The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid introduces a second and more cost-effective powertrain to the compact SUV that debuted last year. Integrating Toyota’s well-proven and fuel-efficient hybrid system into 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 competitively priced the new hybrid, starting from $29,305 up to the mid-$30,000s for a high-spec version with many options.
Unlike some of Toyota’s other hybrid models, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a distinctive appearance compared to the gasoline-only version. In addition to distinctive wheel designs, it features a grille protection panel that stands out, especially in the new “Acid Explosion” yellow-green paint color on the test car, which will likely be featured in hybrid version ads. A two-tone treatment with a contrasting roof is also available.
Externally, the small SUV has proportions that split the difference between a utility vehicle and a compact truck, although the word “truck” may deter buyers, so you’ll never hear it from the company. Inside, it’s clear that the small SUV is built on a budget, with a lot of hard black plastic trim. Apart from the added hybrid information on the displays, the interior has changed little from the conventional version.
Performance of the Corolla Cross Hybrid and Hybrid System
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 150 hp combined with Toyota’s proven two-motor hybrid system, now in its fifth generation, with its planetary gear system replacing a typical combustion vehicle transmission. The motors provide 152 lb-ft of torque, more than the 139 lb-ft from the engine. The total net output of the combined system is 196 hp, an improvement over the gasoline model’s 169 hp. A 0.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack stores energy recovered from the motor’s excess speed or regenerative braking, allowing the car to smoothly accelerate up to 20 mph on electric power alone. If faster acceleration is needed, the engine will kick in.
Unlike the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid we tested at the same time, or the Prius hybrid, the engine of the Corolla Cross Hybrid was noticeable each time it started, and a disconcerting vibration could be felt when the engine started and added power. That’s very unusual for any Toyota hybrid; we’ll attribute it to testing an early production model. The Eco driving mode was predictably slower, while the Sport mode added a bit of incremental joy at the cost of much more noise.
Overall, the noise level of the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s engine was higher than we would have liked, especially given its average acceleration of 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. That’s over a second faster than the equally noisy gasoline version but lacks some refinement for the $4,000 premium over those other models.
Comfort and Ride of the Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a relatively smooth and obedient ride, meaning it’s fine in the city but not particularly rewarding on winding mountain roads. That capability isn’t necessarily at the top of the list for buyers looking for an affordable small SUV with good fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive. The smooth ride helps absorb small imperfections in the road surface.
In combined driving that included several quick acceleration runs, some highway miles, and rural two-lane roads, our test car showed a fuel economy reading of 36.7 mpg. Our driving wasn’t representative, but that suggests that in more predictable city use, the 40 mpg level could easily be reached.
Sportier Features and Finishes
While the standard Corolla Cross comes in three trim levels (L, LE, and XLE), the new hybrid lines up on the sportier side of the specifications sheet, with the S, SE, and XSE models. The two lower grades come with 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch central touchscreen on the dashboard. Moving from the Corolla Cross Hybrid S to the SE trim adds roof rails, tinted glass, paddle shifters, and a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
The top XSE model includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels; LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights; an electric driver’s seat; heated front seats; and a more premium upholstery material. Options include certain paint colors at an additional cost, contrasting roof color, a sunroof, adaptive headlights, a JBL audio system, and a convenience package for the XSE that bundles multiple smaller features.
All Corolla Cross Hybrids come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Toyota has added USB-C connectors, and the model can now receive certain wireless updates to fix issues or add features in the future.
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 at a plant in Huntsville, Alabama, which Toyota shares with Mazda, assembling its compact crossover SUV CX-50 there.
