Check 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 automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based 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 economic system: 35.8 mpg
EPA-estimated gas economic 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 check automobile: Moonroof Package deal ($1740)
Worth as examined: $32,365
Fast Hits
The nice: Good energy, sensible design, nice gas economic system
The nice: 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 identify of a discontinued sporty coupe and convertible not particularly effectively beloved 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 identify of one in every of its longest-running, best-loved, and most-understood-to-be-reliable fashions: Corolla. Understanding solely the identify, most Shoppers probably make a handful of assumptions concerning the Corolla Cross, all of that are probably constructive. That’s good advertising.
As famous above, the Corolla Cross was new for ’22, and gave the impression to be on the trail for hot-seller standing, have 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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Curiously, non-hybrid and hybrid variations of the Corolla Cross are given utterly separate trim-level designations. Non-hybrid variants ascent by way of 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 analogous 2.0-liter engine that’s augmented by three electrical motors. Hybrids, as famous above, come solely with AWD and in addition 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 provided 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 check automotive was technically a pre-production unit, all that appeared unsorted was pricing. Our value numbers shared above are estimates. All advised, 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 now we have no main complaints. The cabin itself is decently appointed, and appears OK for a $32,000 automobile. We’d observe although, that for comparable or much less cash, the cabins of similar-size automobiles, together with the redesigned Chevrolet Trax and the just lately freshened Subaru Crosstrek come throughout as extra premium. That mentioned, workmanship seems high notch.
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Functionally, we discovered the first controls simple to find and easy to make use of, and touchscreen operation usually seamless, although the system was typically gradual to reply to touchscreen inputs. The instrument panel is comprised of actual gauges—not a digital facsimile—and is clear and straightforward to learn in all gentle circumstances. The optionally available JBL audio system is a pleasant contact at this value level, and gives better-than-average playback.
Occupants of all sizes will discover the ‘Cross’s front-row seating spacious, and coming into and exiting the automotive is simple. The second row, nevertheless, is much less accommodating, and finest reserved for smaller adults and youngsters.
On the transfer the Corolla Cross Hybrid shines. Although no rocket, there’s loads of energy in any respect speeds, and adequate low-end muscle to make simple work of each day commuting chores. The identical can’t be mentioned of the usual Corolla Cross, which desires for energy even in routine driving.
They hybrid programs is very refined, and its operation isn’t seen by drivers not in search of proof of its existence. Likewise, the engine cease/begin system is clean and unobtrusive. In routine driving with a bias in the direction of city use, our check Corolla Cross Hybrid returned 35.8 mpg. That’s lower than the EPA mixed fuel-economy estimate, however nonetheless glorious given the facility and efficiency on faucet.
Dealing with is one other sturdy 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 motive to not go hybrid if buying a Corolla Cross. The added energy, improved gas economic system, and sure higher resale worth simply justify the improve. As for the Corolla Cross itself, it’s a bit of gentle on frills, and the cabin is a bit of spartan, however the normal commuting expertise is refined and shock free, and there’s simply sufficient ride-and-handling sportiness to maintain issues attention-grabbing. There’s a motive that Corolla is a part of the Corolla Cross identify, and Toyota loyalists gained’t be dissatisfied by making the affiliation.
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2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SE Gallery
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