Should I choose the top-tier Toyota Corolla Cross, or the entry-level Fortuner?

[PCauto] Compact SUV or a larger one? Where is your RM20,000 better spent?

Take the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR Sport (RM148,800) and the Fortuner 2.4 AT 4x4 (RM169,167) as an example—the difference is nearly RM20,000.

Here’s a way to frame that decision: view the RM20,000 not just as a cost, but as an investment against future family needs. If you're planning to have more kids or need to transport elderly parents regularly, investing in a bigger vehicle now might actually save you from the hassle and cost of upgrading later.

Today, we’ll compare these two cars from the perspective of long-term family needs.

How does the Corolla Cross hybrid system save costs?

The Corolla Cross GR Sport lives and breathes by its hybrid powertrain. A 1.8-liter gasoline engine combined with an electric motor delivers a total of 122 horsepower and 163 Nm of torque, paired with an E-CVT transmission.

Where this setup truly pays off is in urban fuel economy. During traffic jams or slow crawls, the electric motor takes the lead, delivering swift acceleration, near-silent operation, and minimal vibration. It also features regenerative braking to capture energy and extend range.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a well-appointed cabin that packs modern features like a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and automatic air conditioning, all enhancing daily convenience.

On the downside, as a 5-seater, its trunk space is somewhat limited. For families planning to expand or those who frequently chauffeur grandparents, the interior space could become inadequate quickly.

What kind of practicality does the Fortuner offer?

Beyond its more spacious interior, the Fortuner comes with a diesel engine and full-time four-wheel drive. The 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel unit delivers a maximum of 148 horsepower, with the the main draw being its punchy torque that kicks in at low RPMs. This makes it exceptionally confident for both hauling loads and long-distance journeys. The massive 80-liter fuel tank further ensures an impressively long driving range.

Where the Fortuner truly parts ways with the Corolla Cross, however, is off the beaten track, thanks to its full-time 4WD system. With double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear setup, and 279mm ground clearance, this thing handles wet roads, muddy kampung paths, and rough terrain with ease – something the front-wheel-drive Corolla Cross can't match.

For families, this 4WD system significantly enhances safety in rainy conditions, on mountain roads, or when suddenly encountering rough terrain. Furthermore, as a 7-seater, it offers a substantial 200-liter trunk, which can be expanded even further by folding down the seats, providing far greater versatility and composure when it comes to space.

Technology Convenience and Family-Oriented Features: Which Car Has the Edge?

In terms of features, the Corolla Cross leads with its sense of technology: a 10.1-inch large screen, electrically adjustable seats, and automatic air conditioning, providing a truly comfortable and convenient experience.

For the Fortuner, it features a 9-inch screen, manual air conditioning, ventilated disc brakes (better braking heat dissipation), and less flashy tech features.

Which car has better safety?

On the safety front, both models come generously equipped with 7 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard.

The Corolla Cross pulls ahead in active prevention tech, such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning, which help prevent common urban issues like rear-end collisions and lane drifting.

The Fortuner enhances safety through its four-wheel drive and a more robust body structure, providing greater stability and control in adverse road conditions such as heavy rain, mud, and rugged mountain paths. Additionally, it features a deactivatable airbag option, which is particularly useful when a child seat is installed in the rear.

For those who regularly traverse long distances or face unpredictable climates and rough roads, the Fortuner offers a different kind of assurance. Its promise is not merely one of collision avoidance, but of assured passage. This inherent capability to safely carry you through adversity can often prove more valuable than alerts designed to keep you from it.

Is the 7-seater layout of the Fortuner worth an additional 20,000 MYR?

Practical space is where the Fortuner’s price tag starts to make sense. It's substantially larger than the Corolla Cross with a longer wheelbase, featuring a standard 7-seat layout. The boot offers a practical 200 liters of capacity with all seats in use, which expands into a massive, flat loading area when the third row is folded down. This flexibility makes it easy to accommodate the entire family, along with all their luggage and a stroller.

In contrast, the compact, 5-seat Corolla Cross is adequate for daily use but feels cramped for larger families or long trips. The fuel tank disparity is also palpable: 36 liters in the Corolla Cross versus 80 liters in the Fortuner, making the latter unequivocally more worry-free for long-distance travel. It all boils down to one question: do you see your family growing in the coming years. The Fortuner's extra space could easily negate the need for an upgrade for the next 5 to 10 years.

Spend an Extra 20,000 MYR on the Fortuner, Can It Save Future Car Replacement Costs?

So, is the Fortuner's RM20,000 premium truly worth it?

From a long-term family ownership perspective, the answer leans strongly towards "yes" if you place a high priority on three key aspects: extensive and lasting space, the all-weather safety and capability of 4WD, and the diesel engine's renowned durability. The value offered by the Fortuner in these areas likely means you won't need to replace it for many years to come.

This preemptively avoids the hassle and significant expense of having to upgrade later due to a growing family, increasing cargo, or a desire to explore more diverse destinations.

Conversely, while the Corolla Cross boasts advantages in fuel efficiency and technological features—making it appealing in the short term—its limited space and front-wheel-drive configuration may quickly render it inadequate as family needs evolve or your travel aspirations expand.

Fortuner or Corolla Cross?

So, which one deserves your money? Your family's lifestyle and future plans hold the answer:

If your family size is stable (for example, a family of three), you mainly drive in the city, and your budget is quite tight, then the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport is a good fit. It's fuel-efficient, well-equipped, easy to drive and park, and very comfortable for daily commuting.

However, if you anticipate your family growing, frequently travel with the whole family to places like the countryside, coast, or mountains, or reside in an area with complex road conditions (e.g., frequent rain or unpaved roads), then spending approximately RM 20,000 more on the Toyota Fortuner 4x4 likely represents a more prudent and cost-effective long-term choice.

Its spacious interior, 7 seats, four-wheel drive capability, and the durability of its diesel engine can better meet the needs of a growing family for many years to come, reducing the financial burden of having to replace your car early because it doesn't meet your needs.