In August 2020, Toyota Vietnam launched the Corolla Cross, a completely new model with many firsts for the market. "The Corolla Cross is positioned as a trend-leading model; that's our expectation. I myself drive a Toyota hybrid in Japan, and using this type of vehicle has changed my driving habits, making them more economical and environmentally friendly," shared the General Director of Toyota Vietnam at the launch. "I think that when using a hybrid vehicle, users will see an increase in their awareness and responsibility towards the community and the environment."

The Corolla Cross and its hybrid engine option were introduced to Vietnamese customers as a market test. But behind this seemingly modest "test" lies decades of Toyota's globally renowned hybrid vehicles, a segment with few competitors.

2022 Corolla Cross hybrid version.

In its first month, Toyota Vietnam sold nearly 1,200 Corolla Crosses, leading to frequent shortages. Customers had to wait months for delivery, especially for the hybrid version. In the last 4 months of 2020, Toyota sold 5,910 Corolla Crosses, with sales steadily increasing in subsequent years: 18,311 in 2021 and 21,473 in 2022.

Three consecutive years of growth propelled the Corolla Cross into the top 10 best-selling cars, exceeding Toyota Vietnam's initial expectations.

"In 2021, the Corolla Cross was in such high demand that almost every dealership required customers to make a deposit and wait. Some even bundled extras with the car. I placed a deposit and waited about 4 months to receive the hybrid with the interior and exterior colors I wanted," said Nguyen Toan, 38, from Bac Ninh. His Corolla Cross HEV has a pearl white exterior and a striking red leather interior.

Nguyen Toan (38, Bac Ninh), owner of a 2022 Corolla Cross HEV.

According to Toan, in 2021, there were many options in the over 1 billion VND price range, but the Corolla Cross won him over with its fresh design, suitability for young families, and especially its hybrid technology from a leading global automaker. The Corolla Cross's size is neither too big nor too small, its attractive design is just right for a young family. It's also the first Toyota model equipped with the TNGA global platform and the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package, which includes a range of driver-assistance features.

Having driven approximately 55,000 km, Toan appreciates the hybrid's running costs, especially the after-sales service. "Toyota's maintenance is almost the cheapest and most convenient among popular brands in Vietnam. Each Corolla Cross HEV service costs around 800,000 VND to over 1 million VND," he said. "After a family trip from Bac Ninh to Ha Long, the car reported fuel consumption of only about 3 liters/100 km, very economical."

Two Corolla Cross HEV owners share their experiences of owning and using Toyota hybrid vehicles in Vietnam.

Nearly 5 years later, the Corolla Cross received a mid-cycle refresh from Toyota, featuring some more eye-catching highlights than the previous version and remaining in high demand. Nguyen Huy Thach, 38, from Hanoi, owner of a red 2025 Corolla Cross HEV with a red leather interior, said he made a deposit and waited about 4 months for delivery.

"When I bought the car, the dealership didn't even have a test drive vehicle available. Other versions of the Corolla Cross were readily available, but I wanted to wait to get the car with the interior and exterior that I liked," Thach shared. He explained that with a price tag of nearly 1.1 billion VND in Hanoi, he had many options, including the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V. Ultimately, he chose the Corolla Cross HEV because it suited his family's needs. The car has now covered about 5,000 km.

Nguyen Huy Thach (38, Hanoi), owner of a 2025 Corolla Cross HEV.

The success of the Corolla Cross HEV marked the beginning of Toyota Vietnam's "hybridization" strategy. The second hybrid model, the Camry HEV, was launched at the end of 2021, followed by the Corolla Altis HEV, Yaris Cross HEV, Innova Cross HEV, and Alphard HEV in subsequent years, giving Toyota 6 hybrid models in its Vietnam portfolio within just 4 years.

Following the Corolla Cross's lead, the Yaris Cross also experienced strong sales, especially the hybrid version due to its lower price. The HEV versions of the Corolla Altis and Innova Cross also contribute steadily to the Japanese automaker's sales.

However, the new technology has also been met with skepticism from some users who question the longevity and durability of the hybrid battery. Both Corolla Cross HEV owners acknowledge this, noting that new technologies often face such doubts. But they believe that Toyota, with its decades of experience in hybrid vehicle development, knows how to optimize this component, even turning it into a strength against competitors.

Currently, the latest version of the Corolla Cross uses a Lithium-ion battery for increased durability. Toyota also extended the warranty on the hybrid battery to 7 years or 150,000 km (except for the Yaris Cross).

Two Corolla Cross hybrid versions.

"There are Corolla Cross HEV owners in Thailand and Vietnam who have driven over 200,000 km, and they report no problems with the hybrid battery, nor have they ever had to repair or maintain it," said Toan, the 2021 Corolla Cross HEV owner. Thach, who has only driven his Corolla Cross HEV for about 5,000 km, added that Toyota has been famous for this type of vehicle since the 90s, with many generations of development, so driving it for "over a decade is a given," as many Toyota hybrids have been on the road for over 20 years.

While agreeing on the strengths and advantages of the Corolla Cross, especially the hybrid version, both owners suggest that an independent suspension system, improved sound insulation, and a more spacious interior would further boost the crossover's sales in Vietnam.

Currently, the Corolla Cross is sold in Vietnam in two versions: the 1.8V gasoline version at 828 million VND and the 1.8HEV hybrid version at 913 million VND, including VAT. By the end of 2024, Toyota had 5 models in the top 10 best-selling cars globally. The Corolla Cross ranked third globally, with sales of 859,000 units, marking the highest growth rate (18%) among all 10 models.

Two Corolla Cross hybrid version owners in Vietnam.

Content: Quang Anh

Design: Ngan Ha

Photo: TMV