2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid prioritizes low value, excessive mpg
4 min read
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid provides a second and extra economical powertrain to the compact SUV that debuted final 12 months. Dropping Toyota’s well-proven and fuel-efficient hybrid system into the Corolla Cross boosts gasoline effectivity to an estimated 42 mpg mixed, towards the 30 mpg mixed of the usual AWD mannequin. All hybrid variations of the Corolla Cross include all-wheel drive as normal.
Toyota has priced the brand new hybrid aggressively, beginning at $29,305 and ranging into the mid-30s for a closely optioned top-spec model (together with the necessary $1,335 supply charge).
Corolla Cross Hybrid design variations
In contrast to a few of Toyota’s different hybrid fashions, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is visually distinct from the gasoline-only model. Along with distinct wheel designs, it has a grille blanking panel that stands out, particularly in our check automobile’s new yellow-green paint shade often called “Acidic Blast” that you simply’ll probably see in adverts for the hybrid model. A two-tone therapy with a contrasting roof (black in that case) can also be out there.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
From the skin, the little SUV has proportions that break up the distinction between utility car and compact wagon—although the W-word scares away consumers, so that you’ll by no means hear it from the corporate. Inside, it turns into clear the little SUV is constructed to a value, with various laborious black plastic trim. Apart from hybrid information added to the shows, the inside is little modified from that of the standard model.
Corolla Cross Hybrid efficiency and hybrid system
The hybrid Corolla Cross is fitted with a 150-hp, 2.0-liter inline-4 married to Toyota’s well-proven two-motor hybrid system, now in its fifth technology, with its planetary gear system taking the place of a typical combustion-vehicle transmission. The motors present 152 lb-ft of torque, greater than the engine’s 139 lb-ft. Complete web output of the mixed system is 196 hp, a lift over the gasoline mannequin’s 169 hp. A 0.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack shops vitality recaptured from engine overrun or regenerative braking, giving the automobile the flexibility to speed up gently as much as 20 mph on electric-only energy—although if it is advisable get away extra shortly, the engine will kick on.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
In contrast to the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid we examined on the similar time—or the Prius hybrid—the engine within the Corolla Cross Hybrid was obvious any time it switched on, and a disconcerting judder might be felt because the engine engaged and added energy. That’s extremely uncommon for any Toyota hybrid; we’ll chalk it as much as testing an early manufacturing mannequin. The Eco drive mode was predictably slower, whereas the Sport mode added a little bit of incremental perkiness at the price of fairly much more noise.
Total, the engine-noise degree of the Corolla Cross Hybrid was greater than we’d have appreciated, particularly given its common acceleration of 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. That’s greater than a second faster than the equally noisy gasoline model, however for the $4,000 premium over these different fashions some refinement is lacking.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Corolla Cross Hybrid consolation and trip: noisy however tender
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a comparatively tender and compliant trip, which means it’s superb round city however not significantly rewarding to throw round twisty mountain curves. That functionality isn’t essentially top-of-the-list for buyers searching for an inexpensive small SUV with good gasoline economic system and normal all-wheel drive. And the tender trip helps absorb small imperfections within the street floor.
In a mixed drive that included a lot of quick acceleration runs, some freeway miles, and two-lane nation roads, our check automobile confirmed a gasoline economic system studying of 36.7 mpg. Our driving wasn’t consultant, however that implies that in additional predictable use round city, the 40-mpg degree might simply be reached.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Options and sportier trims
Whereas the usual Corolla Cross is available in three trim ranges ( L, LE, and XLE), the brand new hybrid strains up on the sportier aspect of the spec sheet, with S, SE, and XSE trims. The 2 decrease grades include 17-inch alloy wheels and a central 8-inch touchscreen show within the sprint. Shifting up from the Corolla Cross Hybrid S to the SE trim provides roof rails, tinted glass, paddle shifters, and each a blind-spot monitor and a rear cross-traffic alert.
The highest XSE mannequin consists of bigger 18-inch alloy wheels; LEDs for the headlights, taillights, and fog lights; an influence driver’s seat; heated entrance seats; and a extra premium upholstery materials. Choices embrace sure paint colours at further price, the contrasting roof shade, a moonroof, adaptive headlights, a JBL audio system, and a comfort package deal for the XSE that bundles collectively a number of smaller options.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
All Corolla Cross Hybrids include wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as normal. Toyota has added USB-C jacks, and the mannequin can now obtain sure over-the-air updates to right issues or add options down the road.
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 variations are assembled in a Huntsville, Alabama, plant that Toyota shares with Mazda, which assembles its compact CX-50 crossover utility car there.
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Toyota offered airfare, lodging, and meals to allow Inexperienced Automotive Experiences to convey you this first-person drive report.
