Toyota reveals rugged Corolla Cross Hybrid Nasu Edition concept for SEMA 2025

Toyota has unveiled the rugged-looking Corolla Cross Hybrid Nasu Edition concept, prepared for SEMA 2025. The name nods to Japan’s Nasu mountain range, while the idea leans into hiking, road trips, and time spent outdoors. Underneath sits the familiar production hybrid setup—a 2.0-liter engine paired with three electric motors—but the spotlight is on design and everyday usefulness.

The concept rides on a suspension lift and Toyo Open Country A/T III all-terrain tires, matched with wheels borrowed from Toyota pickups. Broader fender flares, a fresh body kit, a hood scoop, yellow recovery points, and sturdy rock sliders shape a more assertive off-road stance. Up top sits an expedition roof rack with a basket, and the front bumper houses additional lighting for the trail.

A vivid wrap that shifts from purple to orange brings the visual drama—an easy nod to the fact that “nasu” in Japanese means “eggplant.” Inside, there’s ambient lighting, revised sill plates, a powerful JBL audio system, and slide-out cargo modules. A compact fridge hides in the back, tailored to overlanding-style travel. The result is a small crossover that feels purpose-built for weekends away without pretending to be something it’s not.

Mechanically, nothing changes: the hybrid is rated at 196 hp and, in standard form, reaches 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. This concept will be slower due to the lift and tires, but that’s beside the point—the brief here is style and functionality. Toyota hints that some of the accessories could appear in the catalog for the regular Corolla Cross.