Toyota New Zealand has expanded its TOYOTA GAZOO Racing portfolio with the arrival of the Corolla Cross GR SPORT.
Developed under the rigorous philosophy of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Toyota says the Corolla Cross GR SPORT is more than just a styling exercise. “It represents a significant step up in dynamic performance, meticulously tuned by the same development drivers responsible for purebred sports cars like the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla. The ‘GR SPORT’ badge signifies a vehicle where motorsport expertise has been directly applied to enhance the core driving experience for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.”
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport: Chassis and Suspension
At the heart of the GR SPORT transformation is a significant enhancement in body rigidity. Engineers have strategically added a rear bumper reinforcement to the lower back of the chassis. This crucial addition minimises unwanted body flex and twisting during cornering, providing a remarkably stable and connected feel, claims Toyota.
The result is apparently a flat, confident ride that inspires driver confidence on winding country roads and provides a refined composure during city driving. Building on this strengthened foundation, the Corolla Cross GR SPORT features a specially tuned suspension system.
Both the front MacPherson struts and the rear double-wishbone suspension have undergone a bespoke tuning process. Toyota says that this optimisation including GR exclusively tuned Electronic Power Steering system sharpens steering response and enhances handling stability without sacrificing the comfortable ride quality expected from a premium SUV. The vehicle now offers an elevated balance, responding to the driver’s inputs with agility and precision while effortlessly absorbing those bumpy New Zealand roads.
GR SPORT features firmer front lower arm bushing, shock absorbers with built-in rebound springs, retuned springs and a 10mm lower centre of gravity. Exclusive 19-inch black and dark clear machined GR SPORT alloys are wrapped in Yokohama Advan Fleva 225/45R19 rubber.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport: Drivetrain
The refreshed Corolla Cross features a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force hybrid powertrain across all grades.
To unlock the full potential of this powertrain, the Corolla Cross GR SPORT is equipped with a unique Sport Mode – implemented for the first time, this mode maintains a higher engine RPM and maximises the electric motor’s power delivery for lightning-fast acceleration response. When the driver lifts off the throttle, Sport Mode automatically enhances deceleration to achieve a sportier braking feel and increase overall vehicle control.
For greater stability and control in winter conditions, Snow Extra mode is also included on the GR SPORT version. Notably, the Corolla Cross GR SPORT is the only grade in the lineup available with All Wheel Drive E-Four, providing enhanced traction and confidence across varied driving conditions, claims Toyota.
Paired with a 6-speed sequential Shiftmatic system and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, drivers can enjoy a manual-like shifting experience, “creating a truly engaging and sporty drive”.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport: Design
There is a unique front bumper and a sporty GR functional matrix grille, flanked by Bi-Beam LED headlamps.
The side profile is dominated by exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels with a Dark Gray Metallic and Machined Finish. Further features include blacked-out exterior accents, including mirror caps and window mouldings, along with prominent GR SPORT badging on the front and rear.
Red-painted brake callipers featuring the GR logo complete the high-performance aesthetic.
Inside, the cabin is transformed into a driver-focused cockpit. Heavily bolstered GR SPORT front seats, embossed with the GR logo, provide exceptional support during spirited driving, says Toyota. The driver is greeted by a leather-wrapped three-spoke GR steering wheel with paddle shift, aluminium sport pedals, and distinctive gun metal accents and red stitching details throughout the interior.
Monotone finishes include Frosted White, Shadow Platinum, Ash, Ink, and Emotional Red. For those seeking a bolder look, two-tone options pair Ebony with Emotional Red or Frosted White, while an exclusive Ebony/Ash combination is reserved for the GR SPORT grade.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport: “A New Breed of SUV for New Zealand”
Toyota New Zealand says it is thrilled to announce the arrival of the Corolla Cross GR SPORT, a new addition to its Corolla performance lineup. Chief Strategic Officer Andrew Davis says the team is incredibly excited to bring this dynamic model to Kiwi drivers, combining sporty styling with everyday versatility.
“This vehicle takes on the GR philosophy of building ever-better cars. It takes everything our customers love about the Corolla Cross – its versatility, advanced safety features, and hybrid efficiency and elevates it with a genuine dose of GAZOO Racing. It shows that as our engineers learn more about vehicle enhancement and tuning we can broaden the range of models that benefit from GR development offering a truly rewarding driving experience without compromising on the practicality that our Kiwi drivers crave. It’s the perfect SUV for those who love to drive,” says Andrew.
More information: www.toyota.co.nz
