The Toyota Corolla Cross is destined to interchange the C-HR because the model’s entry-level crossover, and carrying the Corolla nameplate lends credibility to its intention of being each inexpensive and reliable. In hybrid guise, it strives to be much more.

The Corolla Cross vary has been round for a 12 months now, however it’s a automobile that is straightforward to overlook about. It is a positive, small crossover, positive, however it additionally exists in a sea of different positive, small crossovers. However, what the phase lacks – and Toyota is often exceptionally good at – is hybrid choices, which makes the brand new Corolla Cross Hybrid a logical addition to the lineup in 2023.

We had the chance to spend a while with the Corolla Cross Hybrid in San Diego, lately; it was our hope that the brand new powertrain would elevate the small crossover, give it some much-needed pep, and ship nice gas economic system to go together with its snug experience.

Styling: Pleasing, However Not Arresting

It is protected to say the Corolla Cross’s styling did not wow anybody at launch, however that is not essentially a nasty factor. In spite of everything, one particular person’s “Wow!” is one other particular person’s “Ugh!” The Corolla Cross’s job is to attraction to a variety of consumers as an entry-level crossover, not a lot to attract consideration and make a mode assertion. If you wish to stand out, there are some shade choices that make the Corolla Cross Hybrid pop. These colours embrace Blue Crush Metallic, Cypress inexperienced, and Barcelona Purple Metallic. It is obtainable in what Toyota un-ironically describes as three “Sport grades,” consisting of S, SE, and XSE.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid is differentiated from the gas-only mannequin by distinctive entrance and rear styling and might be custom-made in one among 4 two-tone exterior paints, for those who go for the SE or XSE and are prepared to pay a bit extra. This features a black roof with both Acidic Blast, Blue Crush Metallic, Sonic Silver, or Barcelona Purple, as on our tester. The S and SE trims come commonplace with 17-inch Alloy wheels and LED headlights, whereas the SE provides privateness glass and roof rails. The XSE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and premium LED headlamps, taillamps, and fog lamps.

Inside: Corolla Model

In case you’ve been in a contemporary Corolla, then you definitely’ll acknowledge the Corolla Cross’s inside instantly. The principle distinction within the Cross and Cross Hybrid pertains to having the next driving place. The inside isn’t thrilling, however it’s bolted collectively correctly and seems like it’ll outlast all of its house owners. The cabin is spacious upfront, however the Corolla Cross’s rear seat legroom is best suited to youngsters than adults. It is roomier than the C-HR, however not as spacious because the RAV4.

Visibility is nice for the driving force, regardless of what seems to be like a small rear window. It is easy to get a superb, snug driving place. The cabin is usually effectively geared up, however single- or dual-zone computerized local weather management relies on trim stage. Solely the XSE will get SofTex-trimmed seats, with lower-rung fashions making do with high-quality material.

Infotainment: Stepping Up

The brand new Toyota Audio Multimedia System with Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is commonplace throughout the three trim grades and has Over-the-Air (OTA) replace functionality. Apple Music and Amazon Music might be related on to the system, and a Wi-Fi Join subscription is obtainable via an AT&T connection. “Hey Toyota,” wakes up the clever assistant, and it really works effectively, even for altering the temperature within the cabin.

The infotainment is managed by way of an 8-inch touchscreen all through the vary, and it is a easy unit to make use of. It responds shortly to inputs and is straightforward to know. The system permits for 2 units to attach concurrently by way of Bluetooth, too.

Powertrain: The Pep The Corolla Cross Wants

Whereas it is not a giant lump of additional energy, the Corolla Cross Hybrid makes a complete of 196 horsepower over the usual gasoline mannequin’s 169 hp, and it will get torque help from the lithium-ion battery-powered electrical motor. The motor is connected to the again axle whereas the two.0-liter engine drives the entrance, which suggests the Corolla Cross Hybrid is (on-demand) all-wheel-drive in each trim stage. There’s 139 lb-ft of torque from the engine and 151.9 lb-ft from the electrical motor, and the entire ensemble will get the Corolla Cross Hybrid on top of things noticeably higher than the gas-only fashions. It is nonetheless not fast, with a zero to 60 mph time of round eight seconds, however it’s now sufficient to get the Corolla Cross onto a freeway with out taking the engine to its restrict.

The gas economic system is not at Prius ranges, however the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s 45/38/42 metropolis/freeway/mixed is powerful and never depending on trim stage.

On The Highway: The Identical However Higher

Regardless of having “sport-tuned suspension,” the Corolla Cross is not a automobile you will get pleasure from pushing the bounds with. Nonetheless, like its non-hybrid counterpart, the experience is unfussy, as is nearly each side of driving the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Every little thing about driving the small crossover is agreeable, together with the steering and its tight turning circle. Energy is now applicable versus the gas-only model, and its supply is easy via the constantly variable transmission. Its dynamics are predictable, and the driving force can simply calm down and simply drive.

There’s nothing to zero in on when driving the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which sounds damning, however in actuality, it is a good factor for a automobile designed to handle the day by day grind, and it means anybody can drive it comfortably and with no steep studying curve. It is easy within the metropolis; it is easy to park in tight locations; it is easy on the freeway. It would make for an important first automobile for those that do not care about sporty dealing with or standing out, and even being subtly fashionable.

Conclusion: The Wise Alternative

The one fault we are able to discover on the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the tight rear seats, however even then, that is not a Corolla Cross-specific challenge – as a small crossover, it is par for the course. The beginning value for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S is $27,970 earlier than a supply cost, then $29,290 for the SE, and $31,065 for the XSE.

Extra packages will enhance the worth, however that solely applies to the higher trims. Each can improve to a JBL audio system for $800, however because the XSE already has a moonroof, you may add it to the SE for $940. Adaptive headlights can be found to the XSE solely at $615. The costliest add-on can be only for the XSE: the Comfort Bundle, which prices $1,250. All-in, the Corolla Cross Hybrid, even in top-spec and totally kitted out, will not break your funds.

And with its glorious gas economic system, Toyota construct high quality and longevity, ease of use, and small footprint, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the good choice for these searching for a small crossover.