Overview

Toyota has made the Corolla of SUVs with the 2023 Corolla Cross, which is both a blessing and a curse. The Cross features the nameplate’s signature affordability with an extra dose of practicality. Unfortunately, it also inherits the compact car’s forgettable driving character and meh performance. Its styling, though hardly memorable, at least skews toward the cute end of the spectrum, and the sportier trims add a little visual zest to the Corolla Cross’s curb appeal.

The base engine is an anemic 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder but an optional hybrid system adds three electric motors to boost combined output to 194 ponies. The Corolla Cross straddles the narrow line between the smaller C-HR and the larger RAV4 in Toyota’s lineup and finds itself up against popular rivals such as the Jeep Compass. Unlike the Jeep, however, the Toyota comes standard with a bevy of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

What’s New for 2023?

A new hybrid powertrain joins the lineup for 2023 and includes standard all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors for a combined 194 horsepower. Three new trim levels—S, SE, and XSE—have been added and all models get an updated infotainment system with an 8.0-inch display

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The XLE model is the one that offers the equipment that many SUV buyers are looking for, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and handsome 18-inch aluminum wheels. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available for those who need it. If there’s any issue with the Cross’s pricing it’s that a well-equipped XLE like the one we tested puts it in competition with the larger, roomier, and all-around better RAV4.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All nonhybrid Corolla Cross models will come with a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. During that first test we complained that acceleration was lazy and that the engine sounded buzzy, particularly at high revs.

At our test track, our all-wheel drive test vehicle delivered a 9.2-second 60-mph time. Sloths move quicker. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors; all-wheel drive is standard on the hybrid and the powertrain makes a combined 194 horsepower. We haven’t test driven the hybrid model yet but we’re hoping it delivers both more refinement and quicker acceleration. The Corolla Cross’s ride is agreeable enough though, so buyers seeking comfort will be satisfied either way.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the front-wheel drive Corolla Cross is good for 31 mpg city and 33 mpg highway; going with an all-wheel drive model drops those figures to 29 and 32 respectively. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the Corolla Cross missed its highway fuel economy rating slightly and delivered 30 mpg. EPA estimates aren’t available yet for the hybrid model, but Toyota is predicting a 37 mpg combined rating. For more information about the Corolla Cross’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Drivers familiar with the Corolla sedan will find themselves at home inside the Corolla Cross. The dashboard layout, interior materials, and convenience features are nearly identical to the four-door model’s. However, the Corolla Cross’s larger dimensions create more room for passengers–particularly in the back seat–and additional space for cargo.

Lower trims are far more basic, but the XLE model comes with nice-looking faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a flip-down center armrest for rear-seat passengers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Out of the Corolla Cross’s dashboard sprouts a square infotainment display running Toyota’s latest software interface. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio are standard, but wireless smartphone charging, rear-seat USB charging ports, and a JBL stereo system are optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

With the Corolla Cross, Toyota will continue its current trend of standardizing driver-assistance features by offering a suite of systems on all trims that includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. For more information about the Corolla Cross’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features will likely include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

New Toyota models come with a fairly basic standard warranty package, but the company throws in two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance to sweeten the deal. Rivals such as the Kia Seltos or the Hyundai Kona may offer more value for high-mileage drivers with their 100,000-mile policies.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles