The Chinese-market twin of Toyota’s Corolla Cross gets a comprehensive mid-cycle update with new styling and tech
Update: After its first appearance through Chinese patent filings, Toyota has released full details and images of the Frontlander compact SUV. You’ll find the complete breakdown below. You can also check our first drive of the North American market 2026 Corolla Cross here.
Compact SUVs have become the bread and butter of many global lineups, offering the right balance of size, practicality, and price. Few models exemplify that formula better than the Toyota Corolla Cross. Designed to fit a wide range of markets, it faces a unique challenge in China, where regulations require foreign automakers to sell locally produced versions through separate joint ventures.
More: Even Toyota Thinks Their Small SUV Looks Too Boring
That’s how the Frontlander came about, serving as GAC Toyota’s counterpart to the Chinese-market Corolla Cross, which is built by FAW Toyota. Both have now reached the midway point of their lifecycle, receiving updated styling, refreshed tech, and the same powertrain choices as before.
Front End With More Attitude
While FAW’s Corolla Cross inherits the styling from the recently facelifted global-spec model, GAC’s Frontlander has its identity up front. The sharp nose looks similar to the GR Sport trim of the crossover, which is available in Europe and Japan, but the lower portion of the bumper swaps the massive grille for an EV-inspired design.
A body-colored insert improves airflow while leaving only a slim opening for cooling, paired with a different lower section finished with glossy trim pieces.
Also: How Toyota’s $15K EV Ended Up Costing $48K In Its First Export Market
The LEDs look identical to those found in higher-spec Corolla Cross trims in other markets, although entry-level models are treated with carry-over headlights. The rest of the bodywork remains identical to the outgoing Frontlander, with the exception of the redesigned taillight graphics in high-spec trims.
Cabin With A Tech Focus
Important changes can also be found inside the cabin. The dashboard has been redesigned, adopting a more premium and high-tech look. Highlights include the much larger 12.9-inch infotainment display, the omission of physical controls, the slimmer climate vents, and the addition of ambient lighting. There is also an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, redesigned seats, and a sleeker center console housing a wireless charging pad. Finally, equipment includes an upgraded Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite.
The Frontlander measures 4,490 mm (176.8 inches) long, 1,825 mm (71.8 inches) wide and 1,625 mm (64 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm (103.9 inches). These measurements are identical to the facelifted Corolla Cross, which means the new SUV has gained 5 mm (0.2 inches) compared to the pre-facelift version.
Hybrid Still in the Mix
Despite the EV-style face, the compact crossover remains available with gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrain options – just like its predecessor. The non-electrified 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 169 hp (126 kW / 171 PS), moving the front wheels through a CVT. The slightly improved hybrid combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (156 hp) with a 111 hp electric motor and a ternary lithium-ion battery, routed through an E-CVT to the front wheels.
The facelifted Toyota Frontander is priced between ¥132,800-155,800 ($18,700-21,900) for the non-electrified version, with the hybrid ranging between ¥145,800-165,800 ($20,500-23,300). This makes it significantly more expensive compared to its predecessor, that was recently available for a discounted ¥89,800 ($12,500).
The Corolla Cross was originally launched in 2020 and has since grown into one of Toyota’s most successful models. In 2024, it ranked as the world’s third best-selling vehicle with 859,000 units sold, marking an 18 percent increase over 2023. That places it ahead of the Corolla sedan and hatchback, though it still trails the larger RAV4, which continues to lead global sales.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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