Cars

Take a look at Drive: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SE | The Day by day Drive

Mike September 4, 2023

0 0 5 minutes read

Take a look at Drive: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SE AWD

Class: Subcompact Crossover

Colour: Blue Crush Metallic

Miles pushed: 171

CG Report Card


Room and Consolation	B-
Energy and Efficiency	B
Match and End	B-
Gas Economic system	A
Worth	CA-

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup.

Huge & Tall Consolation

Huge Man	B
Tall Man	B

Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	196-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Sort	4-cylinder hybrid
Transmission	CVT-automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Noticed gas financial system: 35.8 mpg

EPA-estimated gas financial system: 45/38/42 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Snow Efficiency: N/A

Base value: $29,290 (not together with $1335 vacation spot cost)

Choices on take a look at car: Moonroof Package deal ($1740)

Worth as examined: $32,365

Fast Hits

The nice: Good energy, sensible design, nice gas financial system

The great: Roomy front-row seating, easy controls

The not so good: Restricted 2nd-row area, detached cabin supplies

Tom Appel:

Mitsubishi made a mistake. When the Japanese carmaker launched a brand new subcompact crossover to its U.S. lineup in 2018—a lineup which already included a subcompact crossover—it named it Eclipse Cross, borrowing the title of a discontinued sporty coupe and convertible not particularly effectively liked in its later years, and never recognized for reliability.

Utilizing the identical naming conference, Toyota took at completely different tack in 2022 when the corporate rolled out a brand new North American-market subcompact crossover of its personal. For its new trucklet, Toyota borrowed the title of one among its longest-running, best-loved, and most-understood-to-be-reliable fashions: Corolla. Figuring out solely the title, most Customers seemingly make a handful of assumptions concerning the Corolla Cross, all of that are seemingly optimistic. That’s good advertising.

As famous above, the Corolla Cross was new for ’22, and appeared to be on the trail for hot-seller standing, had been it not for a supply-chain disaster which affected Toyota particularly. None the much less, Toyota continued its rollout plan—regardless of profound stock points—and launched a hybrid model of the ‘Cross for 2023.

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Apparently, non-hybrid and hybrid variations of the Corolla Cross are given fully separate trim-level designations. Non-hybrid variants ascent by L (beginning round $25,000), LE ($27,000), and XLE ($29,000) trims, whereas hybrid ‘Crosses are available in S ($30,000), SE ($31,000), and XSE ($33,000) variations.

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All normal ‘Crosses are powered by a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT computerized transmission, and can be found with front- or AWD drive. Hybrid fashions are powered by an identical 2.0-liter engine that’s augmented by three electrical motors. Hybrids, as famous above, come solely with AWD and likewise make use of a CVT computerized.

As a result of the Corolla Cross higher matches American-market expectations of what a small crossover ought to look and act like, Toyota’s similar-size however racier-looking CH-R crossover has been discontinued; it was dropped after the 2022 mannequin 12 months. The CH-R was by no means supplied within the U.S. with AWD.

Client Information just lately spent per week in a 2023 Corolla Cross SE in Blue Crush Metallic. Although our take a look at automotive was technically a pre-production unit, all that appeared unsorted was pricing. Our value numbers shared above are estimates. All informed, the Corolla Cross seen right here got here to $32,365 together with Moonroof Package deal (which incorporates JBL premium audio) and vacation spot cost.

It’s maybe within the cabin the place the Corolla Cross disappoints essentially the most, although we now have no main complaints. The cabin itself is decently appointed, and appears OK for a $32,000 car. We might word although, that for related or much less cash, the cabins of similar-size autos, together with the redesigned Chevrolet Trax and the just lately freshened Subaru Crosstrek come throughout as extra premium. That stated, workmanship seems prime notch.

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Functionally, we discovered the first controls straightforward to find and easy to make use of, and touchscreen operation typically seamless, although the system was typically sluggish to reply to touchscreen inputs. The instrument panel is comprised of actual gauges—not a digital facsimile—and is clear and simple to learn in all gentle situations. The non-obligatory JBL audio system is a pleasant contact at this value level, and offers better-than-average playback.

Occupants of all sizes will discover the ‘Cross’s front-row seating spacious, and getting into and exiting the automotive is straightforward. The second row, nevertheless, is much less accommodating, and greatest reserved for smaller adults and kids.

On the transfer the Corolla Cross Hybrid shines. Although no rocket, there’s loads of energy in any respect speeds, and enough low-end muscle to make straightforward work of each day commuting chores. The identical can’t be stated of the usual Corolla Cross, which desires for energy even in routine driving.

They hybrid techniques is particularly refined, and its operation isn’t seen by drivers not searching for proof of its existence. Likewise, the engine cease/begin system is clean and unobtrusive. In routine driving with a bias in direction of city use, our take a look at Corolla Cross Hybrid returned 35.8 mpg. That’s lower than the EPA mixed fuel-economy estimate, however nonetheless wonderful given the facility and efficiency on faucet.

Dealing with is one other robust Corolla Cross attribute. Toyota’s little crossover is mostly enjoyable to drive, turning with restricted and well-controlled lean, and serving up better-than-average steering really feel. The brakes, too, really feel stable and powerful.

Given the comparatively modest value bump—keep in mind that hybrids come normal with AWD—we see no cause to not go hybrid if buying a Corolla Cross. The added energy, improved gas financial system, and certain higher resale worth simply justify the improve. As for the Corolla Cross itself, it’s a little bit gentle on frills, and the cabin is a little bit spartan, however the common commuting expertise is refined and shock free, and there’s simply sufficient ride-and-handling sportiness to maintain issues attention-grabbing. There’s a cause that Corolla is a part of the Corolla Cross title, and Toyota loyalists received’t be disenchanted by making the affiliation.

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