Verdict
At RM140,800 versus RM148,800, the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV is the cleaner buy unless you specifically want the GR Sport trim. The RM8,000 gap buys no mechanical change on paper: both use the same 1,798 cc hybrid set-up, with a 97 hp/142 Nm petrol engine and a 71 hp/163 Nm motor, driving the front wheels through a CVT. Safety and convenience kit also match closely, down to adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and the 440-litre boot.
Pick the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV if you want the same hybrid hardware and equipment for RM8,000 less.
Pick the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR Sport if the GR Sport trim is important enough for you to pay the extra RM8,000.
Key differences
- Price: RM140,800 vs RM148,800
- Engine output: 97 hp/142 Nm vs 97 hp/142 Nm
- Motor output: 71 hp/163 Nm vs 71 hp/163 Nm
- Safety kit: 7 airbags with blind spot monitoring, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist vs the same
- Infotainment: 10.1-inch touchscreen with 6 speakers vs 10.1-inch touchscreen with 6 speakers
- Boot space: 440 litres vs 440 litres
1.8 HEV
- Costs RM8,000 less.
- Same 1.8 hybrid powertrain, CVT and front-wheel drive layout.
- Same adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and powered hands-free tailgate.
- Does not have the GR Sport trim identity.
1.8 HEV GR Sport
- Gets the GR Sport trim designation.
- Keeps the same hybrid drivetrain and 47-litre fuel tank.
- Same 5-year/unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and 8-year/unlimited-mileage hybrid component warranty.
- Costs RM8,000 more with no clear gain in powertrain, safety kit, infotainment or practicality.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 140,800✓ | RM 148,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) |
| Capacity | 1,798 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 97 hp | 97 hp |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 80.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 13 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 71 hp | 71 hp |
| Motor Torque | 163 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Battery Type | Nickel Metal-Hydride | Nickel Metal-Hydride |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 1.3 kW | 1.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,460 mm | 4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm | 1,825 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 1,430 kg | 1,430 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 440 litres | 440 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R18 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes CR1 | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.1" Capacitive Touchscreen Display, 6 Speakers, Wireless Carplay and Wired Android Auto, USB and Bluetooth | 10.1" Capacitive Touchscreen Display, 6 Speakers, Wireless Carplay and Wired Android Auto, USB and Bluetooth |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Hybrid Battery, Inverter and PCU | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Hybrid Battery, Inverter and PCU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 359 | RM 359 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
1.8 HEV vs 1.8 HEV GR Sport FAQ
Is the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV or Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR Sport better?
The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV is the better value. It is RM8,000 cheaper and keeps the same hybrid drivetrain, safety kit, infotainment, boot space and warranty coverage.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV costs RM140,800, while the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR Sport costs RM148,800. The difference is RM8,000.
Does the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR Sport get more power?
No. Both use a 1,798 cc petrol hybrid set-up with a 97 hp/142 Nm engine and a 71 hp/163 Nm motor, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive.