Verdict
The Toyota Corolla costs RM144,800, RM11,000 more than the RM133,800 Corolla Cross, yet the SUV brings blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking, collision warning and steering correction. The Corolla answers with a 470-litre boot against 440 litres, a 2,700-mm wheelbase and double-wishbone rear suspension, where the Cross uses a 2,640-mm wheelbase and torsion beam. Malaysian buyers wanting the lower purchase price, five-door access and 18-inch wheels should start with the Cross. Pick the Corolla for its larger boot, longer cabin footprint and dual-zone climate control.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if you want the 470-litre boot, 2,700-mm wheelbase, double-wishbone rear suspension and dual-zone air-conditioning.
Pick the Toyota Corolla Cross if you want to spend RM11,000 less and gain five doors, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and 18-inch wheels.
Key differences
- Price: Toyota Corolla RM144,800; Toyota Corolla Cross RM133,800.
- Dimensions: Corolla is 4,630 mm long and 1,435 mm tall; Corolla Cross is 4,460 mm long and 1,620 mm tall.
- Boot space: Corolla 470 litres; Corolla Cross 440 litres.
- Rear suspension: Corolla double wishbone; Corolla Cross torsion beam.
- Wheels and tyres: Corolla 17-inch alloys with 225/45R17 tyres; Corolla Cross 18-inch alloys with 225/50R18 tyres.
- Road tax: Corolla RM279 per year; Corolla Cross RM359 per year.
Corolla
- 470-litre boot, 30 litres larger than the Corolla Cross
- Double-wishbone rear suspension
- Dual-zone automatic climate control and paddle shifts
- Costs RM11,000 more
- Lacks blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and collision warning
- Only two front parking sensors versus four
Corolla Cross
- RM133,800 price is RM11,000 lower
- Blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and steering correction
- Five doors, powered contactless boot and four front parking sensors
- 440-litre boot is 30 litres smaller
- Torsion-beam rear suspension versus the Corolla's double wishbone
- Single-zone climate control and RM359 annual road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM144,800 | RM133,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM279✓ | RM359 |
| 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 |
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 better-equipped and cheaper choice at RM133,800, with blind-spot monitoring and autonomous braking. The Corolla suits buyers prioritising a 470-litre boot, double-wishbone rear suspension and dual-zone climate control.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Corolla is RM144,800 and the Toyota Corolla Cross is RM133,800. The Corolla costs RM11,000 more.
Which has more boot 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, but adds a powered contactless boot operation.