2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SUV

　　

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross SUV last year to fill the gap between the larger RAV4 and the now discontinued C-HR subcompact. Now there's an additional model within the lineup: the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. As you'd expect, it's just like the regular Corolla Cross but has a hybrid powertrain that provides better fuel efficiency.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$91/mo  for Corolla Cross Hybrid S

　　Corolla Cross Hybrid S

　　S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,970 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $29,290 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $31,065 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Toyota estimates the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will get up to 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is a big increase over the regular all-wheel-drive version of the Corolla Cross, which gets 30 mpg combined. Notably, the hybrid powertrain is also more powerful than its non-hybrid sibling and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

　　Overall, we like the Corolla Cross and think it's worth a look if you're interested in an inexpensive small SUV that gets high fuel economy. But it might also be worth your time to cross-shop the Kia Niro. It's also a pint-sized hybrid SUV but has a few advantages over the Corolla Cross. Toyota's Prius hatchback and larger RAV4 are also viable options.

　　

Which Corolla Cross Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

We don't always suggest the top trim level, but we'd go with the fully loaded XSE.  For only a few thousand dollars more than the base model, the XSE includes appealing features such as upgraded upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument panel, and front and rear parking sensors.

　　

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in three trim levels: S, SE and XSE. All versions are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system (196 combined horsepower) that drives all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Standard features include:

　　S

　　Starts off the Corolla Cross Hybrid, with:

　　17-inch wheels LED headlights Automatic climate control Remote keyless entry with push button ignition Height-adjustable driver's seat 8-inch infotainment touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)All Corolla Cross Hybrids come standard with Toyota's suite of advanced driver aids known as Safety Sense 3.0. This includes:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)SE

　　Adds a few nice-to-have features, such as:

　　Heated outside mirrors Tinted rear windows Rear windshield wiper Extra USB ports Leather-wrapped steering wheel Wireless phone charger Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)XSE

　　Tops the range with:

　　18-inch wheels Folding rear armrest Dual zone climate control Auto-dimming rearview mirror Ambient lighting Power-adjustable driver's seat Heated front seats Upgraded upholstery Digital instrument cluster Front and rear parking sensors with automatic brakingOnly a few options are available for the Corolla Cross Hybrid including two-tone paint, a JBL audio system, a power liftgate and a moonroof.

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