What happens when you cross the world’s most popular vehicle nameplate with an SUV? Well, you get the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Toyota already has one of the most comprehensive SUV line-ups in the industry, with at least one in every segment, and the arrival of the Corolla Cross heralds a two-pronged assault on the hotly-contested Small SUV segment – which already has over 20 entrants.
Alongside the more coupe-styled C-HR, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross hopes to take the brand’s market share in the segment beyond 21 per cent, which is more than three times Toyota’s current share of the Small SUV market.
GXL AWD Hybrid
With its boxy, more conservative looks, hybrid-heavy line-up, swathes of available technology, and one of the most recognised names in the automotive world, the Corolla Cross should be a guaranteed success.
Add to that the fact the slightly larger RAV4 Hybrid is currently experiencing wait times of over 18 months for some variants, the new model could serve as an alternative to Australia’s top-selling SUV for those who don’t want to wait.
But, is it any good? We attended the Australian media launch in Sydney to find out.
How much does the Toyota Corolla Cross cost?
Considering the industry trend of increasing prices and expensive electrified options, the Corolla Cross’s pricing is fairly reasonable.
Pricing starts at $33,000 before on-road costs for the base GX 2WD petrol, while the cheapest hybrid is $35,500 before on-road costs. You can get into a petrol-electric Corolla Cross for under $40,000 drive-away according to the brand’s online configurator.
The Corolla Cross goes further than the C-HR by offering AWD Hybrid power as well, in the form of a more powerful 2.0-litre system with Toyota’s latest fifth-generation hybrid technology. Australia misses the more powerful 2.0-litre hybrid versions of the Corolla and C-HR offered overseas.
GX 2WD
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross pricing:
- Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2WD Petrol: $33,000
- Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2WD Hybrid: $35,500
- Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2WD Petrol: $36,750
- Toyota Corolla Cross GXL 2WD Hybrid: $39,250
- Toyota Corolla Cross GXL AWD Hybrid: $42,250
- Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Petrol: $43,550
- Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Hybrid: $46,050
- Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD Hybrid: $49,050
GXL AWD Hybrid
Being on the larger side of small, the Corolla Cross is positioned competitively relative to rivals. The turbocharged UK-built Nissan Qashqai kicks off at $33,890 before on-roads, with the e-Power hybrid to only be offered on high-grade ST-L and Ti variants – indicating a starting price of around $45,000 for the electrified model.
Meanwhile, the smaller Toyota C-HR starts at $30,915 for the cheapest GXL 2WD with its 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, though the less powerful 1.8-litre hybrid is reserved for the high-spec Koba and GR Sport versions, requiring a $37,665 spend.
Even China’s GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid can’t offer a cheaper hybrid option, though the sole electrified variant of the Jolion at $40,990 drive-away is based on the top-spec model, while the equivalently-priced Corolla Cross is a base model.
Atmos AWD Hybrid
What is the Toyota Corolla Cross like on the inside?
The Corolla Cross features a cabin obviously inspired by its hatchback and sedan stablemates, with a few differences to set it apart.
A highlight is the new-generation infotainment system, which is offered in two variations depending on model.
Base GX models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen without satellite navigation, but it still offers DAB+ digital radio and wireless Apple CarPlay – Android Auto is wired. Even the base unit is a marked improvement over the current system, which offers dated, low-res graphics and laggy response times.
Pairing an iPhone wirelessly is a quick and easy process, and all models score a 12-month Toyota Connected Services subscription – meaning there’s app-based remote functions and data available via a smartphone, and inside the cabin you can use the “Hey Toyota” intelligent voice assistance to adjust the temperature, open the windows, or even search for the nearest public toilet.
The lattermost function is only available with the GXL and Atmos, given the GX doesn’t feature embedded satellite navigation. It’s a handy if novel set of functions that currently aren’t widely available in the mainstream segments with the exception of Ford’s FordPass Connect.
GXL and Atmos models get a 10.5-inch display with satellite navigation, which likewise is connected for live traffic updates and is voice assistant-compatible. If the smaller system is a marked improvement, the 10.5-inch display is a revelation compared to existing Toyota systems – though it’s only really in line with rivals rather than being a new segment benchmark.
It’s a shame the subscription period is only 12 months, when most other programs are three years from sale, and the subscriptions get a bit pricey from there. If you want the full suite of connected services, ongoing monthly charges for both the Connect+ and Multimedia packages are priced at $9.95 and $12.50 respectively – more details here.
Atmos models debut a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster understood to be coming to high-grade versions of the Corolla and RAV4 later this year, and will likely filter out across other models. It’s not quite VW slick and sharp, but it’s clean, easy to read, and offers a range of customisation options.
If you go for the GX or GXL, you get a more basic 7.0-inch digital cluster which looks like it’s been pulled straight out of the much more expensive Lexus NX.
Atmos 2WD Hybrid
Build and material quality is typically solid, with a mix of soft-touch and harder wearing materials, as well as licks of piano black trim. The switchgear below the display is just like the Corolla’s and works well, and adds a pop of silver to break up all the black.
Comfort up front is pretty good, with supportive seats offering a range of adjustment for the driver – the passenger misses height adjustment, even in the Atmos. The steering wheel is a good size and uncluttered in terms of multifunction switchgear, and likewise offers a good range of adjustment.
The second row isn’t quite RAV4-spacious but even a larger adult like myself (6’1) can fit behind my their own driving position in relative comfort – I will note the Atmos’s fixed panoramic roof does eat into headroom if, like me, you’re on the taller side.
Amenities include rear air vents, a map pocket behind the front passenger, ISOFIX and top-tether points, and a pair of USB-C ports behind the rear console if you get the GXL and Atmos.
