring a new front bumper and grille, side skirts, lower rear garnish and a bespoke set of alloy wheels.

The interior gains piano black highlights, GR-specific leather seats with silver stitching and the GR logo in the headrest, as well as silver stitching on the steering wheel and the GR Sport push-start button.

The Corolla Cross GR Sport gets technical upgrades more befitting of its sporty moniker, scoring a bespoke suspension and sports steering tune.

It is available to the Thai market in just three GR-themed colours, red or white with a contrasting black roof, or black.

The Corolla Cross GR Sport is part of a range of GR-themed models revealed at the Bangkok motor show this week.

Others include a GR Sport 2WD low-rider HiLux with a tweaked 2.8-litre ‘Super Power’ engine that's a unique HiLux trim only available in Thailand and inspired by the Super GT racing series.

Other additions to the Thai-spec Corolla Cross include a Modellista variant which overhauls the car visually with upgrades from Toyota’s in-house after-market bodykit brand.

Toyota said the Modellista “represents eye-catching uniqueness” and “factory assembly quality” from Japan. It includes a front bumper, side skirts, rear garnish trim and 18-inch alloy wheels.

As in Australia, the Corolla Cross is a strong-selling small SUV model in Thailand, although the version locally built and delivered there is slightly different to the Japan-built version sold in Australia.

By the end of 2024, the Corolla Cross sold 8902 units Down Under, finishing behind the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona, GWM Haval Jolion, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Subaru XV.

Australian prices currently span from $36,480 to $50,030 before on-roads for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid-only range.

Toyota Australia has been contacted for comment on the Corolla Cross GR Sport and whether a similar variant may be planned for a local arrival.