2021 Toyota Corolla Cross is here to pick a fight with Coolray, HR-V, Seltos

The wait is over. After making its world debut in Thailand last month, Toyota Motor Philippines has officially debuted the 2021 Corolla Cross in the country. Serving as the latest crossover in the Toyota's lineup, the Corolla Cross bridges the gap between the Rush and the RAV4.

But despite having the Corolla badge on its body, the all-new Corolla Cross isn't quite an Altis on stilts. It gets a fresh new face featuring a massive front grille flanked by a sleek pair of headlights. The crossover also gets black body cladding all around, a pair of slim taillights, and muscular curves on the fenders and doors. Exclusive only to the top-of-the-line hybrid are the LED headlights, and the LED daytime running lights. The non-hybrid variant gets halogen projectors, and bulb-type running lights.

Size-wise, the Corolla Cross measures 4460mm long, 1825mm wide, and 1620mm tall. It also has a 2640mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 161mm. This puts the Corolla Cross right up against the likes of the Subaru XV and Honda HR-V.

Those familiar with the Corolla Altis' interior might find the accommodations inside the Corolla Cross quite similar. From the dashboard to the door panels, as well as the steering wheel, it appears identical to its sedan counterpart. Available amenities inside the Corolla Cross include 8-inch touchscreen infotainment (6.8-inch on the 1.8 G), speed-sensing door locks, auto-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on the range-topping hybrid version.

Other features like automatic climate control, digital multi-info display, leather or fabric upholstery, and intelligent voice command are also present on the 2021 Corolla Cross.

Under the hood, the Corolla Cross is available with two powertrain options. First up is the 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. It puts out 138 PS with 172 Nm of torque and is connected to a CVT. The other engine is the 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain that Toyota claims is more fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and quiet. It has a total system output of 121 PS and 142 Nm of torque. It too is mated to a CVT but benefits from three driving modes; Eco, Power, and EV.

In terms of safety features, the Corolla Cross has plenty available. All variants come with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control, traction control hill-start assist, reverse camera, as well as seven airbags. The hybrid version comes with front and rear parking sensors, while the non-hybrid variant only has rear sensors.

Only available on the 1.8 HV Hybrid is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). It is comprised of intelligent safety systems that include a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and automatic high beam provide peace of mind to the occupants of the Corolla Cross. The new crossover now serves as the fifth model to come with TSS following the Hiace Super Grandia Elite, Corolla Altis Hybrid, Alphard, and the Prius.

Pricing for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at PhP 1,285,000 for the 1.8 G CVT. Meanwhile, the fully-equipped 1.8 V HV retails for PhP 1,650,000. Available colors for the 2021 Corolla Cross include Attitude Black Mica, Metal Stream Metallic, and Red Mica Metallic. The Platinum White Pearl Mica is also available for the Corolla Cross but will cost an extra PhP 15,000.