The 2028 Toyota Corolla Cross Could Finally Get the Design It Deserves.
These new images preview what the next-generation Toyota Corolla Cross for 2028 might look like. A new Corolla is just around the corner with an introduction rumored for the Los Angeles Auto Show this coming November. And a redesigned Corolla Cross won’t be that far behind.
What we do know is that it will likely adopt Toyota’s new 1.5-liter engine, most likely paired with a standard hybrid setup in the U.S. There will be no full gas or PHEV versions. The next generation is also expected to grow in size, possibly to better meet the expectations of North American buyers. The images above show a more rugged and angular appearance than the current model. With an even more off-road oriented version competing against the Ford Bronco Sport. Which is a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down these days. Even the next Hyundai Kona is supposed to look a bit like the rugged Hyundai Crater concept. And Toyota knows this is a very popular look.
The current Corolla Cross received minor updates for the 2026 model year, but none that significantly enhanced its overall design. When it debuted in 2020, the model was intended to reinvigorate Toyota’s compact SUV lineup in the U.S., especially after the disappointing sale numbers of the Toyota C-HR. That model peaked at 49,600 units in 2018 before falling to around 12,000 just a few years later. The more conservative Corolla Cross became Toyota’s safer, more popular alternative for North America, while a second-generation C-HR was developed primarily for Europe. From a sales perspective, the strategy worked: the Corolla Cross reached roughly 93,000 units in the U.S. in 2024. However, it still trails the Honda HR-V, which surpassed 151,000 units despite lacking a hybrid option.
It took Toyota a while to acknowledge what many observers noticed early on—the Corolla Cross design feels very boring and lacks any form of character. In a segment where styling plays a major role, that’s a meaningful weakness. Today’s buyers expect compact SUVs to deliver not only practicality, but also visual identity.
Interestingly, the Corolla Cross faces even tougher competition in Europe than in the U.S., making design differentiation between market even more critical. A more expressive and distinctive next-generation model could help strengthen its position globally. With rivals continuing to raise the bar in both design and technology, Toyota has little room to stay conservative.
Improving on the current model shouldn’t be particularly difficult—but whether Toyota is willing to fully embrace a more daring design remains an open question.