2023 Toyota Corolla Cross assessment

What occurs whenever you cross the world’s hottest car nameplate with an SUV? Nicely, you get the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Toyota already has some of the complete SUV line-ups within the business, with a minimum of one in each section, and the arrival of the Corolla Cross heralds a two-pronged assault on the hotly-contested Small SUV section – which already has over 20 entrants.

Alongside the extra coupe-styled C-HR, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross hopes to take the model’s market share within the section past 21 per cent, which is greater than 3 times Toyota’s present share of the Small SUV market.

With its boxy, extra conservative seems, hybrid-heavy line-up, swathes of accessible expertise, and some of the recognised names within the automotive world, the Corolla Cross ought to be a assured success.

Add to that the actual fact the marginally bigger RAV4 Hybrid is at the moment experiencing wait instances of over 18 months for some variants, the brand new mannequin may function an alternative choice to Australia’s top-selling SUV for many who don’t need to wait.

However, is it any good? We attended the Australian media launch in Sydney to search out out.

How a lot does the Toyota Corolla Cross value?

Contemplating the business pattern of accelerating costs and costly electrified choices, the Corolla Cross’s pricing is pretty cheap.

Pricing begins at $33,000 earlier than on-road prices for the bottom GX 2WD petrol, whereas the most affordable hybrid is $35,500 earlier than on-road prices. You will get right into a petrol-electric Corolla Cross for underneath $40,000 drive-away in accordance with the model’s on-line configurator.

The Corolla Cross goes additional than the C-HR by providing AWD Hybrid energy as effectively, within the type of a extra highly effective 2.0-litre system with Toyota’s newest fifth-generation hybrid expertise. Australia misses the extra highly effective 2.0-litre hybrid variations of the Corolla and C-HR provided abroad.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross pricing:

• Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2WD Petrol: $33,000
• Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2WD Hybrid: $35,500
• Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2WD Petrol: $36,750
• Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2WD Hybrid: $39,250
• Toyota Corolla Cross GXL AWD Hybrid: $42,250
• Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Petrol: $43,550
• Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Hybrid: $46,050
• Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD Hybrid: $49,050

Costs exclude on-road prices

Being on the bigger facet of small, the Corolla Cross is positioned competitively relative to rivals. The turbocharged UK-built Nissan Qashqai kicks off at $33,890 earlier than on-roads, with the e-Energy hybrid to solely be provided on high-grade ST-L and Ti variants – indicating a beginning value of round $45,000 for the electrified mannequin.

In the meantime, the smaller Toyota C-HR begins at $30,915 for the most affordable GXL 2WD with its 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, although the much less highly effective 1.8-litre hybrid is reserved for the high-spec Koba and GR Sport variations, requiring a $37,665 spend.

Even China’s GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid can’t supply a less expensive hybrid possibility, although the only electrified variant of the Jolion at $40,990 drive-away relies on the top-spec mannequin, whereas the equivalently-priced Corolla Cross is a base mannequin.

What’s the Toyota Corolla Cross like on the within?

The Corolla Cross incorporates a cabin clearly impressed by its hatchback and sedan stablemates, with just a few variations to set it aside.

A spotlight is the new-generation infotainment system, which is obtainable in two variations relying on mannequin.

Base GX fashions get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with out satellite tv for pc navigation, nevertheless it nonetheless provides DAB+ digital radio and wi-fi Apple CarPlay – Android Auto is wired. Even the bottom unit is a marked enchancment over the present system, which provides dated, low-res graphics and laggy response instances.

Pairing an iPhone wirelessly is a fast and simple course of, and all fashions rating a 12-month Toyota Related Providers subscription – that means there’s app-based distant features and knowledge obtainable by way of a smartphone, and contained in the cabin you need to use the “Hey Toyota” clever voice help to regulate the temperature, open the home windows, and even seek for the closest public bathroom.

The lattermost operate is simply obtainable with the GXL and Atmos, given the GX doesn’t function embedded satellite tv for pc navigation. It’s a helpful if novel set of features that at the moment aren’t broadly obtainable within the mainstream segments aside from Ford’s FordPass Join.

GXL and Atmos fashions get a ten.5-inch show with satellite tv for pc navigation, which likewise is related for dwell visitors updates and is voice assistant-compatible. If the smaller system is a marked enchancment, the ten.5-inch show is a revelation in comparison with current Toyota programs – although it’s solely actually according to rivals quite than being a brand new section benchmark.

