With its cute pug-dog styling and available hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross appears ready to take on mini-SUVs in the fierce American crossover sales war. A 169-hp four-cylinder lies under the hood and can be mated to either a front- or all-wheel-drive setup; a hybrid powertrain will join the lineup for the 2023 model. The Corolla Cross slots into the Toyota SUV lineup between the smaller C-HR and the larger RAV4, which puts it in a familiar in-between category with rivals such as the Kia Seltos, the Jeep Compass, and the Nissan Rogue Sport. The interior borrows heavily from the Corolla and Corolla Hatchback models, but with slightly more cargo space, and obviously, the Cross offers a taller driving position.
Although it wears the familiar Corolla name, the Cross’s SUV shape and taller ride height makes it more than a typical compact hatchback. A hybrid powertrain, which may possibly include an all-wheel-drive option, will join the Corolla Cross lineup for 2023.
We rarely recommend the top-spec trim, but the XLE model is the one that offers the equipment that many SUV buyers are looking for, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and handsome 18-inch aluminum wheels. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available for those who need it for an additional $1300.
All Corolla Cross models will come with a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The Corolla Cross’s powertrain isn’t thrilling, but it should deliver adequate performance and decent fuel economy. During our initial test drive, we complained that acceleration was lazy and that the engine sounded buzzy, particularly at high revs. When the hybrid powertrain becomes an option in 2023, we’re hoping for a bit more power and a lot more refinement. The Corolla Cross’s ride is agreeable though, so buyers seeking comfort will be satisfied. When we get a chance, we’ll test the Corolla Cross’s acceleration and handling and update this story with results.
The EPA has not released fuel-economy ratings for the Corolla Cross yet, but Toyota is estimating a 32-mpg combined rating for front-wheel-drive models and 30 mpg combined for all-wheel-drive ones. When we get a chance to test-drive the Corolla Cross, we’ll subject it to our 75-mph highway fuel economy test and update this story with results. For more information about the Corolla Cross’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Drivers familiar with the Corolla sedan will find themselves right at home inside the Corolla Cross. The dashboard layout, interior materials, and convenience features are nearly identical to the four-door model. However, the Corolla Cross’s larger dimensions create more room for passengers–particularly in the back seat–and additional space for cargo. Lower trims are far more basic, but the XLE model comes with nice-looking faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a flip-down center armrest for rear-seat passengers.
Out of the Corolla Cross’s dashboard sprouts, a square infotainment display flanked by shortcut buttons. This same setup is used in several current Toyota models, which offer 7.0- and 8.0-inch displays. The Corolla Cross uses the current version of Toyota’s infotainment interface, which isn’t particularly modern but is fairly straightforward in its operation. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio will all be standard, but wireless smartphone charging, rear-seat USB charging ports, and a JBL stereo system are optional extras.
With the Corolla Cross, Toyota will continue its current trend of standardizing driver-assistance features by offering a suite of systems on all trims that includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. For more information about the Corolla Cross’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features will likely include:
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