Which is the best variant of Toyota Corolla Cross?
Getting the most from your purchase often requires that you understand what your options are. Trim levels and specifications can make it tricky to decide between two models. We take a closer look at the Toyota Corolla Cross variants to determine which one is best.
The Toyota Corolla Cross may only have been with us for a few months, having been launched in November 2021 but it's already made a name for itself on the local scene. This rather agreeable crossover combines the practicality that you're looking for with the ease of use that you need. It offers legendary Toyota reliability and does it all at a price that is more than appealing.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Toyota Corolla Cross
You can get it in one of four different trim levels, each offering its own unique blend of function and form. Naturally, the more equipment you desire, the more you need to be prepared to shell out. Save yourself a few Rands by selecting the model that best suits you so that you don't end up paying for features you don't need.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is available in the following trims:
Corolla Cross Xi
Corolla Cross XS
Corolla Cross XR
Corolla Cross GR-S
Two powertrain options are available in the XS, XR, and GR-Sport trims, both using a 1.8-litre engine but one benefiting from electrical assistance in the Hybrid models. The non-hybrid versions produce 103 kW and 172 Nm torque. The Hybrid models produce 90 kW and have a torque split of 142 Nm (ICE) and 163 Nm (EV).
Toyota Corolla Cross Grade Walk
Xi specification offers you the following features:
Colour coding, keyless entry, power-adjustable and auto-retractable exterior mirrors
17" alloy wheels shod with 215/60/R17 tyres
LED headlights (as of 2023)
LED taillamps and automatic light control
Four cupholders, stowage binnacles, 60/40 fold-down rear seats and steering switches
Cruise Control, air-conditioning, 12-volt power outlet & all-round one-touch power windows
8-inch touchscreen display audio with 6 speakers (as of 2023)
4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) for the driver (as of 2023)
Reverse Camera (as of 2023)
Toyota Connect
XS specification takes the standard equipment found in the Xi and enhances it by adding:
Foglamps
Park Distance Control (PDC) and rain-sensing wipers
Black Leather Interior
Air-conditioning upgraded to dual-zone variant
Two additional USB ports
Centre armrest with two cupholders
The XR specification builds on this even further:
18" alloy wheels shod with 225/50/R18 tyres
Black and grey radiator grille
Toyota Safety Sense
Choice of Black or 'Terra Rossa' (Red) Leather interior
LED interior Illumination
For the bold individual, the GR-Sport adds a few styling elements and includes handling upgrades. It uses the XR trim as a base and adds:
GR-S grille
GR-S lower apron with GR-mesh
Vertical air ducts with fog lamps
Large Toyota Insignia
Black exterior mirrors, black roof and black roof rails
Black roof spoiler, tailgate trim and rear diffuser
GR badging
Leather upholstery with embossed logos on the headrests
Red contrasting stitching and perforation
Red accent stripe on the instrument panel
3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching and piano black inserts
GR-Sport shock absorbers and revised coil springs
Brushless motor electronic power steering (EPS)
Unique 18-inch alloy wheels
Which is the best variant?
The recent updates to the Xi trim for the 2023 model year make it a winning combination. The addition of the touchscreen infotainment and LED headlights make it hard to ignore. If you're dead set on having the best safety you can possibly buy, then you will have to go for the XR or GR-S trims that include the Toyota Safety Sense systems. Small sacrifices in convenience, such as park distance control and armrests are small prices to pay for the overall savings offered by the entry-level Xi trim.
