Assessment: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid prioritizes low value, excessive mpg

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid provides a second and extra economical powertrain to the compact SUV that debuted final yr. 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 payment).

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 check automotive’s new yellow-green paint shade often known as “Acidic Blast” that you just’ll seemingly see in adverts for the hybrid model. A two-tone remedy with a contrasting roof (black in that case) can be out there. 

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

From the skin, the little SUV has proportions that cut up the distinction between utility car 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 laborious black plastic trim. Apart from 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. Complete internet 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 power recaptured from engine overrun or regenerative braking, giving the automotive the power to speed up gently as much as 20 mph on electric-only energy—although if it is advisable to get away extra rapidly, 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 might 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. 

General, the engine-noise stage of the Corolla Cross Hybrid was greater 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 mushy

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a comparatively mushy and compliant experience, that means it’s high quality round city however not notably rewarding to throw round twisty mountain curves. That functionality isn’t essentially top-of-the-list for customers looking for an reasonably priced small SUV with good gasoline economic system and commonplace all-wheel drive. And the mushy experience helps take in small imperfections within the highway floor.

In a mixed drive that included numerous quick acceleration runs, some freeway miles, and two-lane nation roads, our check automotive confirmed a gasoline economic 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 may 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 traces 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. Shifting 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 consists of 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 embody sure paint colours at further value, the contrasting roof shade, a moonroof, adaptive headlights, a JBL audio system, and a comfort package deal 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 right 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 car there. 

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Toyota offered airfare, lodging, and meals to allow Inexperienced Automobile Stories to convey you this first-person drive report.