Verdict
At RM144,800, the Toyota Corolla costs RM11,000 more than the RM133,800 Toyota Corolla Cross. The sedan returns tangible space benefits with a 470-litre boot and 2,700 mm wheelbase, against 440 litres and 2,640 mm for the SUV, while also using a double-wishbone rear suspension. The Corolla Cross counters with 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and steering-correction lane keeping. For Malaysian buyers, the Cross is the less expensive, taller five-door choice; the Corolla is the better-loaded long-wheelbase sedan only if its extra boot space and dual-zone climate control matter more.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if you want the 470-litre boot, 2,700 mm wheelbase, dual-zone climate control and a double-wishbone rear suspension.
Pick the Toyota Corolla Cross if you want to spend RM11,000 less for an SUV body, 18-inch wheels and added blind-spot, autonomous-braking and lane-keeping systems.
Key differences
- Price: Toyota Corolla RM144,800; Toyota Corolla Cross RM133,800.
- Body and height: Toyota Corolla is a 1,435 mm sedan; Toyota Corolla Cross is a 1,620 mm SUV.
- Boot space: Toyota Corolla 470 litres; Toyota Corolla Cross 440 litres.
- Wheelbase and rear suspension: Toyota Corolla 2,700 mm with double wishbones; Toyota Corolla Cross 2,640 mm with a torsion beam.
- Safety assists: Toyota Corolla has no autonomous braking or blind-spot system; Toyota Corolla Cross has autonomous braking and blind-spot monitoring.
- Road tax and wheels: Toyota Corolla RM279 a year on 17-inch wheels; Toyota Corolla Cross RM359 a year on 18-inch wheels.
Corolla
- 470-litre boot is 30 litres larger.
- 2,700 mm wheelbase and double-wishbone rear suspension.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifts and a full-size 17-inch alloy spare.
- Costs RM11,000 more.
- No blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking or steering-correction lane keeping.
- Smaller 17-inch wheels and only one front power socket.
Corolla Cross
- RM133,800 price is RM11,000 lower.
- Blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and steering-correction lane keeping.
- 18-inch wheels, powered contactless tailgate and three USB ports.
- 440-litre boot is 30 litres smaller.
- 2,640 mm wheelbase is 60 mm shorter and it uses a torsion-beam rear suspension.
- Single-zone air-conditioning and a space-saver spare tyre.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM144,800 | RM133,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) |
| Capacity | 1,798 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 138 hp✓ |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 80.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | — | 185 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,780 mm | 1,825 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 1,365 kg | 1,405 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 470 litres✓ | 440 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R17 | 225/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R17 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size 17" Alloy | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 on two outer rear passenger seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam | 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 | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 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 | 9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 10.1" Capacitive Touchscreen Display, 6 Speakers, Wireless Carplay and Wired Android Auto, USB and Bluetooth |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 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 | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM279✓ | RM359 |
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.
Used Corolla & Corolla Cross for sale
Corolla vs Corolla Cross FAQ
Is the Toyota Corolla or Toyota Corolla Cross better?
The Corolla Cross is the stronger choice for its lower price, SUV body and added blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assistance. Choose the Corolla instead if its 470-litre boot, longer 2,700 mm wheelbase, dual-zone climate control and double-wishbone rear suspension are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Corolla is RM144,800 and the Toyota Corolla Cross is RM133,800, so the Corolla costs RM11,000 more.
Which has more luggage space, the Toyota Corolla or Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla has the larger boot at 470 litres. The Toyota Corolla Cross has 440 litres, a 30-litre deficit, though it has a five-door SUV body and powered contactless tailgate.