Jun 23 – You may not be familiar with Toyota Corolla’s Cross compact SUV and its hybrid version, but you’ll appreciate its style, smooth ride and Prius-like fuel economy. The Cross debuted in 2022 exclusively as a gas engine. It added the hybrid in 2023 and carried it over this year with no noticeable changes. It is completely assembled in Huntsville, Alabama.
Positioned below the RAV4, the Cross is available in three trim levels: S, SE and XSE with base prices in the upper $20s to mid-$30s. Our with pedestrian detection, radar cruise with stop/start, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, traffic sign and lane keep assist, blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alert.
Toyota debuted the Prius 24 years ago and has been at the forefront of evolving hybrid technology ever since. The Cross has 196 hp from a 2.0-liter gas engine, two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission. The first engine, along with the gas engine, adds thrust to the front wheel, while the second adds all-wheel drive to the rear wheels.
On our independent test track, the Cross reached 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds in Sport mode, much faster than the petrol-only version. The hybrid can tow a small boat up to 1,500 pounds. Our two-tone yellow/gold paint job with black trim added $500 to the sticker. With 18-inch alloy wheels, the Cross retains a sporty appearance.
It comfortably seats five to four adults. Faux leather is standard on the XSE, while cloth upholstery is standard on the lesser trims. The multi-adjustable driver’s seat positions suit most passengers, while manual adjustments are available for the front passenger.
Top rivals include the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona.
For such a small crossover, we were impressed with the ride. The steering was precise, the brakes strong and it maintained composure under acceleration. It’s best on city streets and alleys, where it gets 45 miles per gallon.
Freeway travel isn’t quite as robust, however, and we found it best to stay in the right lane and plan each passing attempt. Road noise entered the cabin, as is the case with most small wheelbase vehicles.
The XSE’s interior treatment rivals some expensive models. An eight-inch diagonal infotainment screen displayed basic functions. Voice-activated controls are a nice touch.
Our tester included an available JBL sound system with nine speakers, a subwoofer and an amplifier controlled by a volume knob. The climate functions are easy to use with illuminated buttons for easy access.
Temperature and fan speed are controlled with separate dials. If you want navigation and aren’t a fan of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, there’s a subscription service for streaming audio and live navigation for $50 a month. Another $25 plan offers Wi-Fi.
Borrowing its styling cues from more expensive SUVs, the Cross adds LED headlights and taillights with on/off LED fog lights, a sports grille with a smoked emblem and black badging front and rear.
Contact independent car columnist Len Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net.
