The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid provides a second and extra economical powertrain to the compact SUV that debuted final 12 months. Dropping Toyota’s well-proven and fuel-efficient hybrid system into the Corolla Cross boosts gasoline effectivity to an estimated 42 mpg mixed, towards the 30 mpg mixed of the usual AWD mannequin. All hybrid variations of the Corolla Cross include all-wheel drive as commonplace.
Toyota has priced the brand new hybrid aggressively, beginning at $29,305 and ranging into the mid-30s for a closely optioned top-spec model (together with the obligatory $1,335 supply charge).
Corolla Cross Hybrid design variations
Not like a few of Toyota’s different hybrid fashions, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is visually distinct from the gasoline-only model. Along with distinct wheel designs, it has a grille blanking panel that stands out, particularly in our take a look at automotive’s new yellow-green paint shade often called “Acidic Blast” that you just’ll doubtless see in advertisements for the hybrid model. A two-tone remedy with a contrasting roof (black in that case) can be accessible.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
From the skin, the little SUV has proportions that break up the distinction between utility automobile and compact wagon—although the W-word scares away consumers, so that you’ll by no means hear it from the corporate. Inside, it turns into clear the little SUV is constructed to a value, with numerous exhausting black plastic trim. Except for hybrid data added to the shows, the inside is little modified from that of the traditional model.
Corolla Cross Hybrid efficiency and hybrid system
The hybrid Corolla Cross is fitted with a 150-hp, 2.0-liter inline-4 married to Toyota’s well-proven two-motor hybrid system, now in its fifth era, with its planetary gear system taking the place of a typical combustion-vehicle transmission. The motors present 152 lb-ft of torque, greater than the engine’s 139 lb-ft. Whole web output of the mixed system is 196 hp, a lift over the gasoline mannequin’s 169 hp. A 0.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack shops vitality recaptured from engine overrun or regenerative braking, giving the automotive the flexibility to speed up gently as much as 20 mph on electric-only energy—although if you might want to get away extra shortly, the engine will kick on.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Not like the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid we examined on the identical time—or the Prius hybrid—the engine within the Corolla Cross Hybrid was obvious any time it switched on, and a disconcerting judder could possibly be felt because the engine engaged and added energy. That’s extremely uncommon for any Toyota hybrid; we’ll chalk it as much as testing an early manufacturing mannequin. The Eco drive mode was predictably slower, whereas the Sport mode added a little bit of incremental perkiness at the price of fairly much more noise.
Total, the engine-noise stage of the Corolla Cross Hybrid was increased than we might have favored, particularly given its common acceleration of 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. That’s greater than a second faster than the equally noisy gasoline model, however for the $4,000 premium over these different fashions some refinement is lacking.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Corolla Cross Hybrid consolation and experience: noisy however delicate
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a comparatively delicate and compliant experience, which means it’s nice round city however not significantly rewarding to throw round twisty mountain curves. That functionality isn’t essentially top-of-the-list for customers searching for an reasonably priced small SUV with good gasoline financial system and commonplace all-wheel drive. And the delicate experience helps take in small imperfections within the street floor.
In a mixed drive that included a lot of quick acceleration runs, some freeway miles, and two-lane nation roads, our take a look at automotive confirmed a gasoline financial system studying of 36.7 mpg. Our driving wasn’t consultant, however that means that in additional predictable use round city, the 40-mpg stage might simply be reached.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Options and sportier trims
Whereas the usual Corolla Cross is available in three trim ranges ( L, LE, and XLE), the brand new hybrid strains up on the sportier aspect of the spec sheet, with S, SE, and XSE trims. The 2 decrease grades include 17-inch alloy wheels and a central 8-inch touchscreen show within the sprint. Transferring up from the Corolla Cross Hybrid S to the SE trim provides roof rails, tinted glass, paddle shifters, and each a blind-spot monitor and a rear cross-traffic alert.
The highest XSE mannequin contains bigger 18-inch alloy wheels; LEDs for the headlights, taillights, and fog lights; an influence driver’s seat; heated entrance seats; and a extra premium upholstery materials. Choices embrace sure paint colours at additional price, the contrasting roof shade, a moonroof, adaptive headlights, a JBL audio system, and a comfort bundle for the XSE that bundles collectively a number of smaller options.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
All Corolla Cross Hybrids include wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as commonplace. Toyota has added USB-C jacks, and the mannequin can now obtain sure over-the-air updates to appropriate issues or add options down the road.
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 variations are assembled in a Huntsville, Alabama, plant that Toyota shares with Mazda, which assembles its compact CX-50 crossover utility automobile there.
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Toyota offered airfare, lodging, and meals to allow Inexperienced Automotive Reviews to convey you this first-person drive report.