Toyota Corolla Cross vs Forthing Taikon 5

What's the difference?

The Toyota Corolla Cross launched back in 2022 as a lifted crossover SUV version of one of the most iconic cars ever. It helped bridge the gap between the Corolla and the RAV4.

Three years on and it’s now mid-life facelift time. There are new looks inside and out, as well as some new tech and bling to catch your attention.

Competition is continually heating up in the small SUV segment, especially for those with hybrid engines, but is the updated Corolla Cross the pick of the bunch?

We’re entering the second half of 2026 and the rollout of new Chinese brands in Australia shows no sign of slowing.

The latest is Forthing, a brand from China’s massive Dongfeng Motor Group which has joint ventures with Nissan, Honda and Stellantis.

Forthing's first model in Australia is called the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV offered in both electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) guises.

Although customer deliveries have just begun, the rollout has been bumpy. Forthing is currently in the middle of a trademark dispute with Porsche over the Taikon name.

Porsche alleges Taikon is too similar to Taycan.

While this dispute is ongoing, Forthing is publicly referring to the car as the Electric and Range Extender Hybrid.

Forthing is hoping to have a resolution by the end of 2026, but if Porsche is successful in its opposition, the company may need to rename the car.