2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Arrives With New Tech And Impressive Performance

The Toyota Corolla has been the world's best-selling car for decades. This comes as no surprise; the nameplate has become a byword for reliability and quality. But as SUVs continue to wage war on the traditional sedan, Toyota decided to cleverly apply the famed badge to a crossover of its own. The Corolla Cross has proved popular - it's dominating the sales charts in several markets. To lend the small SUV more appeal, the Japanese company has introduced a hybrid derivate in the USA.

The newcomer is bristling with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid technology. 194-horsepower is at the driver's disposal, allowing for a fairly brisk 0 to 60 mph sprint time of eight seconds. Performance is of little importance to most hybrid owners - it's gas mileage that's front of mind. Toyota estimates the electrified Cross can achieve 37 mpg on the combined cycle. All-wheel-drive is standard for the newcomer. Like its ICE-powered sibling, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is underpinned by the TNGA-C platform.

Potential buyers will be able to choose from a total of five trim grades; S, SE, and XSE join the LE and XLE trim levels. On the lower rung of the Hybrid ladder, you'll find the S trim level. It may be the base model, but Toyota has loaded it up with LED head- and taillights, 17-inch wheels, and sporty suspension. Convenience features include smart key access and an eight-inch touchscreen.

Upgrading to SE nets you paddle shifters, privacy glass, and, importantly, rear cross-traffic assist and a blind-spot monitor. Toyota describes the XSE as the more dynamic choice which is reflected in the standard 18-inch wheels, premium LED head-, tail-, and fog lights. Inside, you'll find a power-adjustable driver's seat and Softex upholstery. The addition of heated front seats is a boon.

The eagle-eyed among you would have spotted the Hybrid's unique snout. This distinctive facia is exclusive to Sport trim levels; the rear end also gains a unique look. Two-tone paint is also available.

For the 2023 model year, all Corolla Cross models receive Toyota's new Multimedia System. This welcome update sees the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-C charging ports. Naturally, Bluetooth also makes the cut but tech-lovers can also opt for an in-car Wi-Fi subscription that allows owners to link Amazon Music or Apple Music accounts to their respective vehicles.

As a small family car, safety is key. Toyota hasn't skimped on features, equipping all 2023 Corolla Cross models with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The enhanced safety suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection which, says Toyota, can also detect motorbikes in certain conditions. Aside from this, the jacked-up Corolla also gains lane-departure assist, radar cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Toyota Rear Seat Reminder is also standard fitment to all trim levels.

Additional luxury features include available dual-zone automatic climate control and a power sunroof.

The Hybrid is available with two-tone paint schemes. Buyers can opt from Sonic Silver, Barcelona Red, Blue Crush Metallic, and Acidic Blast (pictured) to be paired with a black roof.

These and several other colors can be specified without the black roof, with Wind Chill Pearl being the only cost-extra choice, at $425. Like its ICE-powered brethren, the Corolla Cross Hybrid will be built right here in the United States. Assembly will take place at the new Alabama-based Mazda Toyota facility, which can produce up to 150,000 Cross models every year.

Toyota hasn't announced how much it will cost (or when it will hit dealerships) but, based on Corolla/Corolla Hybrid pricing, we expect the Corolla Cross Hybrid to command a premium of around $3,000 to $4,000 over its conventional counterparts. Factor in the two-year/25,000 mile scheduled maintenance plan and we anticipate the new Hybrid model will be a massive hit.