Overview
Toyota has made the Corolla of SUVs with the 2023 Corolla Cross, which is each a blessing and a curse. The Cross options the nameplate’s signature affordability with an additional dose of practicality. Sadly, it additionally inherits the compact automotive’s forgettable driving character and meh efficiency. Its styling, although hardly memorable, no less than skews towards the lovable finish of the spectrum, and the sportier trims add slightly visible zest to the Corolla Cross’s curb attraction. The bottom engine is an anemic 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, however an optionally available hybrid system provides three electrical motors to spice up the mixed output to 196 ponies. The Corolla Cross straddles the slender line between the smaller C-HR and the bigger RAV4 in Toyota’s lineup and finds itself up in opposition to fashionable rivals such because the Jeep Compass. Not like the Jeep, nevertheless, the Toyota comes customary with a bevy of driver-assistance options, together with adaptive cruise management and lane-keeping help.
What’s New for 2023?
A brand new hybrid powertrain joins the lineup for 2023 and contains customary all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and three electrical motors for a mixed 196 horsepower. Three new trim ranges—S, SE, and XSE—have been added and all fashions get an up to date infotainment system with an 8.0-inch show.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We would suggest going with the extra highly effective and extra fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. Of these fashions, the SE trim comes with a bunch of options to justify the upcharge, together with tinted home windows, roof rails, blind-spot monitoring, and paddle shifters. All-wheel drive is customary with the hybrid powertrain, too.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
All nonhybrid Corolla Cross fashions include a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a constantly variable computerized transmission; front-wheel drive is customary, however all-wheel drive is obtainable as an possibility. Throughout our first take a look at drive, we complained that acceleration was lazy and that the engine sounded buzzy, notably at excessive revs. At our take a look at monitor, our all-wheel-drive take a look at automobile delivered a 9.2-second 60-mph time. Sloths transfer faster. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electrical motors; all-wheel drive is customary on the hybrid and the powertrain makes a mixed 196 horsepower. The result’s a a lot perkier SUV–Toyota estimates an 8.0-second dash to 60 mph. The hybrid mannequin additionally incorporates a barely sportier suspension tune, however do not anticipate GR Corolla ranges of driving enjoyable. We’ve not taken the hybrid mannequin to our take a look at monitor but however once we do, we’ll replace this story with take a look at outcomes.
Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the front-wheel drive Corolla Cross is nice for 31 mpg metropolis and 33 mpg freeway; going with an all-wheel drive mannequin drops these figures to 29 and 32 respectively. On our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy take a look at, the Corolla Cross missed its freeway fuel-economy score barely and delivered 30 mpg. The hybrid mannequin, unsurprisingly, is the extra fuel-efficient of the 2 powertrains and is EPA-estimated at 45 mpg metropolis and 38 mpg freeway. For extra details about the Corolla Cross’s gas economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Drivers conversant in the Corolla sedan will discover themselves at dwelling contained in the Corolla Cross. The dashboard structure, inside supplies, and comfort options are practically equivalent to the four-door mannequin. Nonetheless, the Corolla Cross’s bigger dimensions create extra room for passengers–notably within the again seat–and extra area for cargo. Decrease trims are much more fundamental, however the XLE mannequin comes with nice-looking faux-leather upholstery, heated entrance seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a flip-down middle armrest for rear-seat passengers.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Out of the Corolla Cross’s dashboard sprouts a sq. infotainment show working Toyota’s newest software program interface. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio are customary, however wi-fi smartphone charging, rear-seat USB charging ports, and a JBL stereo system are optionally available.
Security and Driver-Help Options
With the Corolla Cross, Toyota will proceed its present pattern of standardizing driver-assistance options by providing a set of programs on all trims that features adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. For extra details about the Corolla Cross’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options will seemingly embody:
- Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Customary lane-departure warning
- Customary adaptive cruise contro
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
New Toyota fashions include a reasonably fundamental customary guarantee bundle, however the firm throws in two years of complimentary scheduled upkeep to sweeten the deal. Rivals such because the Kia Seltos or the Hyundai Kona could provide extra worth for high-mileage drivers with their 100,000-mile insurance policies.
- Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary upkeep is roofed for 2 years or 25,000 miles
Specs
Specs
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Car Kind: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base (S): $29,305; SE: $30,625; XSE: $32,400
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, 150 hp, 139 lb-ft + AC motors, 111 and 40 hp, 152 and 62 lb-ft (mixed output: 196 hp; 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmissions, F/R: constantly variable computerized/direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Size: 176.8 in
Width: 71.9 in
Peak: 64.8 in
Cargo Quantity, behind F/R: 70/22 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3400–3450 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 7.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.9 sec
High Pace: 115 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST)
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 42/45/38 mpg