Toyota Corolla Cross shows its rugged side with Nasu concept at SEMA
The Toyota Corolla Cross Nasu concept was designed for overlanding enthusiasts.
Image: Supplied
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a popular SUV that has conquered urban landscapes in many parts of the world, but it’s never been considered a true off-roader.
However, an accessories development team over at Toyota’s US division begs to differ and created a rugged concept car called the Corolla Cross Nasu Edition for the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a show that celebrates extreme vehicle customisation.
Named after Japan’s scenic Mount Nasu, a destination known for outdoor adventure, the new edition aims to reimagine the compact crossover as a “bold, mountain-ready” machine.
That readiness comes in the form of a custom-made suspension lift, unique Toyota truck wheels shod in Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres and a colourful exterior design package.
The concept features rugged wheels and a unique exterior styling package.
Image: Supplied
The latter includes a modified bonnet scoop and a custom body wrap that includes faded purple hues inspired by another meaning of ‘nasu’, which is Japanese for eggplant.
Built with overlanding enthusiasts in mind, the concept also comes with an articulating roof rack and ‘rock slider’ protective bars on the underside of the vehicle.
To make camping life easier, the boot area has a custom drawer system and a refrigerator, mounted on a sliding tray.
Custom illuminated door sills, puddle lamps, and cargo sills light up the interior and surrounding campsite.
The cargo area has also been customised with overlanding in mind.
Image: Supplied
The cargo area has also been customised with overlanding in mind.
Image: Supplied
The Nasu also comes with a custom downhill mountain bike, secured to a bike rack on the roof, paying tribute to downhill prodigy and mountain bike Junior World Champion, Asa Vermette.
“The Corolla Cross is one of the most versatile vehicles in our lineup, and the Nasu Edition shows how much further it can go,” said Steve Park, senior product planner at Toyota Vehicle Accessories.
“While the inspiration for this build is the adventurous spirit of Mt. Nasu in Japan, ‘nasu’ as a verb in Japanese also means ‘to achieve.’ We hope this build inspires others to build, to experience, and to achieve.”
Although there are no power upgrades to speak of, it's interesting to note that the US version of the Corolla Cross is powered by a hybrid system that pairs a 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine to three electric motors for a system output of 146kW. That is somewhat brawnier than South Africa's more cost-effective 1.8-litre hybrid with 90kW.
For now, the Corolla Cross Nasu remains a one-off concept vehicle, with no plans in place to produce any further units. Those looking for a little more adventure, though, could certainly get their fix from Toyota’s rugged new Land Cruiser FJ, which is under consideration for South Africa.
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The Toyota Corolla Cross Nasu concept was designed for overlanding enthusiasts.
Image: Supplied