New for 2023, the Corolla Cross Hybrid in the U.S. now adds Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system under the hood. This pairs an already gusty 2.0-liter motor (152 horsepower, 190 Nm of torque) with dual electric motors bumping up the total output to 197 horsepower—the same as Europe. In addition, the battery system has also migrated to a lithium-ion setup from the current nickel-metal hydride system.

Mated to an eCVT gearbox, Toyota says the new Corolla Cross Hybrid does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds while also returning 15.73 km/L in a combined city/highway setting despite having standard all-wheel drive.

Unlike Europe though, Toyota’s added more differentiation to the Corolla Cross Hybrid for the U.S. It’s actually closer to its JDM appearance with its blanked off upper grille and trapezoidal lower grille. The rear is also slightly changed thanks to a unique bumper design. Inside, the interior doesn’t get Europe’s all-digital instrumentation package, but it does add Toyota’s newest multimedia system coupled with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and additional USB-C charging ports.

With the U.S. now receiving an upgraded version of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, this could very well point to what the ASEAN market, including the Philippines, will get come its refresh in a couple of years’ time.