The Japanese market Corolla Cross ditches the large gapping mouth design in favor of something much more regular-sized. The upper front grille has been slimmed down, replaced by a body-colored one complete with the JDM Corolla logo front and center. The headlights are also different with thinner DRLs. This reworking of the headlight allowed Toyota to fit sequential LED indicators too. At the back, the taillights feature a more complex pattern too.

Inside, the JDM Corolla Cross is more or less similar to the global versions seen in both Southeast Asia and North America but the interior is lit with LEDs. It does have an optional panoramic sunroof and hands-free power tailgate. The hybrid version comes with a 1,500 W 110-volt inverter too. This Emergency Power Supply Mode can be used to power appliances during blackouts and other times of emergency.

For Japan, the Corolla Cross comes with two 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engines, both in conventional and hybrid versions. The hybrid version, with its 2ZR-FXE engine is available with all-wheel drive (E-Four 4WD). The bigger news though is what’s found under the hood of the non-hybrid Corolla Cross. The 1.8-liter Dual VVT-i features a Valvematic system. This constantly controls the intake valve lift volume along with the variable valve timing (VVT). Despite the addition, power is up just 1 horsepower, while torque is down by 2 Nm.

The JDM Corolla Cross is assembled at the company’s Takaoka plant. They expect to sell around 4,400 of these per month. It’s currently not known whether the styling changes will find its way to global markets such as ASEAN, or whether it will remain a Japan market exclusive.