Toyota Corolla Cross draws near

An updated version of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has emerged in Japan ahead of the small SUV's launch in Australia next year.

Adopting Toyota's latest design language, the JDM Toyota Corolla Cross gets a restyled front bumper, new headlights and fresh tail-lights compared to the SUV that was revealed only last year.

The biggest difference to the Corolla Cross launched for the Thai market is the Japanese version's larger hexagonal lower air intake and the new single-bar grille.

It's not yet known if our cars will be sourced from Thailand or Japan, but if it's the latter it's likely to come with a 1.8-litre petrol engine combined with a CVT that channels power to the front wheels.

There is also a hybrid version that links the 1.8-litre engine to an electric motor and offers all-wheel drive.

Joining other compact crossover models from Toyota including the Yaris Cross and C-HR, the Corolla Cross could be positioned in Australia as a more affordable and spacious alternative to the C-HR, which starts from $30,915 plus on-road costs. The Yaris Cross is priced from $26,990 plus ORCs.

Size-wise, Toyota has already revealed that the Thai version of the Corolla Cross has the same wheelbase as the C-HR (2640mm) but is longer by 70mm at 4460mm in length. It's also wider (1825mm) and taller (1620mm), which will ensure interior space is more generous for occupants on board while boot space is decent 487 litres.

As well as a higher ride height via extra ground clearance, expect to see decent equipment levels on the new Toyota SUV when it arrives in Australia in the second half of 2022.

Tipped to get all the good stuff from the Corolla, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, automatic climate control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a touch-screen infotainment system, the new crossover is sure to be a strong-selling model for the brand.

Top-spec versions of the Corolla Cross will likely include a head-up display, glass sunroof, self-dimming rear-view mirror and a beefed-up JBL sound system.

The new Toyota SUV is based on the same TNGA-C platform that underpins the Corolla hatch and sedan as well as the C-HR

In Japan, Toyota will also offer a sporty GR Sport version that will feature a styling kit and firmer suspension tune, although it still comes with a modest 103kW 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine.