The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Is Hip, Vivacious and Spacious
Connie Peters
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A fun, versatile car is amped up with a unique color and fuel efficiency.
It is hip, spacious and vivacious, and now the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross gets electrified with a hybrid trim addition. This makes my heart happy because I love a good electrification evolution: The versatile compact SUV is already great as-is, and the new hybrid version just improves on it.
Let’s talk about this crazy color first, it’s Acidic Blast with a black contrast roof and all black badging and black front grille giving it a unique look telling your passerby that it’s the hybrid version of the Corolla Cross. Interestingly, the Hybrid also only comes in all-wheel drive whereas the other trims can be had in front-wheel drive.
Related: Is The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross the new RAV4?
The black badging is unique to the Hybrid. Photo: Connie Peters
The XSE Top Trim Adds to An Impressive List of Standard Features
In my video linked below I’m walking through the top trim, the XSE of the Corolla Cross Hybrid. In all trims you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a JBL sound system, USB-C chargers and a fully digital gauge cluster.
In the top XSE trim, we get a wireless charging pad and heated seats along with the standard 8-inch touchscreen and dual climate control.
Powered electronic seating is important to me which is one of the reasons I’d go with the XSE.
Related: Toyota Grand Highlander Luxury 3 Row SUV: Bigger, More Spacious and More Powerful Hybrid!
A spacious yet youthful ride. Photo: Connie Peters
Fuel Efficiency is Pretty Good
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is a two-liter four cylinder plus electric motors getting a total of 196 horsepower and 290 pound feet of torque combined. With this hybrid, you will get up to 42 miles per gallon. So that’s pretty great. Three different drive modes will help maintain that efficiency. But they’ll also aid when you need extra oomph. Driving in Normal mode was very comfortable, but be aware that you’ll hear a lot of engine noise when it kicks on.
There is also the option to drive in EV mode, which uses the electric motor only. You’ll be able to see what mode you’re using in the digital cluster, and you’ll also know if you’re in EV mode because you will hear the engine if it’s running.
The Corolla Cross Has A Comfortable Interior
I especially appreciated the heated seats, and the seats themselves are comfortable even though they’re not leather. This car does not need it at the price point, and they look and feel good without it. The rear seats are a non-leather upholstery as well. The XSE has power seats and that’s always a plus for me. But the steering wheel and gear shift knob are leather-wrapped and I like both, they’re a good size for me.
What else makes the seating comfortable? I’m five foot one, I have lots of headroom and lots of space in the back seat between me and the front seat when it’s adjusted to my driving position. The Corolla Cross also has vents for the backseat passengers and two USB-C chargers. There are cup holders in the door, which is so handy. And then a center armrest with another two cup holders.
The sunroof makes everything feel a bit lighter and brighter in the back, so it doesn’t feel as cavernous. The Corolla Cross also has two infant car seat latch systems in the back seat.
A modern driver focused cockpit with wireless Apple CarPlay. Photo: Connie Peters
What does the Corolla Cross Hybrid Cost?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid will arrive at dealers this Summer and will start at only $27,970 USD or $33,985 CAD. The XSE top trim will start at $31,065 USD or $36,755 CAD, which I think is a great deal considering how many features are in the top trim, which I would choose to buy.
The Tech is all here
Toyota adds even more safety tech into the new generation Prius with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and the additions of:
- Pre-collision detection with pedestrian detection
- Proactive Driving Assist which helps slow down in curves and between cars
- Lane departure control including for objects like guardrails
- Lane keeping to include detection of cars in the lane next to you being too close
- Expanded road sign detection
If you’re looking for a safe, fun, spacious yet small SUV, the new Corolla Cross Hybrid is efficient, fun and funky all in one package.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Toyota’s to drive the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Travel and accommodations were paid for, all opinions are my own.
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