This New Toyota SUV Appears Recognizable, Yet Its Front Design and Interior Could Catch You Off Guard | Carscoops

      The Chinese counterpart of Toyota’s Corolla Cross, known as the Frontlander, has undergone a thorough mid-cycle refresh featuring new aesthetics and technology.

      The Frontlander, produced locally by GAC for the Chinese market, showcases a refreshed front design and an updated interior layout. Although it adopts an EV-inspired look, it is available with both petrol and hybrid powertrains.

      Following its initial reveal through Chinese patent filings, Toyota has now released comprehensive details and images of the Frontlander compact SUV. You can find an in-depth analysis below, along with our first impressions of the North American 2026 Corolla Cross.

      Compact SUVs have become essential in various global lineups, offering an ideal blend of size, utility, and affordability. Few models illustrate this concept better than the Toyota Corolla Cross. Designed for diverse markets, it faces unique challenges in China, where regulations necessitate foreign manufacturers to produce vehicles locally through separate joint ventures.

      Thus, the Frontlander was created as GAC Toyota's equivalent to the Corolla Cross, which is manufactured by FAW Toyota in China. Both models have now reached the mid-point of their lifecycle, receiving updated aesthetics, upgraded technology, and the same powertrain options as before.

      **Front Design with More Character**

      While FAW’s Corolla Cross features styling from the recently revamped global model, GAC’s Frontlander presents a distinctive front profile. The sharp nose resembles the GR Sport variant found in Europe and Japan, but the lower bumper section replaces the large grille with an EV-inspired design.

      A body-colored insert enhances airflow while allowing only a narrow gap for cooling, complemented by a different lower area accentuated with glossy trim pieces.

      **Interior with a Technological Emphasis**

      Significant updates are also present within the cabin. The dashboard has been revamped to convey a more premium and tech-oriented appearance. Key features include a larger 12.9-inch infotainment display, removal of physical controls, slimmer climate vents, and the addition of ambient lighting. An 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, redesigned seating, and a streamlined center console featuring a wireless charging pad are also included. Additionally, the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense ADAS system comes standard.

      The Frontlander measures 4,490 mm (176.8 inches) in length, 1,825 mm (71.8 inches) in width, and 1,625 mm (64 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm (103.9 inches). These dimensions match those of the facelifted Corolla Cross, signifying a 5 mm (0.2 inches) increase compared to the pre-facelift model.

      **Hybrid Powertrain Still Available**

      Despite its EV-style appearance, the compact crossover continues to offer gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrains, similar to its predecessor. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 169 hp (126 kW / 171 PS) and powers the front wheels via a CVT. The enhanced hybrid system pairs a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (156 hp) with a 111 hp electric motor and a ternary lithium-ion battery, sending power through an E-CVT to the front wheels.

      The updated Toyota Frontlander is priced from ¥132,800-155,800 ($18,700-21,900) for the non-electrified variant, while the hybrid starts at ¥145,800-165,800 ($20,500-23,300). This marks a significant increase compared to its predecessor, which was previously priced at a discounted ¥89,800 ($12,500).

      First introduced in 2020, the Corolla Cross has rapidly become one of Toyota’s top-selling models. In 2024, it was the world's third best-selling vehicle, with 859,000 units sold, reflecting an 18 percent rise over 2023. It has outperformed the Corolla sedan and hatchback, although it still trails the more prominent RAV4, which leads global sales.