It’s a disgrace the subscription interval is simply 12 months, when most different packages are three years from sale, and the subscriptions get a bit dear from there. If you’d like the total suite of related providers, ongoing month-to-month prices for each the Join+ and Multimedia packages are priced at $9.95 and $12.50 respectively – extra particulars right here.

Atmos fashions debut a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster understood to be coming to high-grade variations of the Corolla and RAV4 later this yr, and can possible filter out throughout different fashions. It’s not fairly VW slick and sharp, nevertheless it’s clear, straightforward to learn, and provides a variety of customisation choices.

Should you go for the GX or GXL, you get a extra primary 7.0-inch digital cluster which seems prefer it’s been pulled straight out of the way more costly Lexus NX.

Construct and materials high quality is usually stable, with a mixture of soft-touch and tougher sporting supplies, in addition to licks of piano black trim. The switchgear under the show is rather like the Corolla’s and works effectively, and provides a pop of silver to interrupt up all of the black.

Consolation up entrance is fairly good, with supportive seats providing a variety of adjustment for the driving force – the passenger misses top adjustment, even within the Atmos. The steering wheel is an efficient measurement and uncluttered when it comes to multifunction switchgear, and likewise provides a superb vary of adjustment.

The second row isn’t fairly RAV4-spacious however even a bigger grownup like myself (6’1) can match behind my their very own driving place in relative consolation – I’ll word the Atmos’s mounted panoramic roof does eat into headroom if, like me, you’re on the taller facet.

Facilities embrace rear air vents, a map pocket behind the entrance passenger, ISOFIX and top-tether factors, and a pair of USB-C ports behind the rear console in the event you get the GXL and Atmos.

Boot capability ranges relying on variant:

• GX and GXL 2WD petrol: 436L
• Atmos 2WD petrol, GX and GXL 2WD Hybrid: 425L
• Atmos 2WD Hybrid: 414L
• GXL AWD Hybrid: 390L
• Atmos AWD Hybrid: 380L

Corolla Cross 2WD (together with hybrid) variations get a short lived space-saver spare wheel underneath the boot flooring, whereas AWD Hybrid fashions get a tyre restore equipment.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

The Corolla Cross provides two powertrains; a 2.0-litre ‘Dynamic Pressure’ naturally-aspirated petrol engine, in addition to a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid – the previous is front-drive (2WD) solely, the latter provides 2WD and AWD choices.

Toyota says the bottom 2.0-litre petrol develops 126kW at 6600rpm, and 202Nm between 4400 and 4900rpm. Drive is distributed completely to the entrance wheels by way of a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT) which options 10 digital ‘speeds’ in its Guide mode, in addition to a launch gear – an analogous unit is obtainable within the Corolla Hatch and Sedan.

Mixed gasoline consumption is quoted at 6.0L/100km, whereas CO2 emissions are rated at 136g/km. In contrast to another automobiles within the Toyota line-up, the petrol engine doesn’t function idle cease/begin expertise.

The hybrid, in the meantime, groups an Atkinson cycle 112kW/190Nm 2.0-litre atmo 4 with an 83kW/206Nm electrical drive motor and 4.08Ah lithium-ion battery pack – making for a 146kW system energy output. Toyota doesn’t quote mixed torque figures for its hybrid programs.

Should you go for AWD, there’s a further 30kW motor on the rear axle facilitating electrified all-wheel drive. AWD Hybrid fashions additionally change the usual torsion beam rear suspension system for a extra refined multi-link setup.

Corolla Cross Hybrid fashions use 4.3-4.4L/100km (2WD-AWD) on the mixed cycle, with CO2 emissions rated at 97-101g/km. Whatever the drivetrain, the hybrid sends drive by way of an e-CVT.

All variations of the Corolla Cross run on common 91 RON unleaded, with gasoline tank capability depending on the drivetrain. 2WD petrol variations get a 47-litre gasoline tank, whereas 2WD Hybrid and AWD Hybrid supply 36L and 43L tanks respectively.

Toyota quotes a 0-100 time of 9.0-9.2 seconds for the petrols and 7.5-7.7 seconds for the hybrids. Prime velocity for the Corolla Cross 2WD petrol is 198km/h, whereas the hybrids handle 180km/h.

All variations of the Corolla Cross are rated to tow as much as 750kg (braked).

How does the Toyota Corolla Cross drive?

Throughout our launch drive from Sydney to Whale Seaside and again we sampled a number of Corolla Cross variants, together with the Atmos 2WD and 2WD Hybrid, in addition to the entry-level GX 2WD.

Beginning off within the top-spec petrol, we drove the Corolla Cross out of Double Bay on the south facet of Sydney, navigating tight metropolis streets, undulating terrain, and tried to keep away from the town’s peak-hour visitors.

