The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid introduces a second, more fuel-efficient powertrain to its compact SUV, which made its debut last year. This hybrid system helps to increase fuel economy to an estimated 42 mpg combined, compared to the standard AWD model which offers 30 mpg combined. The Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive, and Toyota has priced it aggressively starting at $29,305 and ranging in the mid-30s for the top-spec version, including a mandatory delivery fee of $1,335.
Unlike other hybrid models from Toyota, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has specific design differences from the gasoline-only version. This hybrid version has a unique grille blanking panel, distinct wheel designs and is visually distinct. The two-tone treatment with a black contrasting roof is also available.
The little SUV offers a combination of utility and compact wagon, but it is not referred to as such by the company. The interior of the car is built to a price with a significant amount of hard black plastic trim. Although the information added to the displays is related to hybrids, the interior is hardly changed from the conventional version.
The hybrid Corolla Cross comes with a 150-hp, 2.0-liter inline-4 married to Toyota’s two-motor hybrid system, now in its fifth generation, which produces 152 lb-ft of torque, more than the engine’s 139 lb-ft. The combined system’s total output is 196 hp, an increase over the gasoline model’s 169 hp. The car can gently accelerate up to 20 mph on electric-only power, and the 0.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack stores energy recaptured from engine or regenerative braking.
Although the engine in the Corolla Cross Hybrid was apparent anytime it switched, and a disconcerting judder could be felt as the engine engaged, it is unusual for any Toyota hybrid. The Eco drive mode was predictably slower, while the Sport mode added a bit of incremental perkiness at the cost of more noise.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a relatively soft and compliant ride, which is good for small imperfections on the road surface. In a combined drive that included a number of fast acceleration runs, some highway miles, and two-lane country roads, the test car showed a fuel economy reading of 36.7 mpg.
The new hybrid lines up on the sportier side of the spec sheet, with S, SE, and XSE trims, which come with 17-inch alloy wheels and a central 8-inch touchscreen display in the dash. The XSE model includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels, LEDs for the headlights, taillights, and fog lights, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and premium upholstery material.
All Corolla Cross Hybrids come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Toyota has added USB-C jacks, and the model can now receive certain over-the-air updates to correct problems or add features down the line. The hybrid system is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles, and the battery pack for ten years or 150,000 miles. All Corolla Cross versions are assembled in a Huntsville, Alabama, plant. Toyota provided airfare, lodging, and meals to enable Green Car Reports to bring you this first-person drive report.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive, and Toyota has priced it aggressively starting at $29,305 and ranging in the mid-30s for the top-spec version, including a mandatory delivery fee of $1,335.
-The Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive, and Toyota has priced it aggressively starting at $29,305 and ranging in the mid-30s for the top-spec version, including a mandatory delivery fee of $1,335.
-The little SUV offers a combination of utility and compact wagon, but it is not referred to as such by the company.
-The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a relatively soft and compliant ride, which is good for small imperfections on the road surface.
-All Corolla Cross Hybrids come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive, and Toyota has priced it aggressively starting at $29,305 and ranging in the mid-30s for the top-spec version, including a mandatory delivery fee of $1,335.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a unique grille blanking panel, distinct wheel designs and is visually distinct. The two-tone treatment with a black contrasting roof is also available.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a unique grille blanking panel, distinct wheel designs and is visually distinct.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is Toyota’s first SUV to offer a hybrid powertrain option.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the first Toyota SUV to offer a hybrid powertrain.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive, and Toyota has priced it aggressively starting at $29,305 and ranging in the mid-30s for the top-spec version, including a mandatory delivery fee of $1,335.