2026 Toyota
Corolla Cross Hybrid

Never a company to rest on its laurels, Toyota has made improvements to the Corolla Cross Hybrid for model year 2026. Although it already supplied excellent fuel efficiency, this gas-electric compact crossover is now even better, achieving an EPA-estimated 46 mpg around town and 39 mpg on the highway – a gain of 1 mpg over last year’s ratings. There have been cosmetic changes as well, with the introduction of a body-colored grille above a restyled bumper and on-trend headlight and taillight appearance with dark accents. The base trim now gets Bi-LED projector headlights, and Cavalry Blue has joined the exterior paint selections. Toyota has also abbreviated the trim lineup by doing away with the appearance-focused Nightshade.

As far as interior changes, every trim showcases an enhanced center console with a new low-profile shifter. The S and SE swap in a 7-inch digital instrument cluster in place of the old analog dials and 4.2-inch information display, while the range-topping XSE moves to a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Cold Weather Package, which increases the front occupants’ comfort with heated seats and a heated steering wheel, is now offered for the mid-grade SE. If you’re interested in the gas-only 2026 Corolla Cross, please see our separate overview for that model.

Shop Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid front grille

Trims and Mechanical Details

Your trim choices for the 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid are the S, SE, and XSE. They’re propelled by a gas-electric powertrain pairing a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors (combined output: 196 horsepower) and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SE and XSE come with paddle shifters, and all trims get electronic on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD), MacPherson front struts, and a double-wishbone multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms (with sport tuning, a stabilizer bar, coil springs, and hydraulic shocks). Fuel economy is one of the leading attributes of this model; all trims achieve an EPA-estimated 46 mpg city/39 mpg highway. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is approved for lightweight towing with a total trailer and cargo weight of not exceeding 1,500 pounds.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid rear view

Standard and Available Features

The simply furnished base trim, the S, has fabric-upholstered seats (manually adjustable in the front row), Smart Key with remote keyless access and touch-sensor lock/unlock (front doors and liftgate), automatic air conditioning (one zone) with second-row vents, heated side-view mirrors, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, push-button start, two front-mounted USB-C ports, auto-on/off Bi-LED projector headlights, LED taillights and daytime running lights, and 17-inch machined alloy wheels finished in stylish black. The front row gets an overhead console with an integrated Safety Connect button, and the back row has a center console with storage, two cup holders, and an armrest.

The SE adds black roof rails, heated exterior mirrors with blind-spot and turn indicators, wireless smartphone charging, two rear USB-C ports (for a total of four), privacy glass on rear windows, vanity mirror lights, and sliding sunshade extensions. At the top of the lineup, the XSE is heightened with heated front seats, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, mixed-media upholstery, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a frameless day/night rearview mirror with HomeLink, a leather-trimmed shift boot, ambient cabin lighting, a rear fold-down center armrest with two additional (six total) cup holders, chrome window molding, an illuminated glove compartment, upgraded auto-on/off Bi-LED projector headlights, upgraded LED combination taillights, LED fog lights, LED turn indicators, a cargo-area tonneau cover and net, and 18-inch alloy wheels (black).

As we said in the intro, the SE is now eligible for the Cold Weather Package (heated steering wheel and heated front seats), while the Moonroof Package will furnish a moonroof and a tonneau cover to conceal belongings in the tailgate area. XSE can get the Convenience Package for a moonroof and power liftgate.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid safety features

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technology

All three trims have Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 installed. This exceptional driver-assist technology bundle consists of full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, proactive driving assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and road sign assist. A rearview monitor comes standard as well, as do hill start assist control and rear seat reminder. Only the two higher-ranking trims receive safe exit alert and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert; the XSE also gets front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking as well as dynamic gridlines for its rearview monitor.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid infotainment system

Infotainment

The S and SE use an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment and connectivity management. It’s set up with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, wireless smartphone connection (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and SiriusXM satellite radio access. As the leading trim, the XSE is graced with a 10.5-inch touchscreen (optional for the SE) and is eligible for a JBL audio system with nine speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier as an upgrade from the standard unbranded system and six speakers. All trims are set up to receive Toyota’s subscription-based Connected Services for cloud navigation, remote functions, Wi-Fi hotspot access, and roadside assistance.

** Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by a consumer including $399 documentation fee, except for licensing costs, registration fees, and taxes.