The rising phase of small SUVs we dub “midcompact” covers all kinds of niches, together with out of doors adventuring, sporty driving, family-friendly and extra. With one imperfect exception, which we’ll get to later, there has but to be a correct hybrid-powered entry. Effectively, that modifications with the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Because the title implies, it’s based mostly on the slightly unremarkable 2023 Corolla Cross that doesn’t fulfill any area of interest past trying to woo individuals who had optimistic associations with a Toyota Corolla. It may benefit from having its personal factor, and crushing its opponents’ gas economic system does simply that. EPA-estimated gas economic system is 45 mpg metropolis, 38 mpg freeway and 42 mpg mixed. That’s up from the common, all-wheel-drive Cross’ estimate of 30 mpg mixed, which was already tied with the two.0-liter Subaru Crosstrek for class-leading – most opponents are admittedly just one or 2 mpg behind. In line with EPA gas value estimates, you might save about $500 yearly by choosing the Cross Hybrid.
You’ll even be getting a major efficiency benefit, a minimum of in comparison with the common Cross. The Cross Hybrid comes with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid powertrain additionally discovered within the spectacular 2023 Toyota Prius. Particularly, the all-wheel-drive model that provides a 3rd motor to energy the rear axle. Just like the all-wheel-drive Prius, whole system output is 196 horsepower, which is up from 169 within the gas-only Cross. That’s the distinction between the Corolla Cross being one of many slower autos within the phase and the Cross Hybrid being one of many faster ones.
In fact, “faster” just isn’t the identical as genuinely fast. If you need that, a turbocharged Kia Seltos or Mazda CX-30 is the best way to go. Nevertheless it definitely will get in control with larger urgency than a Honda HR-V or 2.0-liter Crosstrek, and acceleration is ample for the phase. It additionally advantages from that improved, fifth-generation hybrid system’s further electrical motor software off the road and smoother gasoline engine engagement.
Sadly, the engine’s engagement is likely to be smoother than previous Toyota hybrids, however the omnipresent drone everytime you get again on the throttle continues to be there, and it will get outdated shortly. Curiously, the brand new Prius doesn’t do that, or slightly, the sound appears buried deep throughout the engine bay. It was one of many causes the brand new Prius impressed a lot. We suspected the Corolla Cross merely had much less sound deadening, however Prius chief engineer Satoki Oya stated the noise distinction is absolutely the results of the in any other case equal Prius engine having an additional balancing shaft that reduces noise and vibration. The Corolla Cross truly has extra sound deadening to take away some significantly disagreeable frequencies, nevertheless it’s fairly clearly not sufficient to totally compensate.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is completely obtainable in what historically have been thought-about sporty Toyota trim ranges – SE and XSE – in addition to a brand new S base trim degree pictured above. These aren’t obtainable within the common Cross. A sport-tuned suspension is the one mechanical improve that comes with these trims, apart from the efficiency improve. I admittedly haven’t pushed a regular Corolla Cross, so I can not touch upon the distinction, however “sport-tuned” is a relative time period. The Hybrid doesn’t wallow about, however nothing in regards to the expertise says “sporty.” The inert responses from the steering definitely don’t assist, although a minimum of placing the automotive in Sport mode provides a dollop of additional weighting. That’s not one thing you’ll discover within the common Corolla Cross.
Most patrons won’t care about these critiques of its lukewarm dynamics, and can fortunately take the large gas economic system determine and completely competent management responses. It is a easy, easy-to-drive commuter automotive. It doesn’t also have a weirdo gear selector like a Prius or most different Toyota hybrids.
The S/SE/XSE trims do present the standard visible upgrades on high of hybrid-specific enhancements. Chief amongst these is the brand new face, the variations in which you’ll be able to see beneath with the common Cross on the correct in inexperienced. Mainly, the trapezoidal grille has drifted south to the underside of the fascia and is adorned in shiny black trim, whereas a protrusion juts out from between the headlights like a button nostril. The Toyota badge rests inside it curiously completed in black to match the SE’s all-black badging slightly than the everyday blue badge discovered on different Toyota hybrids. The Cross Hybrid seems extra associated to the RAV4, particularly with the black distinction roof obtainable as a $500 stand-alone possibility on the SE and XSE.
