The Toyota Corolla Cross was introduced for the 2022 model year as an alternative to the standard Corolla sedan. And to some of Toyota’s competitor’s options as well. As a wagon-style crossover, the Corolla Cross has only a few things in common with its sedan sibling, but it’s managed to be a perfect entry-level option for buyers in the small crossover market.
For 2023, Toyota made mostly minor changes to the Corolla Cross. The touchscreen is a nicer unit now and adds wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Toyota’s latest Safety Sense 3.0 system is now added to the SUV as well.
A big change, though, comes with the hybrid model, added for 2023. This one raises MPG returns significantly and brings standard all-wheel drive as well. We feel that the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the best example of a small crossover like this for the money being spent.
During a week with the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, we drove it on a relatively long road trip that included rainy conditions and long highway stints. Fuel economy for that drive was averaged at 41 mpg. That’s at high altitude (over 6,000 feet) for most of the journey and encompassed about 300 miles in all. A solid return for a vehicle with no turbocharging to add air to the mix.
As a wagon-style crossover, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid appeals to an audience not interested in the tall, square box design of most SUVs and adds efficiency to the mix as well. It’s rated at 42 mpg combined by the EPA. A very high return for an AWD-equipped compact crossover of any design.
The Toyota Corolla Cross was introduced as an option fitting between the smaller and boxier C-HR and the larger RAV4. Mechanically, the Corolla Cross and the Corolla Cross Hybrid shares several things with its namesake, the Corolla sedan. The Corolla Cross, however, sits higher and sports a larger cargo space than either the Corolla sedan or hatchback models do. It’s chassis is different, to accommodate the more rugged expectation of a slightly bigger crossover-style vehicle as well.
Under the hood of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a four-cylinder engine and electrified components to produce 196 horsepower. That’s a power jump of about 30 horses compared to the gasoline-only model. If that powertrain sounds a little familiar, that’s because it’s also what motivates the new-generation 2023 Toyota Prius. The extra power boost comes from an added electric motor on the rear axle, which supplements the motor already in the transmission for the front axle.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid gets its efficiency by only engaging that rear axle motor when needed, such as during slippery conditions or when accelerating quickly. Most people will notice it when turning corners, for example, when it engages to keep traction even around the bend.
Like most entry-level cars, of course, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a little on the low end when it comes to comfort and sound proofing. The audio and other infotainment components weren’t particularly full of wows either. That’s what happens when you buy a sub-$40,000 vehicle in today’s market. You roll the dice on how much technology will be included. Our test model, an XLE trim, retails for about $32,400 with the base model being $29,305 plus destination.
It’s a big upside, though, when that low-cost vehicle comes with a host of advanced safety systems. All as standard equipment. The Corolla Cross Hybrid has the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense included.
In spite of the slightly tinny and cheap-sounding stereo, though, the Corolla Cross Hybrid also comes standard with Toyota’s new infotainment interface. This now includes (mostly) natural voice commands which are triggered by “Hey, Toyota” as an opener. This system is limited, but is a great first step towards ending the large screen distraction phenomenon that dominates today’s market. Simple tasks such as tuning the radio, making a phone call via the in-car Bluetooth, and bringing up screens for things like climate or navigation are available. More advanced items still require fingers.
The other highlight of the Corolla Cross is cargo space. There’s enough room for your kid’s tuba with some change leftover for the other odds-and-ends that tend to get thrown into a car when you have a child. A family of three or four will find plenty of room behind the back seats to get a weekly grocery run in without feeling cramped. With some well-honed Tetris skills, a master packer could also get a weekend’s worth of camping gear into the Corolla Cross Hybrid as well.
For the price being paid, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a great little vehicle. Nearly perfect for its market, we think.
