Refreshed 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Cross Hybrid Gets Virtually Unveiled for America

Not long ago, even the US lineup kicked off with the first-generation C-HR subcompact crossover SUV. However, starting in 2023, the Japanese automaker decided it was better suited to kick off the CUV proceeds solely with the compact Corolla Cross series. Almost as big as the RAV4, the Corolla-based crossover SUV also gained the $28k Corolla Cross Hybrid versions last year, complete with up to 45/38 mpg estimates and a 2.0-liter AWD hybrid powertrain sporting 196 horsepower.

That's not bad at all, especially when we consider the difference between the Corolla Cross and the best-selling RAV4, which kicks off at $28,675 – higher than even the MSRP for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Interestingly, while the US market was graced with the first-ever Corolla Cross series starting with the 2022 model year and the Hybrid was introduced with the 2023MY updates, the rumor mill already has reasons to believe the model will feature a raft of enhancements later this year for the 2025MY.

They're not alone in thinking so, as the imaginative realm of digital car content creators has joined them to present their unofficial visions of the Corolla Cross – including in Hybrid and even in all-new EV form. While many outlets love to hypothesize about the looks of the refreshed Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid, some outlets across the parallel universes of vehicular CGI would also love to add new trims to the roster.

For example, the good folks from the AutomagzPro channel on YouTube have some AI-assisted CGI thoughts about the refreshed Corolla Cross lineup for North America – and their resident pixel master was tasked to imagine the potential looks of the Corolla Cross Hybrid GR (Sport) that could add to the pre-existent roster comprised of Corolla Cross Hybrid S, SE, Nightshade, and XSE.

It's not an entirely wacky idea, as Toyota Gazoo Racing already enhances the Corolla Cross to GR Sport form in places like Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and Malaysia. As such, it might be a good idea to bring the sporty grade to North America, too, especially if Toyota combines it with the hybrid powertrain.

And if they want a fully-fledged GR version, there's always the plug-in hybrid setup from the Prius Prime, right? Sure, given the moniker, it would need a little more oomph than 220 hp, like in the Prius Prime, but it would represent a good starting base, nonetheless. Also, take all this with a grain of salt, as nothing is official from Toyota just yet – not even its intention to refresh the Corolla Cross series for the 2025MY. So, it looks like we will have to wait and see what's coming next for the popular crossover SUV.