2022 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport Hybrid now in PH

It's no secret that Toyota is expanding the Gazoo Racing brand to all of its models. And now they've done it, the fourth addition to Toyota Motor Philippines' GR Sport lineup is now on Philippine shores – the Corolla Cross GR Sport.

Spotted at a local Toyota dealership, the dressed-up crossover follows the design cues of the Thailand-spec Corolla Cross GR Sport which was revealed last December.

Essentially, the GR Sport is a kitted-up version of the Corolla Cross with new bumpers, side skirts, and a gloss black front grille. Furthermore, it also receives a black roof and clear LED taillights. To finish off the exterior, the stylish crossover rolls on unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50/R18 tires.

Like the Hilux, Fortuner, and Vios GR-S, it also received an interior makeover with black leather upholstery. Though for this particular model, the front headrests have the embossed GR symbol in black rather than in the usual Gazoo Racing colors for a more sophisticated look.

The Corolla Cross GR Sport also gets new coil springs and shock absorbers as that of the Thai version. This will be aimed at giving the model sportier handling.

Underneath the hood is the same 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain seen on the range-topping Corolla Cross, which has 98 PS and 142 Nm of torque from its internal combustion engine. It is complemented by an electric motor that provides an extra 72 PS and 163 Nm of torque. When the hybrid system is combined, the crossover's power unit produces 122 PS. It is paired to an E-CVT transmission that features three selectable driving modes, namely EV, Sport, and Eco.

The Corolla Cross GR Sport will retail for PHP 1,774,000, which is significantly higher than the range-topping 1.8V Hybrid that already sells for PHP 1,665,000.

Indeed, it's quite an expensive crossover to acquire, but with the Corolla Cross receiving somewhat more proper GR upgrades, we're keen to find out if it is worth the added sticker price.