2-Star Safety Rating for Toyota Corolla Cross Sparks Concern in South Africa

Toyota Corolla Cross has received a two-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP crash test conducted under the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign. The lower rating is mainly due to the absence of standard side head protection in the South African market.

Standard Safety Features Explained

Toyota Corolla Cross sold in South Africa comes with driver and passenger frontal airbags, side body airbags, a driver knee airbag, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). However, the SUV misses out on side head airbags for both front and rear occupants, which had a major impact on its overall safety score.

Also Read: India-Spec Renault Duster Price Reveal Confirmed for March 2026

What the Crash Test Revealed

According to the crash test report, the bodyshell of the Toyota Corolla Cross was rated as stable, but the footwell area was found to be unstable and unable to withstand further load. A side pole impact test was not carried out because the vehicle does not offer standard side head protection. This lack of protection increases the risk of serious head injuries, even during low-speed side impacts with objects such as poles or trees.

In side impact tests, the Corolla Cross provided good protection to the abdomen and pelvis, while protection to the chest was rated as adequate.

Child Occupant Safety Rating

For child occupant protection, the Toyota Corolla Cross scored three stars. The rating was affected by the absence of a passenger airbag disconnection system and the exposure of the three-year-old child dummy’s head in both frontal and side impact tests.

Global NCAP Calls for Equal Safety Standards

Commenting on the results, Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer Richard Woods said that manufacturers like Toyota are capable of building safer vehicles, and African consumers deserve the same safety standards that are offered in other global markets.

Urgent Need for Stronger Regulations

The two-star adult safety rating highlights the urgent need for stronger vehicle safety regulations in Africa. Both Global NCAP and the Automobile Association of South Africa have reiterated that safety should never be an optional extra and that vehicles sold in Africa should meet the same safety standards as those in other regions.

Also Read: Mahindra Vision S Testing Confirms Diesel Automatic and Panoramic Sunroof