Verdict
Design | Consolation | Expertise | Efficiency | Security | Effectivity | Value | FAQs
Lengthy the darling of left-brainers, the Toyota Corolla gives a whole bunch of 1000’s of householders yearly with reliability, effectivity, and practicality, however not a lot in the way in which of driving pleasure. And with the ever-expanding recognition of small crossovers, it doesn’t take a lot out-of-the-box pondering to appreciate that tossing the Corolla’s sterling popularity right into a consumer-friendly, high-riding bundle could possibly be a method for showroom success.
Enter the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. That includes the identical 2.0-liter inline-four, constantly variable transmission, and mechanical underpinnings because the sedan, the Corolla Cross brings an added dose of logic to a phase that additionally consists of the not too long ago revealed Honda HR-V, trendy Mazda CX-30, and not-a-Golf Volkswagen Taos. And whereas it doesn’t set the fanatic coronary heart ablaze, the Toyota will simply discover its strategy to the garages of people that worth under-the-radar vehicular competence and good worth over heavy-breathing driving dynamics.
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43 Photographs
Design
Exterior Shade: Celestite Inside Shade: Black Wheel Measurement: 18 Inches
Corollas are usually styled for the bottom frequent denominator, and the crossover variant is not any exception. However emotive design is uncommon on this phase, save maybe Toyota’s personal C-HR, which compensates for its cramped inside with happy-frog styling. In contrast to that polarizing (and claustrophobic) CUV, the Corolla Cross will fortunately serve within the background, attracting fewer jeers than if it had wildly love-hate fashion. The lengthy entrance overhang and wide-eyed headlights do take some getting used to, however sculpted entrance and rear fenders assist preserve the design grounded.
Inside, there’s an ergonomically laid out dashboard with a monolithic heart touchscreen and ample – although not class-leading – supplies. My solely vital criticism in regards to the cabin is a splash high that’s extra reflective than I’d like. It’s nonetheless not as unhealthy because the high-gloss Kia Seltos or plasticky Volkswagen Taos, however the Corolla Cross does forged some distracting reflections onto the windshield on vivid days.
Consolation
Seating Capability: 5 Seating Configuration: 2 / 3 Cargo Capability: 25.2 Cubic Toes
Regardless of an unimpressive rear legroom measurement of 32.0 inches, the Corolla Cross by no means feels notably cramped due to its upright seating place. Toyota’s nice SofTex fake leather-based upholstery covers the supportive seats, that are heated up entrance. The Corolla SUV additionally rides moderately nicely, thanks partially to the all-wheel-drive mannequin’s multilink rear suspension (front-drivers get a much less subtle torsion-beam setup).
Sadly, the torpid 2.0-liter inline-four and constantly variable transmission are a recipe for engine thrash, so that you’d finest get accustomed to the noise if you wish to sustain with freeway site visitors. And the air-con has a tough time preserving the cabin frosty when temperatures crest 90 levels and the solar is within the sky. There’s additionally a slight lack of storage – there are not any door pockets within the again, and the slender heart console and shallow armrest cubby make it robust for the entrance seat occupants to stash their wallets, telephones, and different accouterments.
Expertise & Connectivity
Middle Show: 8.0-Inch Touchscreen Instrument Cluster Show: 7.0 Inches Wi-fi Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: Sure / Sure
Utilizing Toyota’s dated-looking Entune infotainment software program, the Toyota Corolla Cross received’t be taking the stage at CES any time quickly. However easy menus and a split-screen operate for the 8.0-inch heart show imply it’s straightforward to regulate issues whereas driving down the highway. The semi-digital instrument cluster bundles a 7.0-inch display within the heart with just a few analog gauges flanking it, and it’s likewise straightforward to function utilizing the steering wheel buttons.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary. There’s a Qi wi-fi charger within the heart console to go together with a single information/charging USB-A port up entrance and two charging USB-A ports for rear-seat passengers.
Efficiency & Dealing with
Engine: 2.0-Liter Inline-4 Output: 169 Horsepower / 150 Pound-Toes Transmission: Repeatedly Variable Transmission
Strive as I would, I couldn’t get enthusiastic about driving the Corolla Cross. Credit score the place it’s due, the aforementioned multilink rear suspension provides the Toyota spectacular highway manners, with well-controlled physique motions and surprisingly good dealing with on a winding, bumpy highway. However the engine feels wheezy and underpowered when accelerating up a freeway onramp, and the CVT does nothing to encourage enthusiasm. A hybrid mannequin is coming to market that ought to enhance on each fronts. The steering is relentlessly numb, as nicely. Until Toyota decides to enliven the Corolla Cross with a GR variant, don’t anticipate a lot behind-the-wheel enjoyable from the small SUV.
Security
Driver Help Stage: SAE Stage 2 NHTSA Ranking: Not Rated IIHS Ranking: High Security Choose+
Toyota loves throwing the safety-feature guide at its commodity automobiles. The Corolla Cross comes customary with computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure prevention with lane centering, computerized excessive beams, and full-speed adaptive cruise management. To that spectacular listing, the highest XLE mannequin provides blind spot monitoring and parking help with low-speed computerized braking. Though it makes use of a one-generation-old model of Toyota’s security suite, the Corolla Cross nonetheless gives good highway manners with all these options activated.
Gasoline Financial system
Pricing
Base Value: $22,445 + $1,215 Vacation spot Trim Base Value: $29,090 As-Examined Value: $32,420
Beginning at lower than $24,000, the bottom Corolla Cross L is an efficient worth for people on a funds, with lots of house and practicality for not a lot money. All-wheel drive is a good way to spend an extra $1,300, ditching the twist-beam rear suspension for one thing a bit much less akin to an oxcart. If you would like keyless entry and begin, you’ll should swing for the mid-level LE, whereas heated SofTex seats are reserved completely for the flagship XLE.
On high of that car’s $29,090 beginning worth with all-wheel drive, my Corolla Cross tester had a $3,330 bundle with JBL premium audio, an influence hatch, a sunroof, and steering-adaptive headlights. If it had been my cash, I’d be okay shedding out on the flowery audio system and the swiveling lights. Keep on with the $1,250 Comfort bundle (sunroof, energy hatch) and also you’ve obtained a well-equipped, sensible, and environment friendly crossover for $30,340. Such a logical selection might solely be the purview of a Corolla product.
