Check Drive: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SE | The Each day Drive

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Check Drive: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SE AWD

Class: Subcompact Crossover

Shade: Blue Crush Metallic

Miles pushed: 171

CG Report Card


Room and Consolation	B-
Energy and Efficiency	B
Match and End	B-
Gas Financial system	A
Worth	CA-

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup.

Huge & Tall Consolation

Huge Man	B
Tall Man	B

Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	196-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Kind	4-cylinder hybrid
Transmission	CVT-automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Noticed gasoline economic system: 35.8 mpg

EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 45/38/42 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Snow Efficiency: N/A

Base value: $29,290 (not together with $1335 vacation spot cost)

Choices on take a look at car: Moonroof Bundle ($1740)

Worth as examined: $32,365

Fast Hits

The nice: Good energy, sensible design, nice gasoline economic system

The nice: Roomy front-row seating, easy controls

The not so good: Restricted 2nd-row house, detached cabin supplies

Tom Appel:

Mitsubishi made a mistake. When the Japanese carmaker launched a brand new subcompact crossover to its U.S. lineup in 2018—a lineup which already included a subcompact crossover—it named it Eclipse Cross, borrowing the title of a discontinued sporty coupe and convertible not particularly effectively liked in its later years, and never identified for reliability.

Utilizing the identical naming conference, Toyota took at totally different tack in 2022 when the corporate rolled out a brand new North American-market subcompact crossover of its personal. For its new trucklet, Toyota borrowed the title of one in all its longest-running, best-loved, and most-understood-to-be-reliable fashions: Corolla. Realizing solely the title, most Customers possible make a handful of assumptions concerning the Corolla Cross, all of that are possible optimistic. That’s good advertising and marketing.

As famous above, the Corolla Cross was new for ’22, and appeared to be on the trail for hot-seller standing, had been it not for a supply-chain disaster which affected Toyota particularly. None the much less, Toyota continued its rollout plan—regardless of profound stock points—and launched a hybrid model of the ‘Cross for 2023.

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Curiously, non-hybrid and hybrid variations of the Corolla Cross are given utterly separate trim-level designations. Non-hybrid variants ascent via L (beginning round $25,000), LE ($27,000), and XLE ($29,000) trims, whereas hybrid ‘Crosses are available in S ($30,000), SE ($31,000), and XSE ($33,000) variations.

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All commonplace ‘Crosses are powered by a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT automated transmission, and can be found with front- or AWD drive. Hybrid fashions are powered by an analogous 2.0-liter engine that’s augmented by three electrical motors. Hybrids, as famous above, come solely with AWD and likewise make use of a CVT automated.

As a result of the Corolla Cross higher suits American-market expectations of what a small crossover ought to look and act like, Toyota’s similar-size however racier-looking CH-R crossover has been discontinued; it was dropped after the 2022 mannequin yr. The CH-R was by no means provided within the U.S. with AWD.

Shopper Information lately spent every week in a 2023 Corolla Cross SE in Blue Crush Metallic. Although our take a look at automobile was technically a pre-production unit, all that appeared unsorted was pricing. Our value numbers shared above are estimates. All advised, the Corolla Cross seen right here got here to $32,365 together with Moonroof Bundle (which incorporates JBL premium audio) and vacation spot cost.

It’s maybe within the cabin the place the Corolla Cross disappoints probably the most, although we have now no main complaints. The cabin itself is decently appointed, and appears OK for a $32,000 car. We’d observe although, that for related or much less cash, the cabins of similar-size automobiles, together with the redesigned Chevrolet Trax and the lately freshened Subaru Crosstrek come throughout as extra premium. That mentioned, workmanship seems high notch.

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Functionally, we discovered the first controls straightforward to find and easy to make use of, and touchscreen operation usually seamless, although the system was typically sluggish to reply to touchscreen inputs. The instrument panel is comprised of actual gauges—not a digital facsimile—and is clear and straightforward to learn in all mild circumstances. The optionally available JBL audio system is a pleasant contact at this value level, and offers better-than-average playback.

Occupants of all sizes will discover the ‘Cross’s front-row seating spacious, and coming into and exiting the automobile is simple. The second row, nevertheless, is much less accommodating, and greatest reserved for smaller adults and youngsters.

On the transfer the Corolla Cross Hybrid shines. Although no rocket, there’s loads of energy in any respect speeds, and ample low-end muscle to make straightforward work of day by day commuting chores. The identical can’t be mentioned of the usual Corolla Cross, which needs for energy even in routine driving.

They hybrid techniques is very refined, and its operation isn’t seen by drivers not on the lookout for proof of its existence. Likewise, the engine cease/begin system is clean and unobtrusive. In routine driving with a bias in direction of city use, our take a look at Corolla Cross Hybrid returned 35.8 mpg. That’s lower than the EPA mixed fuel-economy estimate, however nonetheless glorious given the facility and efficiency on faucet.

Dealing with is one other robust Corolla Cross attribute. Toyota’s little crossover is usually enjoyable to drive, turning with restricted and well-controlled lean, and serving up better-than-average steering really feel. The brakes, too, really feel stable and robust.

Given the comparatively modest value bump—keep in mind that hybrids come commonplace with AWD—we see no motive to not go hybrid if buying a Corolla Cross. The added energy, improved gasoline economic system, and sure higher resale worth simply justify the improve. As for the Corolla Cross itself, it’s somewhat mild on frills, and the cabin is somewhat spartan, however the normal commuting expertise is refined and shock free, and there’s simply sufficient ride-and-handling sportiness to maintain issues fascinating. There’s a motive that Corolla is a part of the Corolla Cross title, and Toyota loyalists gained’t be disenchanted by making the affiliation.

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