This New Toyota SUV Appears Recognizable Until You View the Front | Carscoops

      The Chinese version of Toyota's popular Corolla Cross is undergoing a mid-cycle update, featuring a redesigned front end.

      Corolla Cross and its twin, the Frontlander, are set to receive updated facelifts in China.

      GAC's Frontlander showcases a distinct front-end design with a body-colored, closed-off grille. Both vehicles will maintain the current 2.0L gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrain options.

      Compact SUVs have become central to global lineups, and the Toyota Corolla Cross is a prime example. Designed for a wide array of markets, it faces unique challenges in China, where foreign automakers must offer locally-made versions through separate joint ventures.

      This led to the creation of the Frontlander, which is essentially a Corolla Cross variant exclusive to GAC Toyota. Both models are now gearing up to launch their facelifted versions, featuring updated styling and familiar powertrains.

      In China, the Corolla Cross is produced by FAW Toyota, while the Frontlander is built by GAC Toyota. Details about the refreshed versions have emerged through filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, providing a glimpse ahead of their official market introductions.

      **Styling Changes**

      FAW’s Corolla Cross adopts the look of the recently updated global model, while GAC’s Frontlander presents a unique identity at the front. Its sharp nose resembles the GR Sport variant available in Europe and Japan, but the lower bumper area has an EV-inspired design, replacing the large grille with a body-colored insert that enhances aerodynamics, featuring only a small opening for cooling intake. This is complemented by a prominent lower section with glossy trim.

      The LED lights are akin to those in higher-spec Corolla Cross trims in other regions, although the base models retain older headlights. The bodywork appears largely unchanged from the previous Frontlander. While interior images are not yet available, it is likely to feature an updated digital cockpit.

      The facelifted Toyota Frontlander (above) is compared to the previous version (below).

      The Frontlander measures 4,490 mm (176.8 inches) long, 1,825 mm (71.8 inches) wide, and 1,625 mm (64 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm (103.9 inches). These dimensions match those of the updated Corolla Cross, indicating that the new SUV has grown by 5 mm (0.2 inches) compared to the pre-facelift version.

      **Powertrain Updates**

      As with its predecessor, the compact model will offer gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrains. The 2.0-liter non-electrified four-cylinder engine produces 169 hp (126 kW / 171 PS) and routes power to the front wheels via a CVT. The hybrid version combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (156 hp) with a 111 hp electric motor, utilizing a ternary lithium-ion battery, transmitted to the front wheels through an E-CVT.

      Although Toyota has not yet announced a release date, the updated Frontlander is anticipated to hit showrooms soon. Current models are already seeing discounts, with the outgoing gasoline version starting at ¥89,800 ($12,500) and the hybrid at ¥111,800 ($15,600), indicating that the refreshed models are imminent.

      Originally launched in 2020, the Corolla Cross has quickly become one of Toyota’s most successful models. In 2024, it was the world’s third best-selling vehicle with 859,000 units sold, reflecting an 18 percent increase from 2023. This places it ahead of the Corolla sedan and hatchback, although it still trails the larger RAV4, which leads in global sales.

      **Different specs of the facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross across global markets**