Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos eFour 2025 Review

So sustained is the popularity for SUVs that they’re no longer the flavour of the month, they’re now the staple. Therefore, filling the niche gap between the likes of the Yaris Cross, CH-R and RAV4 became a problem Toyota needed to fix. And in 2022, it did.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos eFour is no longer a box-fresh variant, but its worthy of a closer look. Despite playing in the ultra-competitive small SUV segment, the jacked-up Corolla has amassed more than 20,000 sales Down Under.

Three model grades (GX, GXL and Atmos) are available with the top two specifications affording pseudo all-wheel drive (AWD, or eFour in Toyota-speak) for an extra $3000. As of July 2024, the Corolla Cross is hybrid only and drives exclusively through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Prices start at $36,480 (plus ORCs) for the GX, progressing to the $40,230 GXL (plus ORCs) and rounding out with the $47,230 (plus ORCs) Atmos front-wheel drive (FWD). At $50,030 (plus ORCs), the range-topping Atmos eFour doesn’t come cheap – especially when the figure is deep into RAV4 territory.

There’s no shortage of keen rivals for the Corolla Cross, but three key competitors are the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Nissan QASHQAI.

Toyota’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty applies, which is about the industry standard these days, while you also receive seven years of roadside assistance. Servicing is every 12 month or 15,000km, with each visit to a Toyota dealership being capped at $255 for the first five years.

If you follow the yearly servicing plan an extra two years of warranty is added to the engine and driveline (seven in total) as well as increased protection for the battery to 10 years.

Compared to some of the more daring designs coming from the Aichi-based manufacturer, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos is rather inoffensive. It certainly isn’t as polarising as the electric bZ4X, or even as edgy as the updated Camry.

Essentially, the Corolla Cross looks like it could go off-road with its plastic body cladding when the reality is it won’t. Hence, the Atmos version fills its city-slicker brief with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, sequential turn signals, heated exterior mirrors, panoramic glass sunroof, shark fin antenna and roof rails.

Inside the Atmos packs leather-accented trim with front heated seats (eight-way power adjustable for the driver), heated leather multi-function steering wheel, powered tailgate with kick sensor, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, electrochromatic rear-view mirror and privacy glass.

Given the family-friendly appeal, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos meets safety requirements with a five-star ANCAP rating (2022). It also features eight air bags, dual rear ISOFIX points and a trio of top-tether anchorages for child seats.

Active systems include Toyota’s Safety Sense featuring autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian (daytime only) detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane change assist, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring with safe exit, speed sign assist, parking sensors and a reversing camera with panoramic view monitor.

From the moment you sit inside the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos is hard to avoid the central 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. It’s prominently placed within the dash, which does have benefits in terms of use, but it can impede your vision depending on your seating arrangement.

Still, it’s easy to operate in terms of functionality with decent clarity, if not high-end graphics. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while also packing native sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth and a premium nine-speaker JBL audio system with subwoofer. 

Being at the top of the Corolla Cross family tree, the Atmos also adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless charging pad, while there’s also provisions for both USB-A and USB-C connections.

Toyota Connected Services is free for 12 months and includes safety and security features as well as remote connection to your car via the myToyota Connect app. It also supports over-the-air updates (OTA) and uses Toyota’s latest natural voice recognition system.

Like the majority of the brand’s line-up, the Corolla Cross is now hybrid only and receives updated ‘HEV’ badging as well as the customary blue company logo.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-lite Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with 112kW and 190Nm that’s accompanied by two electric motors. The e-motor on the front axle utilises 83kW and 206Nm, while the rear-mounted unit offers 30kW. The electric motors glean power from a 4.08Ahr lithium-ion battery pack.

Combined power totals 146kW, which is respectable for a 1550kg small SUV (Toyota doesn’t quote a combined torque figure). It’s swift enough to reach 100km/h in 7.6 seconds, making quick getaways from traffic lights and highway overtakes rather effortless.

All three power sources create a faux all-wheel drive setup despite there being no physical driveline connection between the front and rear wheels. It’s channelled through an eCVT gearbox, with the electronically controlled on-demand eFour system only calling upon the rear axle when slip is detected.

While the hybridised eFour drivetrain returns ample propulsion, the eCVT can perch the tacho high within the rev range during heavy throttle applications. As a result, there’s a noticeable increase in engine noise that’s far from refined. It’s a shame the eCVT doesn’t offer stepped ratios to negate this sensation.

