Toyota’s Corolla has maintained a strong position in the small sedan category for many years due to its outstanding dependability and affordability. Toyota has now broadened the Corolla range by introducing the Corolla Cross, which complements the sedan and hatchback editions. Given the current preferences of car buyers for crossovers and SUVs, it’s only logical for Toyota to add a crossover variation of the Corolla to enhance its appeal.
The 2022 Corolla Cross incorporates all the positive aspects of the sedan and hatchback versions, but with its increased ride height, roomier interior, and expanded cargo space, it proves to be the most functional version.
The present-day Corolla boasts a more modern appearance compared to earlier models, but the entire family might still not be considered very captivating. This also applies to the Corolla Cross, which features a somewhat moderate design similar to the smaller C-HR. While its contoured body provides a bit of allure, individuals seeking a more dynamic or fashionable vehicle might find the styling of the Corolla Cross a tad uninspiring.
The interior closely resembles that of the Corolla sedan with its simplistic layout. While everything is well-organized, both the exterior and interior designs exude an overall sense of simplicity. The digital instrument cluster appears outdated, and the infotainment system operates on Toyota’s previous generation technology, which is not particularly impressive. When compared to one of the Corolla’s key competitors, the 2023 Honda HR-V, the latter offers a more elegant interior ambience.
A notable issue with the interior is the limited rear leg space. During our test drive with two average-sized passengers in the back, the front occupants frequently experienced inadvertent contact with knees. A mere 32.0 inches of rear legroom is unlikely to impress taller individuals, but at least it surpasses the legroom available in the hatchback model. The front also lacks ample storage space due to the narrow center console. In the rear, there’s 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity for FWD and 24.3 for AWD.
For the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross is exclusively equipped with a single engine, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder coupled with a CVT. This powertrain produces 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The engine exhibits difficulty propelling the Corolla Cross around town and struggles even more during highway merging maneuvers. Pressing the accelerator fully results in loud engine noise with minimal acceleration. Luckily, the 2023 Corolla Cross will introduce a more potent hybrid powertrain option.
The front-wheel drive variant achieves fuel consumption ratings of 31 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive variant is slightly less efficient at 29/32/30 mpg.
Despite the unremarkable powertrain, the Corolla Cross offers decent handling with minimal body sway. While all-wheel drive versions feature a multilink rear suspension, front-wheel drive models incorporate a torsion beam suspension. Regrettably, the steering feels too light to encourage spirited driving. For those seeking an engaging small crossover driving experience, the Mazda CX-30 may be a better fit.
The 2022 Corolla Cross is offered in three trims: L, LE, and XLE. Prices commence at $23,780, with the top-of-the-line all-wheel drive XLE priced at $29,210.
All in all, the Corolla Cross is a suitable choice if you prioritize dependability, practicality, and affordability in a small crossover. However, if you desire those attributes along with excitement, the Corolla Cross might fall short. It lacks distinctiveness in any particular aspect, its design is easily forgettable, and the interior feels excessively basic.
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