Toyota Corolla Cross (US) review

It’s the Corolla Cross, the budget-friendly crossover that shares its name and, as we’ve discovered, qualities with the Toyota Corolla compact sedan. In that it is competitively priced against rivals in its class, and it shows.

Bit of a damp squib, huh?

We’d imagine folks are coming to the Corolla Cross with well-tempered expectations, and for better or for worse, the plucky crossover does indeed meet them. Toyota is quite proud of the fact that the hybrid crossover Corolla - oh, Corolla Cross, we just got that - has a sub $30k entry point, which is “unheard of” in its own words.

If anything, it’s a bit bland. More to the point, the interior, all the touchpoints and the subsequent experience has that ‘built on a budget’ feeling throughout. The steering wheel is light and thin, covered in a synthetic material also found throughout the cabin that inherently communicates the car’s overall quality. It does its job, and no more.

Noted. How does it drive?

The Corolla Cross has a couple powertrain options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that whips up 169hp and 150 lb ft, sent to the front wheels by way of a CVT transmission, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

Alternatively, the hybrid Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive as standard and is powered by a slightly tweaked version of the same 2.0-liter, now supported by an electric motor that gives the crossover a 196hp total.

The former is, for the most part, fine though unremarkable in terms of acceleration or overall performance while the latter has a pleasant amount of pep in its step. In either case, the handling is equally sufficient for what’s called for, be it normal daily driving or even a little sneaky fun on an empty backroad.

Curiously, they look a bit different - the hybrid is in blue above, while the gas car sits further along the gallery in fetching metallic red. Should you wish to play spot the difference, y'know.

What about AWD versions?

While a Corolla Cross with AWD (and thus the Hybrid) boasts a sportier setup of independent front and multi-link rear suspension, all versions lack any real ‘meat’ in terms of steering; it’s just light and disconnected, especially compared to Mazda’s perkier CX-30.

It’s worth noting that the all-wheel drive here is an application of what Toyota calls ‘Electronic on-demand all-wheel drive’. It boils down to the rear axle’s e-motor tagging in when it senses a lack of traction. Essentially, if it’s bad weather or an earnest attempt at a dirt-road hill-climb, the system automatically engages to help out.

How is it inside?

Touchpoints aside, the cabin itself is quite spacious, with around 88 cu ft of passenger volume and 44 cu ft available for cargo if you fold the rear seats. Tech-wise, the standard setup is an eight-inch touchscreen paired with a seven-inch gauge cluster, both of which can be swapped with a 10in screen and a 12.3in digital drive display in higher packages. Other interior options include a wireless phone charging pad, USB-C ports and an increased number of cupholders.

What does it go up against?

You’ll see the Corolla Cross pitted against a tough gallery of rivals, like the aforementioned Mazda CX-30 which, if anything, is held in high regard for its handling. The Hyundai Kona is a compelling all-rounder, and it has a hybrid version… it’s just not sold here in the US of A. Still, its tech and styling is a draw.

The gas-powered Corolla Cross starts at $24,636 while the hybrid comes in at $28,995. Not bad, though to get most of the conveniences you’ll have to choose from the higher grades, and that easily takes things up past the $30k mark. Within the brand's own SUV lineup, the Corolla Cross slots just under the very robust Toyota RAV4. Hybrid or otherwise, it’s a difference of a couple thousand bucks, which is well worth the reach if you can manage it.

The Corolla Cross satisfies its brief as a wallet-friendly crossover that’s capable enough to tackle a multitude of daily utility needs. Overall, the experience is not dissimilar to finding an affordable hotel for the night - it’s got all the base amenities and there’s very little to complain about, but you can’t help but feel where the savings were made across every aspect of it.

In its hybrid form, the Corolla Cross makes up for its lackluster presentation with sprightly acceleration and enough playful agility to make the most of a twisty country road, if not a deft runabout for chores. Standard all-wheel drive that’s smart enough to pull off some off-roading tricks is another point in its favor. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the gas-powered version, which ultimately feels destined for various rental fleets.

Either iteration comes with a spacious, functional interior that can be configured to meet a multitude of needs, and the standard technology package ticks the must-have boxes. You’ll get what you pay for, that’s for sure. Take that as you will.