byEmma Bass/27 May 2025/inToyota News

Corolla Cross Facelift and GR Sport Model Confirmed for New Zealand

Since its debut in 1966, over 55 million Toyota Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it the best-selling car of all time and a global benchmark for reliability. Now, the Corolla family continues to evolve, with a facelifted Corolla Cross and a GR Sport model confirmed for New Zealand.

What you need to know about the arrival of the facelift Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross GR

The facelifted Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross GR are set to arrive in New Zealand in the second half of 2025
The Corolla Cross will receive a new front bumper, grille design, new exterior colour options, and specification upgrades across the line-up
The previous Limited AWD grade will be replaced by a new GR Sport variant, also featuring AWD
Learn more or express your interest with ILAM Toyota or Miles Toyota in Christchurch, or Pacific Toyota in the Bay of Plenty. You can also live chat with us in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Further details will be announced closer to the New Zealand arrival

Read the full press release from Toyota New Zealand below for more details. Please note that international imagery is used and New Zealand specifications may differ.

The Toyota Corolla Cross, released into the New Zealand market in 2022, has received a refreshed facelift, additional features and welcomes a GR Sport variant to the range.

Corolla Cross will receive a refreshed exterior change from May 2025 production. A new front bumper and grille design, new exterior colour options and specification upgrades across the line-up has been applied. In addition, from August production, the previous Limited AWD grade will be replaced by a new GR Sport variant, also featuring All Wheel Drive.

Andrew Davis, Toyota New Zealand’s Chief Strategic Officer, says the Corolla Cross fills a niche in the compact SUV market, by providing a versatile vehicle that can be a weekday commuter, or a family run-around on the weekend.

“The Corolla Cross has been a welcome addition to the Corolla family, bringing all the attributes of the legendary and reliable Corolla with the convenience of a higher ride and extra cargo space of a compact SUV,” he says.

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While the Front Wheel Drive GX, GXL and Limited grades all receive new design and safety features, GX and GXL grades also receive driver assist upgrade. The star of the 2025 upgrade to the Corolla Cross is the addition of an All Wheel Drive GR Sport variant, powered by the same 2.0L petrol-hybrid system as all Corolla Cross variants.

As well as receiving all the upgrades to the three Corolla Cross grades, the GR Sport’s on-road performance has been tweaked with a double wishbone rear suspension and refinements to the Electric Power Steering system for advanced vehicle dynamics.

The GR Sport is based on the former AWD Limited grade but features exclusive upgrades, including: 19” black and machined alloy wheels, red brake callipers, unique front bumper and grille design, and black exterior accents. Inside, the GR Sport has GR-branded suede and leather-accented seats, sport aluminium pedals, paddle shifters, and gun metal interior ornamentation.

The upgrades to the Corolla GX grade include a new honeycomb bumper and grille design, which integrates the coloured bumper and grille better into the overall design and substantial upgrades to the parking system, with a Parking Support Brake and four new front and four new rear parking sensors. Inside the GX receives dual-zone automatic air-conditioning.

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Other upgrades for the GXL include, a Qi wireless device charger, front seat heaters, automatic rain-sensing wipers, and Vehicle Approach Notice safety feature. And the Limited (now Front Wheel Drive only) receives front seat ventilation, combination fabric and leather accented upholstery, a 12.3” full digital meter, and a power back door with kick sensor.

More information on the upgraded Corolla Cross including pricing and full specification will be announced closer to its New Zealand arrival in the second half of 2025.

Next steps?

Learn more or express your interest with ILAM Toyota or Miles Toyota in Christchurch, or Pacific Toyota in the Bay of Plenty. You can also live chat with us in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.

Read the full press release

Who is the Miles Group?

With dealerships dating back to as early as 1918, the Miles Group is one of New Zealand’s leading independent motor vehicle groups, officially representing a diverse range of respected vehicle brands online and at 18 physical locations throughout New Zealand.

Our group exists today thanks to our founding director’s focus on excellence in customer service throughout all aspects of our business, combining the strength of our nationwide group with a local-centric approach to each dealership’s own community.

Along with servicing all aspects of New Zealanders’ vehicle needs – from sales and finance to service, parts, and accessories – the group’s dealerships all play an active part in supporting their local communities through various charitable and sporting initiatives, investing in a better tomorrow.