Variations on the rear are successfully restricted to shiny black trim on the decrease bumper rather than the standard matte black plastic accented with a body-colored trim panel. “Roof rails” are included on the SE and XSE, however they’re actually simply elevated trim items with fastened crossbars bolted into them. There are additionally distinctive wheel designs, obtainable in 17-inch (S and SE) and 18-inch sizes, and the gold “Acidic Blast” paint colour you see here’s a Hybrid unique.
The inside is carried over from the Corolla Cross other than distinctive upholstery. A black cloth accented in grey is compulsory on the S (two backside photographs above), and is one among two selections on the SE together with a black/blue mixture. The XSE (pictured above) has SofTex vinyl upholstery in all black or a black accented in blue.
Each 2023 Corolla Cross now will get Toyota’s newest infotainment system, which will get faster responses and a extra trendy look (yay) however loses its user-friendly bodily menu buttons (boo). The display nonetheless measures 8 inches, which now appears a bit small. The XSE has a digital instrument panel, which is more and more normal difficulty on this phase – a truth made apparent if you get into the S or SE and are confronted with plain-Jane analog gauges that don’t even characteristic the standard Toyota hybrid energy meter. There’s only a tach that crashes to zero if you come to a cease or the electrical motor is solely powering the automotive.
These devices are indicative of a cabin that generally lacks the panache of most opponents – particularly the beautiful new HR-V cabin and tech-filled 2023 Kia Niro. Ah sure, that might be the opposite hybrid that now resides on this phase after it grew considerably with its 2023 overhaul. It’s an imperfect comparability, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a troublesome one for the Cross Hybrid. The Niro doesn’t provide all-wheel drive, which is the one option to get the Corolla Cross Hybrid, and is slower regardless of counting on a conventional computerized transmission that helps it keep away from the Cross’ droning points. It additionally doesn’t sit as excessive off the bottom (the Cross Hybrid has an honest 8 inches of floor clearance) and customarily seems much less like an SUV. However, the Niro is sharper to drive and will get 53 mpg mixed. That’s not as huge of a gas economic system soar as it could appear, nevertheless it ought to nonetheless equal just a few hundred bucks per yr.
The little Kia additionally has a considerably bigger again seat than the Toyota – within the Corolla Cross, full-sized adults sitting front-and-back could discover their knees grazing the sprint and entrance seat, respectively. Cargo area on paper would appear to favor the Corolla Cross by a few cubic toes (the Hybrid has the identical 21.5 cubic-feet because the AWD common Corolla Cross), however the Kia has a extra purposeful area in follow. Neither has a spare tire – a chunky wiring harness wanted for the additional rear motor snakes by means of the world the place the common Cross’ spare could be, leaving an unlimited, ineffective chasm stuffed with grey foam.
Pricing is analogous between the 2 – the Kia begins decrease however goes increased, nevertheless it ought to because it’s obtainable with much more tools on its higher finish. The Cross Hybrid begins at $29,305 for the S, together with the $1,335 vacation spot cost. The SE goes as much as $30,625; the XSE to $32,400. These estimates are roughly $4,000 costlier than the comparable common Corolla Cross trim ranges. That’s far more than you’ll seemingly be capable to pay again utilizing gas financial savings alone, however then you definitely’re additionally getting extra because of the additional efficiency, fashion enhancements and, presumably, a barely extra partaking driving expertise.
There’s additionally the matter of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid typically being the extra aggressive car, or a minimum of higher in a position to stick out amongst a crowded area of attention-grabbing, well-rounded gamers. Its excessive gas economic system is a giant deal, as is its normal all-wheel-drive system. Nothing else presents that mixture at its value and measurement. Would placing snow tires on a Niro be a greater wager? Possibly. How about paying a bit extra for a RAV4 Hybrid that begins round $31,000? Yeah, most likely. So, not precisely a ringing endorsement. However hey, that Acidic Blast paint and the black roof seems fairly darn cool. There’s that.
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