2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Offers 42 MPG And Solid Value

Toyota’s new 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid sits, appropriately, at the intersection of functional and fun-to-drive. The automaker says it balances “the engaging driving experience of a small car and the functionality of a larger crossover.” After driving the Corolla Cross Hybrid throughout North San Diego county recently we can’t disagree. This compact utility vehicle checks a lot of boxes, particularly at a starting price of $27,970.

Checkbox one might be fuel efficiency, which everyone appreciates these days and the Corolla Cross Hybrid addresses with 45 city mpg, 38 highway mpg, and a mixed rating of 42 mpg. It leverages Toyota’s latest hybrid tech, combing a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 4 kWh battery pack. Total horsepower is 196 hp, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending that power to all four wheels and propelling the compact SUV to 60 mph in 8 seconds. It also offers 8 inches of ground clearance, enough to tackle at least light off-road duty.

Checkbox two could be interior space, which the Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers at an impressive level given its swept roofline and urban-friendly exterior size. With 94 cubic feet of interior volume, including 21.5 cubic feet behind the second row seat and 61.8 behind the front row, the Toyota packs a lot of practicality in a stylish exterior shell. Its cabin layout uses elevated seating to not only improve visibility and legroom, but allow space for the hybrid battery pack to fit under the rear seat, resulting in no hit to interior space plus a reduced center of gravity.

Checkbox three is the fun-to-drive component mentioned earlier. An 8-second 0-60 time isn’t really neck straining, but it’s enough to give the Corolla Cross Hybrid a responsive throttle pedal, especially with the electric motor’s instant torque helping out. Steering response and suspension tuning are similarly engaging, providing progressive feedback through the steering wheel and confident handling with minimal body roll on twisting pavement. The Corolla Cross Hybrid springs from the same platform as the current Corolla sedan and hatchback, with all three offering compelling driving dynamics.

All of the above features come standard on the base S trim for $27,970, along with a host of convenience features like an 8-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota’s latest suite of safety tech, dubbed Safety Sense 3.0, is also standard on every Corolla Cross Hybrid. This collection of driver aids includes things like forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and radar-based cruise control.

The mid-grade Corolla Cross Hybrid SE adds tinted side windows, roof rails, and paddle shifters, plus blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert for $29,290. The top-grade XSE trim gets 18-inch wheels, upgraded LED headlights and taillights, fog lights, and “Softex” (imitation leather) seats, with heated front seats and a power driver’s seat, for $31,065. Options like an upgraded JBL audio system, adaptive headlights, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a two-tone paint treatment can be added to the upper trims.

While much of the world is rushing to embrace pure electric vehicles Toyota continues to invest in hybrid models like the new Corolla Cross Hybrid and Prius. These models are priced substantially lower than equivalent EVs while providing impressive fuel efficiency, long range (over 400 miles in the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s case), and quick, convenient refueling options. For buyers unable to make an EV work for their transportation needs, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is an effective alternative.