Toyota's Corolla Cross Pickup: What We Know So Far
Toyota's compact Corolla pickup gets imagined in production form, but the small truck still looks bound for Brazil rather than the US
Key Takeaways
- Toyota’s Corolla Cross pickup is expected to debut in early 2027 with gasoline, hybrid, and flex-fuel PHEV options.
- The compact dual-cab pickup will reportedly use Toyota’s TNGA architecture, reinforced for bed duty.
- A camouflaged prototype was spotted testing on public roads in Brazil, revealing a Corolla Cross with a bed stuck on the back.
- The pickup forms part of a R$ 11 billion ($2.2 billion) investment Toyota has committed to its Brazilian operations through 2030.
- America may get a separate truck on the larger RAV4 instead.
What Makes the 2027 Model Stand Out?
The Corolla Cross pickup is expected to use Toyota’s TNGA architecture, which will be reinforced to handle bed duty. This will put it up against South America’s growing crop of unibody pickups, including the Fiat Toro, Ram Rampage, and Chevrolet Montana.
The pickup will reportedly feature a powertrain menu built around a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine and a 1.8-liter self-charging hybrid lifted from the related crossover. A locally developed plug-in hybrid with flex-fuel capability and standard E-Four all-wheel drive is also rumored.
Design and Features
The Corolla Cross pickup will essentially be a Corolla Cross with a bed stuck on the back. The images show a boxy design with a beltline that climbs toward the rear and roof rails that taper into small spoilers. The tailgate is a big one, complete with an integrated step, and the taillights appear to run the full width of the body.
The pickup will feature a unibody design, which will make it more car-like than traditional body-on-frame pickups. This will likely make it more comfortable to drive and more fuel-efficient, but may compromise its towing and hauling capabilities.
Production and Availability
Production of the Corolla Cross pickup will reportedly run out of the Sorocaba plant in Brazil, alongside the Corolla Cross that donates so much of its hardware. The pickup forms part of a R$ 11 billion ($2.2 billion) investment Toyota has committed to its Brazilian operations through 2030.
The Corolla Cross pickup is expected to debut in early 2027, but it’s unclear if it will be available in the US. Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa has admitted that the brand is eyeing the compact unibody segment in the US, but named the larger RAV4 as the likely basis for a Ford Maverick rival.
Specifications
| Engine | Hybrid | Transmission | Drive Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0-liter naturally aspirated | 1.8-liter self-charging hybrid | Unknown | E-Four all-wheel drive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Corolla Cross pickup be available in the US?
A: It’s unclear if the Corolla Cross pickup will be available in the US. Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa has admitted that the brand is eyeing the compact unibody segment in the US, but named the larger RAV4 as the likely basis for a Ford Maverick rival.
What is the expected release date of the Corolla Cross pickup?
A: The Corolla Cross pickup is expected to debut in early 2027.
What is the expected price of the Corolla Cross pickup?
A: The expected price of the Corolla Cross pickup is unknown at this time.