The two.0-litre petrol is a good unit, providing linear acceleration and dealing with the CVT automated in regular driving. It will get alongside high-quality and the CVT simulates shifts because the velocity climbs – simply don’t hammer it in the event you don’t just like the flarey, gruff engine sound that comes with it.

We traversed a mixture of roads on our strategy to the Northern Seashores, taking the good distance across the west facet of the CBD. Metropolis streets and suburban highways had been handled ease, as they’d be within the regular Corolla.

Efficiency isn’t what you’d name inspiring within the petrol, however the correct, fluid steering and balanced physique management imply the Corolla Cross doesn’t really feel like a careless, loping SUV when issues get twisty. It’s not the sharpest of small SUVs, nevertheless it’s removed from boring and upholds Toyota’s more moderen deal with driver engagement effectively.

Outward visibility is likewise good, a nice change over the swoopy C-HR design. The sq. physique and tall glasshouse imply the Corolla Cross is simple to put whether or not you’re slotting into gaps in visitors or attempting to make a parallel park – enjoyable truth, the driving force’s eye level is 130mm greater than the usual Corolla.

General refinement at a cruise is fairly spectacular, given different automobiles on this TNGA platform can get a bit rowdy on the rougher stuff. That’s even with the Atmos’s 18-inch alloys and 225/50 Michelin Primacy 4 tyres, and the experience will get higher on the GX’s 17s and extra forgiving Bridgestone Alenza 215/60 rubber.

Hopping into the Atmos 2WD Hybrid shortly after was extra of the identical, however with the added refinement and smoothness of electrified help. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is ready to drive as much as 40-50km/h solely on e-power.

There’s higher low-down response due to the moment torque from the electrical motor, and the petrol engine hardly ever feels strained or coarse in regular driving.

Like we’ve seen in different present Toyota hybrid fashions, the transition from electrical to petrol is nigh on seamless, and having the beefier 2.0-litre petrol means there’s no distinct lack of torque when the petrol engine fires up like within the 1.8-litre system utilized by the common Corolla and C-HR.

Threading by way of the tight streets in an round Palm Seaside and Whale Seaside, the Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Hybrid was in a position to attract extra closely on its electrical elements and spent a lot of the second loop indicating underneath 4.0L per 100km, dipping as little as 3.2L/100km at one level.

With some greater velocity and uphill sections, we completed with an indicated 4.2L/100km, which is bang on Toyota’s declare and a mighty-impressive determine at that.

Whereas the petrol-only was already fairly refined at a cruise, the serenity of the hybrid is tough to beat. Cruising by way of suburban streets at 40-50km/h in EV mode makes it a cushty factor to drive, and little question will make the varsity drop off or grocery run extra relaxed.

Just like the petrol, nonetheless, don’t count on to be thrilled whenever you put your foot down. The e-CVT will simply flare revs in the event you punch it, so whereas Toyota claims a formidable 7.5-7.7-second 100km/h run, the sound is buzzy and never very nice. I attempted hammering it from the lights and shortly lifted my foot.

As famous earlier, the experience is fairly supple even on 18s, and I used to be impressed with how the torsion beam rear suspension of 2WD fashions (petrol and hybrid) handled velocity bumps and sharper hits. Sadly, I didn’t get an opportunity to drive an AWD Hybrid back-to-back with its multi-link rear suspension

The Toyota Security Sense suite of help applied sciences is fitted normal throughout the vary, and this newest iteration of is arguably the most effective but from the Japanese model.

There’s a brand new button on the steering wheel that prompts the adaptive cruise and Lane Hint Help features for semi-autonomous freeway driving, and it proved very clean and intuitive in Sydney’s heavy visitors and tight tunnel community.

Customary blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are likewise helpful inclusions from the bottom stage, given some manufacturers require you spending on a excessive trim stage to entry a few of these options.

There’s additionally a secure exit help that triggers a lightweight and audile warning if a door is about to be opened into oncoming visitors, utilizing the blind-spot monitoring system – it may very well be the distinction between a secure exit and gathering a bicycle owner.

One grievance, nonetheless, is the standard of the cameras. The encompass digital camera within the Atmos was fairly grainy, to the purpose the place the show and related graphics regarded like that they had been blown up from a smaller, low-res display screen.

All-told, the Corolla Cross is a straightforward, no-frills little bit of equipment, that takes the competent all-round attributes of the Corolla Hatch and Sedan and applies them to a standard SUV type issue.

What do you get?

