Will our Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport get this new look from Japan?

Toyota has just announced a new version of the Corolla Cross GR Sport for the Japanese market, set to go on sale on August 4th. This updated model features a fresh new face and improved performance, leading many to wonder: Will Malaysia get the same version?

The most noticeable change is at the front. The updated Corolla Cross GR Sport gets a more aggressive bumper design, adopting what Toyota calls the Functional “MATRIX” grille, a design seen on other GR models like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. It also comes with a sleek upper grille that visually links the headlights, giving it a wider and lower stance. With black exterior trim, dark 19-inch wheels, and optional two-tone paint jobs, the SUV definitely looks more like a member of the GR family.

Toyota says this model was developed using insights from its motorsport efforts. It gets tuned suspension with updated shock absorbers, coil springs, and bushings. The ride height has been lowered by 10mm for better handling and stability. Toyota even added a stiffer rear bumper structure to improve body rigidity.

Under the hood, the Japanese-spec model uses a 199PS 2.0L hybrid system (engine code: M20A-FXS) that balances fuel economy with strong performance. There’s also a GR-exclusive Sport mode and a 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission that simulates gear changes for a more engaging drive.

Inside, the Corolla Cross GR Sport gets GR-branded sports seats with suede-like materials for added grip during cornering. The steering wheel, pedals, and shift knob also feature sporty touches, including grey stitching and metallic accents. A GR logo appears on everything from the key fob to the seats.

Currently, the Malaysian-market Corolla Cross GR Sport shares some sporty design cues but lacks the more aggressive GR-specific front bumper seen here. It also uses a different powertrain, a 1.8L hybrid or petrol engine depending on the variant, rather than the 2.0L hybrid found in Japan.

So far, there’s been no official word from UMW Toyota Malaysia about whether this facelifted version will make its way here. But considering the strong interest in GR models and sporty SUVs in the local market, there is a possibility that Toyota eventually brings in an updated version.

Would you like to see this new GR Sport face on Malaysian roads? Let us know what do you think.