Toyota's crossovers like the CH-R and RAV4 are big unit-movers for the Japanese car brand, and today we like nothing more than a do-it-all compact crossover. Starting with the Yaris Cross and now with the Toyota Corolla-based Corolla Cross, we have a slightly rugged version of the smaller hatchbacks to choose from.

The economy automaker has more than its fair share of hybrid tech knowledge and applies it to the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

With the addition of some extra power and torque to the perhaps slightly-underwhelming Corolla Cross, Toyota might have happened upon the right recipe to make this a new compact crossover favorite for the last decade of gasoline sales.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

8.00 / 10
Key Features
  • 2-liter hybrid powertrain
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety features
  • Small footprint and chassis based on Toyota Corolla hatchback
Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: Corolla Cross Hybrid
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: 2-liter inline-4, hybrid
  • Horsepower: 194 hp
  • Drivetrain: Front engine, AWD
  • Transmission: CVT
Pros
  • Practicality and space improved over the Corolla and Toyota CH-R
  • Better performance and efficiency compared to the non-hybrid models
Cons
  • Still slow compared to more powerful compact crossovers out there
  • CVT gearbox standard

Take A Compact Crossover, Add A Hybrid Powertrain For Power And Efficiency

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid unit from above
Toyota

The new 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid isn’t necessarily the same as the standard Corolla Cross with a battery and electric motor, but this is where most of the difference lies.

Toyota’s Corolla Cross Hybrid will come with a 2-liter inline-4 engine, assisted by a hybrid setup that boosts power from the naturally-aspirated Cross’s 169 hp to a new peak of 194 hp.

Torque from the Atkinson-cycle, direct-injected, DOHC engine is currently not known but with this boost of power of 25 hp over the standard model and the additional torque, some of the extra weight should be offset and acceleration may slightly improve along with additional fuel economy.

In the press release from Toyota regarding the Corolla Cross Hybrid, a manufacturer-estimated 37 MPG and quotes an 8-second 0-60 mph ability – roughly 1.2 seconds faster than the non-hybrid model which also gets a combined economy figure of 30-32 MPG.

That’s a real difference at more than 50 miles extra to the tank of fuel, and for those with longer commutes the savings could mount up – though the car’s MSRP will likely offset that saving for a long while.

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Reusing The Corolla Platform And Sticking With A CVT Transmission

As we know, the gearbox in the Corolla Cross is a CVT transmission which is par for the course with many hybrids today, and here it makes a return once more.

For this car the gearbox will suit the kind of driving in which it is likely to get exposed to, and means that the car is easy to drive; it is unlikely to impress with its dynamics or speed either way; interestingly, Toyota says that it will be fun to drive which is promising.

Underpinning this funky and youthful crossover is an adjusted version of the same TNGA-C platform that the Corolla hatchback rides on, and AWD is standard, adding another string to the bow of the Cross Hybrid.

A size that finds itself between the CH-R crossover and the RAV4 SUV makes this crossover great for those who want something a little more practical than the former but not as big (or expensive) as the latter.

As something that got made for cities and extra-urban jaunts, the Cross Hybrid is likely to impress far more with its comfort and refinement than its ability to tackle any off-road tracks, where the cutely-styled panels and cladding are likely to suffer damage.

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Inside Is Where It Counts: Tech, Practicality And Convenience

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Gold, front view on road
Via: Toyota

Starting outside the vehicle, the styling is the same as the standard Cross, and it walks the line well between the bigger RAV4 and even smaller models, looking like a grown-up compact SUV.

All the lines and exterior features are modern and suggest a rugged nature, while the press photos suggest fun and youth, with the funky green colored-press car surrounded by younger adults and striking backdrops.

A modern cabin awaits inside with an 8” touchscreen as standard, and a smaller driver’s info screen between the analog dials, top-spec XLE trim has the most options and a suite of premium materials.

Toyota says the following in its press release: "17-inch Alloy wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, a sport-tuned suspension, LED head and tail lamps and smart key access. The SE grade adds privacy glass, roof rails and paddle shifters – not to mention standard Blind-Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

When moving up to the XSE grade, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s sportiest offering builds on the features of the SE and gains standard 18-inch Alloy wheels, premium LED head lamps, tail lamps and fog lamps, Softex-trimmed seats with the addition of heated front seats and a power driver’s seat.”

Practicality is a strong focus here, so second row seats that lie flat for luggage and increased space for passengers over the Corolla hatchback – not to mention a raft of the usual safety features.

Toyotas ‘TSS 3.0’ system comprises a suite of assistance such as Pedestrian Detection and Pre-Collision System; there is also a Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist and Steering Assist for autonomous-style highway driving in your hybrid Cross.

In addition, voice recognition, smartphone mirroring and wireless charging combine to make this a car very much in keeping with 2023’s tech necessities.

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Buying The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Headlight, closeup
Via: Toyota 

It’s currently advertised on the Toyota website though you need to sign up for updates, meaning the Corolla Cross is still someway to getting released.

First getting revealed in June 2022, the Hybrid “will get assembled in the U.S. at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama” and is likely to carry a premium over the standard Corolla Cross.

Currently, on Toyota’s website the Corolla Cross lists from $23,000 to $27,000 for the entry level ‘L’ and top-level ‘XLE’. Toyota’s new ‘Sport Grades’ for the hybrid version will be ‘S’, ‘SE’, and ‘XSE’.

The Japanese brand go to pains to remind us of the car’s sports suspension and sporty nature, so the car is aiming for fun, despite the brand’s more mainstream, reliable and grown-up reputation; the GR Yaris and Supra notwithstanding.

Alternatives to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid include, but are-not-limited-to the Honda HR-V which lists on the Honda website from around $24,000-$28,000, which includes a 2-liter, 158 hp engine, also coupled with a CVT transmission.