The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid adds a second and more economical powertrain to the compact SUV launched last year. The inclusion of Toyota’s proven and fuel-efficient hybrid system in the Corolla Cross boosts fuel efficiency to an estimated 42 mpg combined, compared to the standard AWD model’s 30 mpg combined. All hybrid versions of the Corolla Cross come with all-wheel drive as standard.
Toyota has aggressively priced the new hybrid, starting at $29,305 and ranging from the mid-30s for a highly optional top-spec version (including a mandatory $1,335 delivery fee).
Design difference Corolla Cross Hybrid
Unlike some other Toyota hybrid models, Corolla crossbreed visually different from the petrol-only version. In addition to the distinct wheel designs, it also has a striking grille, especially in the new yellow-green paint color of our test car called “Acidic Blast” that you can be seen in the advertisements for the hybrid version. A two-tone treatment with a contrasting roof (in that case black) is also available.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
From the outside, the small SUV splits the difference between a utility vehicle and a compact vehicle — although the W word scares buyers away, so you’ll never hear it from the company. Inside, it’s clear that the small SUV is built for a reasonable price, with quite a bit of black hard plastic trim. In addition to the combined information added to the display, the interior is slightly different from the regular version.
Corolla Cross Hybrid Performance and Hybrid System
The Corolla Cross hybrid is powered by a 150hp 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s proven two-engine hybrid system, now in its fifth generation, with an all-wheel drive system. alternative to a conventional internal combustion medium of transmission. The engines deliver 152 lb-ft of torque, more than the engine’s 139 lb-ft. The combined system’s total net output is 196 hp, up from the petrol model’s 169 hp. The 0.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack stores energy captured from engine overdrive or regenerative braking, giving the vehicle a gentle acceleration of up to 20 mph on electric power alone. —though if you need to go further, the engine will start.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
not like 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid we tested at the same time — or Hybrid Prius—the engine in the Corolla Cross Hybrid is evident whenever it is turned on, and an unpleasant vibration can be felt as the engine works and adds power. That’s very unusual for any Toyota hybrid; We will strive to test an original production model. Eco mode is predictably slower, while Sport mode adds a little extra pleasure but makes more noise.
Overall, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s engine noise levels are higher than we would have liked, especially with its average acceleration of 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. That’s a second faster than the equally noisier petrol version, but at a $4,000 premium over those other models, some improvements are missing.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
Corolla Cross Hybrid comfort and ride: loud but soft
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a relatively soft and consistent ride, meaning it’s fine around town but not particularly rewarding when it comes to twisting mountain turns. That ability isn’t necessarily a priority for shoppers looking for an affordable small SUV with good fuel economy and standard four-wheel drive. And the gentle ride helps absorb small imperfections on the road surface.
In a combined drive that included some quick acceleration, some highway and two-lane country miles, our test car showed a fuel economy of 36.7 mpg. Our driving isn’t representative, but it does show that with a more predictable around-town drive, 40 mpg could be easily achieved.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
Sportier features and trim
While the standard Corolla Cross comes in three trim levels (L, LE and XLE), the new hybrid comes on the sportier side of the spec sheet, in S, SE and XSE trim levels. The lower two come with 17-inch alloy wheels and a central 8-inch touchscreen in the dashboard. Moving from the Corolla Cross Hybrid S to the SE version adds roof rails, tinted glass, paddle shifters and also a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
The top XSE model includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels; LED lights for headlights, taillights, fog lights; electric driver’s seat; Front heated seats; and higher quality upholstery. Options include several additional chargeable paint colors, a contrasting roof color, a sunroof, adaptive headlights, a JBL sound system, and a utility package for the XSE that incorporates many smaller features.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2023
All Corolla Cross Hybrids come with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay as standard. Toyota has added a USB-C jack, and this model can now receive certain over-the-air updates to fix issues or add features at a later time.
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 versions are assembled in Huntsville, Alabama, a factory Toyota shares with Mazda, which assembles its CX-50 compact crossover.
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Toyota provided airfare, accommodation and meals so Green Car Reports brings you this first-person driving report.