Toyota’s hybrid tech has been in existence for more than two decades and it shows in all the right ways.

In fact, this is the fifth generation of the esteemed system and it improves acceleration without compromising on efficiency. The lithium-ion battery pack is 14 per cent lighter than the generation it replaces, too. So, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos is decidedly efficient with a rating of 4.4L/100km.

That figure isn’t a pipe dream either as throughout our testing ,the Atmos eFour returned 4.9L/100km after a 300km loop that included city, suburban and highway conditions. The Corolla Cross sweetens the deal by being able to run on cheaper 91 RON fuel and its 43-litre tank affords a projected maximum range of 1000km.

And you don’t have to worry about plugging it in either, given the lithium-ion battery pack is replenished while on the run. At slower speeds there is a dedicated EV mode, while a B mode ramps up the engine and regenerative braking.

It all happens rather seamlessly without the need for the driver to change their habits too much to achieve the best out of the hybrid tech.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos is built on the TNGA-C platform that’s also shared with the Corolla and CH-R. Additionally, eFour variants gain an independent rear suspension setup instead of the torsion-beam arrangement found in the FWD variants.

Just like the hatchback on which its based, the jacked-up small SUV version isn’t given enough credit for how dynamic it is. It also remains easy to live with and drive, displaying an approachable nature thanks to the Corolla Cross’ relatively small footprint.

On-road the suspension tune leans to the softer side, which is appreciated in terms of overall comfort. However, body control isn’t too adversely impacted and the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres (225/50 R18) provide plenty of grip.

So much so, that it’s debateable whether you really need the extra support the eFour system provides – especially when you factor in the added monetary hit. If you need to cover smooth dirt tracks or slippery terrain, the extra traction is of benefit.

The steering is surprisingly engaging and the brake pedal feel isn’t hindered too much by the effects of regenerative braking. Overall, it’s a competent package that goes about its business confidently. 

Yes and no.

While the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos gains an extra 25mm of ground clearance (160mm in total) over its hatchback equivalent and drive to the rear axle, the reality is this small SUV remains a city-dweller.

The off-road plastic body cladding is certainly just for show. Plus, the AWD version doesn’t get any spare wheel of any kind, just a can of goo (FWD versions place a space-saver spare under the boot floor).

Don’t expect to tow much, either, with a braked towing capacity of 750kg.

While the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos has been on sale Down Under since 2022, it was first released in 2020 in other markets. Yet, it largely avoids showing its age with a simple design and quality materials. The infotainment update and digital instrument cluster certainly help it look and feel more contemporary.

It’s ergonomically sound, too. The dedicated climate and audio controls are separate from the central touchscreen which is a refreshing inclusion. There’s no need to fumble through myriad menus to simply change the temperature, fan speed or audio volume – hallelujah.

Places to store various paraphernalia up front are rather limited, with the wireless charge pad and cup holders being the main storage areas aside from the central cubby hole and glove box. However, with the extra ride height, it’s easier to get in and out of than the Corolla hatchback.

Space in the back is compromised by the shorter wheelbase of the TGNA-C platform. Like the Corolla, legroom isn’t palatial in the Corolla Cross, but headroom is decent despite the panoramic glass sunroof and toes slide nicely underneath the plush front seats. Amenities are covered off with rear air vents, dual USB-C ports, a passenger-side map pocket and a fold-down centre arm rest with cup holders.

The eFour driveline and JBL sound system robs precious boot space. The AWD Atmos has the smallest boot of the line-up at just 380L. However, it’s a useable space and the 60/40-split folding back seats stow for extra practicality.

Like the driving behaviour, the interior of the Corolla Cross Atmos is easy to live with, adding tangible practicality over the hatchback.

If a small SUV is your priority, then you should have the Corolla Cross on your shortlist. It does everything you want a vehicle of the genre to do and should return years of frugal, fuss-free motoring.

However, does the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos feel like a more than $50k car? Not exactly. Ultimately, there’s greater value and justification found lower down the pecking order.

Save the $3000 and select a FWD version. Then, on balance, opting for the mid-spec GXL adds most of the gear you want without testing the bank account quite as much. About $34k should get one in your driveway, too.

Overall, the Corolla Cross makes a lot of sense if you choose your spec wisely and helps carry the famed nameplate into another generation.

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos at a glance:
Price: From $50,030 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric
Output: 112kW/190Nm (electric motor: 83kW/206Nm)
Combined output: 146kW
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Fuel: 4.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 101g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2022)

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