Review: Toyota Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport - The Hybrid that woke up one morning and decided to be fun

There’s something about the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport that just clicks the moment you slide behind the wheel. It’s not just another crossover trying to woo you with a hybrid badge and a promise of low fuel bills. This one actually feels special, as though Toyota’s engineers had a quiet moment of rebellion, took a sip of strong sake, and said, “Why not make a hybrid that actually drives like we care?” And boy, do they care.

When Toyota Malaysia unveiled the facelifted Corolla Cross, the headlines mostly focused on the sharper grille that now channels a bit of Lexus RX swagger. But the real story was buried deeper: the old GR Sport variant, while nice to look at, had been quietly retired.

In its place came this new Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport—a move that initially looked like mere lineup housekeeping, but in reality was a stroke of genius. This wasn’t just about adding GR badges to another model. This was Toyota saying, “You want performance and efficiency? Why not both?”

A Hybrid that ignites your adrenaline

Here’s the thing about hybrids—they usually do one thing brilliantly: save fuel. But fun? Driving pleasure? Not so much. Most of them feel like kitchen appliances, built to quietly get the job done and fade into the background of yeah, i’m fuel efficient. The Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport, however, feels alive. It’s responsive. It’s nimble. It’s—dare I say it—enjoyable.

Toyota has taken the already competent hybrid setup from the regular Corolla Cross HEV and sprinkled some genuine magic over it. The powertrain is the same mix of a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, combining for a total of 122 horsepower. On paper, that figure won’t make your jaw drop, but hybrids are cheeky that way. 

The instant torque from the electric motor means the Corolla Cross leaps off the line with more urgency than you’d expect. Add to that the e-CVT’s seamless delivery, and what you get is a smooth, almost electric-like glide that never feels sluggish.

But here’s where the GR Sport version changes the game—it’s not just about the hybrid power anymore. Toyota’s performance division has tuned the chassis to give it real character. The suspension has been stiffened, the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam are sport-tuned, and performance bracing has been added to tighten the whole structure. The result is a car that hunkers down through corners with an eagerness that feels so un-hybrid.And then there’s the steering.The electric power steering has its own dedicated GR Sport tune, making it sharper and more communicative, so you always know what the front wheels are up to.

It’s a crossover that invites you to take the long way home, just for the hell of it. Imagine leaving the city after work, the roads opening up as you snake past rolling hills and stretches of tarmac that tease you with gentle curves. Flick it into Power mode, and the hybrid system wakes up with a punchy urgency, the electric motor delivering instant torque like a quiet shove in the back. The steering, sharpened by its GR tuning, feels alive in your hands—communicative, direct, almost egging you on to carry a bit more speed through the next corner. The body stays composed, the stiffer suspension and performance bracing working together to keep it planted, yet never harsh. And when the road straightens out again, you’re back to that silky hybrid calm, gliding along in near silence, with fuel consumption barely crossing your mind. 

The best bit however to us is that on regular but bad Malaysian roads, it doesn’t beat you up. Toyota has struck a rare balance between ride comfort and handling prowess—something even more expensive SUVs struggle to pull off.

Fuel savings without the boredom

The best part? All this fun doesn’t come at the expense of efficiency. You still get all the hybrid advantages that make your wallet smile. The Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport runs on a modest 36-litre fuel tank, and at future fuel prices of RM1.99 per litre, a full tank will only set you back around RM70. 

But what’s jaw-dropping is how far that tank will take you. We managed a round trip from Petronas Damansara Jaya 1 to Armenian Street in Penang and back to Bukit Beruntung without refuelling—covering over 650 km on that single tank. Show me another sporty SUV that can pull off that kind of magic for RM70. I’ll wait.

This dual personality—frugal when you want it, fun when you need it—makes the Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport feel like a rare breed. On weekdays, you can glide through traffic in silent EV mode, sipping petrol like it’s fine wine. But come Saturday morning, hit Power mode, and suddenly this hybrid feels like it’s had a double espresso, ready to tackle winding roads with a bit of spirit.

A face with attitude

Visually, the facelift has given the Corolla Cross more presence. The new front grille, with its Lexus-inspired vibes, adds a touch of premium polish. But the GR Sport variant? That’s where the personality cranks up. The unique radiator grille, sportier rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, and the 18-inch GR Sport wheels scream intent without being over the top. There’s just the right amount of aggression here, like a perfectly tailored suit with sneakers.

And those bi-LED headlights with sequential turn signals? Chef’s kiss. It’s a little detail that adds flair, and I can’t get enough of it. Available in two-tone finishes like Platinum White Pearl and Dark Turquoise, this crossover knows how to turn heads without being shouty.

Step Inside, feel the GR spirit

Inside, the Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport blends practicality with a sense of occasion. The first thing you’ll notice are the black leather seats, finished with red stitching and proudly wearing the GR logo. The red contrast continues on the centre console and armrest, subtly reminding you that this isn’t just a regular Corolla Cross. Even the floor mats get the GR branding treatment, because why not?

The cabin tech is properly modern. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making cable clutter a thing of the past. In front of the driver sits a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that looks like it belongs in something twice the price. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat makes long drives a breeze, and rear passengers get reclining seats with air-con vents—a thoughtful touch for our hot Malaysian afternoons.

And let’s not forget the six-speaker sound system, which, while not concert-hall quality, is perfectly decent for daily drives and those late-night Spotify playlists.

Safety and peace of mind

Toyota doesn’t mess around with safety, and the Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport comes with the full Toyota Safety Sense suite. You get adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and even rear cross-traffic alert—all the clever tech that keeps modern driving stress-free. With seven airbags and Toyota’s proven build quality, you know this is a car that’ll look after you and your family.

Price and value

At RM148,800 on the road without insurance, the Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport isn’t exactly on the side of cheap. But when you stack up what you’re getting—a hybrid powertrain that genuinely performs, GR Sport handling, a well-equipped cabin, Toyota’s bulletproof reliability, and the brand’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty (plus 8 years on the hybrid battery)—it feels like a solid deal. Especially when you factor in the low running costs.

A Hybrid with swagger

This Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport is proof that hybrids don’t have to be boring. The previous Corolla Cross GR Sport always looked the part but felt like it needed a bit more punch. By shifting the GR Sport treatment onto the HEV model, Toyota has found the sweet spot. You get the driving excitement the old GR Sport lacked, plus the fuel-saving brilliance of a hybrid. It’s a combination that just works.

Sure, it doesn’t have the electric-only range of some plug-in hybrids, but does that really matter when a full tank of petrol costs just RM70 and gives you over 650 km of range? This is the kind of real-world usability Malaysians love—and Toyota knows it.

In my book, the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport is not just one of the best cars in its segment; it’s one of the smartest buys you can make if you want a crossover that ticks every box. It’s frugal. It’s stylish. It’s safe. And when you’re in the mood, it’s genuinely fun to drive. This isn’t just a facelift. It’s a glow-up.