New Toyota Corolla Cross: What to expect from the next-generation compact family SUV due in 2028 that will battle the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos

Toyota is getting ready to flick the switch on its new baby RAV4.

The current Toyota Corolla Cross launched in 2020 and is getting near the end of the usual eight-year life cycle for a vehicle.

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Japanese outlet Best Car, which is known for its sources within Toyota, has claimed a new Corolla Cross SUV will be here soon.

Dubbed "Baby RAV4" by Best Car, the new Corolla Cross will take inspiration from the best in the business.

It’s still early days, but here’s what to expect from the new compact family hauler.

What will power the new Toyota Corolla Cross?

We can look at the new Toyota RAV4 and HiLux to get an idea of what Toyota is thinking.

No carmaker is investing in an all-new platform for internal combustion engine cars, with the majority of resources being poured into electric cars. So it is likely to use the same TNGA-C platform.

So expect an evolution of the current model rather than a revolution, much like the new RAV4 and HiLux, which effectively use the same underpinnings but have been substantially refreshed inside and out.

This means a retention of the tried and tested 2.0-litre hybrid setup, which currently makes 146kW but it could be slightly de-powered to reduce emissions in a similar vein to the new RAV4. Fuel use should mimic the current version's 4.2-4.4L/100km.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version would make sense, and the company has recent form to back it up.

Toyota is adding PHEV power to the RAV4 later this year, and the TNGA-C platform already supports plug-in power with the Prius.

There should be front- and all-wheel-drive options.

What will the new Toyota Corolla Cross look like?

Toyota has just given the Corolla Cross a refresh, but expect that look to be ousted for a more familiar look.

Best Car has dubbed the new model a “Baby RAV4” for good reason.

They predict it will have the same C-shaped LED headlight and daytime running light styling and grille treatment along with other exterior design elements as the new RAV4.

A flagship GR Sport variant, with sportier looks, is a likely starter.

It will be slightly longer and wider than before, but a touch shorter at 4650mm long, 1850mm wide and 1600mm high, according to reports. Expect a slightly longer wheelbase - the distance between front and rear axles - which will translate to a roomier cabin.

Best Car has whipped up some digital renders to give us a good idea of what it’ll look like when it arrives.

Inside it should maintain classic Toyota design, with a mix of screens and physical controls, improved materials and storage options.

How much will the new Toyota Corolla Cost?

Progress isn’t free.

It is likely it will follow the same path as other new Toyota models, which charge customers a few thousand more for the privilege of the new model compared to the past one.

So expect a starting price of about $40,000 (before on-road costs).

When will the new Toyota Corolla Cross arrive?

The average model life for a new car is eight years.

The Corolla Cross went into production in 2020, which puts the new model’s arrival date at sometime in 2028.

Expect a debut around the same time as the 2027 Tokyo motor show.

It had been a solid seller in Australia, so expect it to launch here early in its lifecycle, unlike the current version that was held back until late 2022.