Corolla Cross GX highlights:

• LED headlights
• Halogen daytime operating lights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Area-saver spare wheel
• Energy folding, heated facet mirrors
• Embossed cloth seats
• Guide entrance seat adjustment
• Rear seats with tilt operate
• Urethane steering wheel
• Electrical park brake
• 2 x entrance, 2 x rear cupholders
• Retractable baggage cowl
• 60:40-split rear seats
• Computerized local weather management
• 7.0-inch driver’s instrument show
• Sensible entry and begin
• 12V energy socket, entrance
• USB-C port in centre console
• Energy home windows
• Door pockets with bottle holders
• 8.0-inch touchscreen
• 6-speaker audio
• AM/FM/DAB+ radio
• Bluetooth
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• Toyota Related Providers (12mth subscription)

Corolla Cross GXL provides:

• ‘Excessive-grade’ LED headlights
• LED daytime operating lights
• LED sequential flip alerts, entrance
• Entrance fog lights
• Rear privateness glass
• Roof rails
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
• Leather-based-accented/cloth upholstery
• Leather-based-accented shifter
• Leather-based-accented steering wheel
• Twin-zone automated local weather management
• 2 x USB-C ports, rear (removes centre console port)
• 10.5-inch touchscreen
• Satellite tv for pc navigation

Corolla Cross Atmos provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic moonroof (mounted)
• Energy tailgate with kick sensor
• Illuminated entry system
• Leather-based-accented seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• 2 x further rear cupholders
• Fold-down rear armrest
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated entrance seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wi-fi telephone charger

Colors

• Glacier White
• Frosted White*
• Gorgeous Silver*
• Eclipse Black*
• Atomic Rush*
• Lunar Blue*
• Moondust Gray*
• Jungle Khaki

*Premium paint prices $575

Is the Toyota Corolla Cross secure?

The Toyota Corolla Cross hasn’t been crash examined by Euro NCAP or ANCAP but, however given the associated Corolla wears five-star rankings we’d count on an analogous consequence when it’s.

Customary security options embrace:

• Toyota Security Sense
  • AEB with Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
  • Adaptive cruise management incl. curve velocity discount
  • Auto high-beam
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane maintain help
  • Lane Hint Help (centring)
  • Lane change help (NEW)
  • Pace signal help
• Blind-spot monitoring incl. secure exit help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing digital camera
• 8 airbags incl. front-centre airbag

GXL provides:

• Parking help brake incl. car, object detection
• ‘Easy’ panoramic view monitor (360 cameras)

Atmos Hybrid provides:

• Enhanced panoramic view monitor (360 cameras with see-through view)
• Superior Park Help
• Parking help brake incl. pedestrian detection

How a lot does the Toyota Corolla Cross value to run?

The Corolla Cross is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee which extends to seven years on powertrain elements if the automobile is serviced utilizing Toyota’s capped-price service program.

Upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Toyota provides reasonably priced capped-price servicing for the Corolla Cross, with the primary 5 providers capped at $230 every.

As talked about earlier, we achieved an indicated 4.2L/100km within the Atmos 2WD Hybrid, which is just about bang on Toyota’s declare. We noticed within the mid- to high-6.0L/100km for the GX 2WD petrol, a bit up on Toyota’s 6.0L/100km declare, which noticed a mixture of metropolis and freeway driving, together with some high-traffic stop-start situations.

Not unhealthy, and all fashions can run on 91 RON unleaded.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota Corolla Cross

It could not set the world on hearth, however the Corolla Cross has all of the makings of a brand new gross sales favorite.

Such is the Toyota method, the jacked-up Corolla barely places a foot unsuitable with out actually excelling in any given space. It’s a no-nonsense, no-frills SUV that can little question enchantment in a roundabout way to most, if not all demographics, very similar to its hatchback and sedan counterparts.

That’s to not say it’s boring, given the funky color choices, in addition to the fluid and nice drive expertise; plus the hybrids are so environment friendly that the $2500 premium over the usual petrol looks as if a no brainer. Additional, it’s just about a ‘excellent’ measurement, given the C-HR is a bit too on the market and the RAV4 ‘too large’ for some.

Having a hybrid variant rely that outnumbers petrols or diesels is one other level of distinction, and can cater to our market’s rising demand for electrified merchandise. Props to Toyota for once more demonstrating management on this house – although I do know some vocal commenters right here might be lamenting the shortage of a plug-in or EV possibility.

My decide? GXL 2WD Hybrid for worth, Atmos 2WD Hybrid for finest function set.

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