Atmos 2WD Hybrid 
GXL AWD Hybrid
Boot capacity ranges depending on variant:
- GX and GXL 2WD petrol: 436L
- Atmos 2WD petrol, GX and GXL 2WD Hybrid: 425L
- Atmos 2WD Hybrid: 414L
- GXL AWD Hybrid: 390L
- Atmos AWD Hybrid: 380L
Corolla Cross 2WD (including hybrid) versions get a temporary space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, while AWD Hybrid models get a tyre repair kit.
Atmos AWD Hybrid
What’s under the bonnet?
The Corolla Cross offers two powertrains; a 2.0-litre ‘Dynamic Force’ naturally-aspirated petrol engine, as well as a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid – the former is front-drive (2WD) only, the latter offers 2WD and AWD options.
Toyota says the base 2.0-litre petrol develops 126kW at 6600rpm, and 202Nm between 4400 and 4900rpm. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which features 10 virtual ‘speeds’ in its Manual mode, as well as a launch gear – a similar unit is offered in the Corolla Hatch and Sedan.
Combined fuel consumption is quoted at 6.0L/100km, while CO2 emissions are rated at 136g/km. Unlike some other vehicles in the Toyota line-up, the petrol engine doesn’t feature idle stop/start technology.
The hybrid, meanwhile, teams an Atkinson cycle 112kW/190Nm 2.0-litre atmo four with an 83kW/206Nm electric drive motor and 4.08Ah lithium-ion battery pack – making for a 146kW system power output. Toyota doesn’t quote combined torque figures for its hybrid systems.
Atmos AWD Hybrid
If you opt for AWD, there’s an additional 30kW motor on the rear axle facilitating electrified all-wheel drive. AWD Hybrid models also switch the standard torsion beam rear suspension system for a more sophisticated multi-link setup.
Corolla Cross Hybrid models use 4.3-4.4L/100km (2WD-AWD) on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions rated at 97-101g/km. Regardless of the drivetrain, the hybrid sends drive through an e-CVT.
All versions of the Corolla Cross run on regular 91 RON unleaded, with fuel tank capacity dependent on the drivetrain. 2WD petrol versions get a 47-litre fuel tank, while 2WD Hybrid and AWD Hybrid offer 36L and 43L tanks respectively.
Toyota quotes a 0-100 time of 9.0-9.2 seconds for the petrols and 7.5-7.7 seconds for the hybrids. Top speed for the Corolla Cross 2WD petrol is 198km/h, while the hybrids manage 180km/h.
All versions of the Corolla Cross are rated to tow up to 750kg (braked).
GXL AWD Hybrid
How does the Toyota Corolla Cross drive?
During our launch drive from Sydney to Whale Beach and back we sampled several Corolla Cross variants, including the Atmos 2WD and 2WD Hybrid, as well as the entry-level GX 2WD.
Starting off in the top-spec petrol, we drove the Corolla Cross out of Double Bay on the south side of Sydney, navigating tight city streets, undulating terrain, and attempted to avoid the city’s peak-hour traffic.
The 2.0-litre petrol is a decent unit, offering linear acceleration and working with the CVT automatic in normal driving. It gets along fine and the CVT simulates shifts as the speed climbs – just don’t hammer it if you don’t like the flarey, gruff engine sound that comes with it.
We traversed a mix of roads on our way to the Northern Beaches, taking the long way around the west side of the CBD. City streets and suburban highways were dealt with ease, as they would be in the normal Corolla.
GXL AWD Hybrid
Performance isn’t what you’d call inspiring in the petrol, but the accurate, fluid steering and balanced body control mean the Corolla Cross doesn’t feel like a clumsy, loping SUV when things get twisty. It’s not the sharpest of small SUVs, but it’s far from boring and upholds Toyota’s more recent focus on driver engagement well.
Outward visibility is likewise good, a pleasant change over the swoopy C-HR design. The square body and tall glasshouse mean the Corolla Cross is easy to place whether you’re slotting into gaps in traffic or trying to make a parallel park – fun fact, the driver’s eye point is 130mm higher than the standard Corolla.
Overall refinement at a cruise is pretty impressive, given other vehicles on this TNGA platform can get a bit rowdy on the rougher stuff. That’s even with the Atmos’s 18-inch alloys and 225/50 Michelin Primacy 4 tyres, and the ride gets better on the GX’s 17s and more forgiving Bridgestone Alenza 215/60 rubber.
Hopping into the Atmos 2WD Hybrid shortly after was more of the same, but with the added refinement and smoothness of electrified assistance. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is able to drive up to 40-50km/h solely on e-power.
There’s better low-down response thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor, and the petrol engine rarely feels strained or coarse in normal driving.
Like we’ve seen in other current Toyota hybrid models, the transition from electric to petrol is nigh on seamless, and having the beefier 2.0-litre petrol means there’s no distinct loss of torque when the petrol engine fires up like in the 1.8-litre system used by the regular Corolla and C-HR.
Atmos AWD Hybrid
Threading through the tight streets in an around Palm Beach and Whale Beach, the Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Hybrid was able to draw more heavily on its electric components and spent most of the second loop indicating under 4.0L per 100km, dipping as low as 3.2L/100km at one point.
With some higher speed and uphill sections, we finished with an indicated 4.2L/100km, which is bang on Toyota’s claim and a mighty-impressive figure at that.
While the petrol-only was already quite refined at a cruise, the serenity of the hybrid is hard to beat. Cruising through suburban streets at 40-50km/h in EV mode makes it a comfortable thing to drive, and no doubt will make the school drop off or grocery run more relaxed.
Like the petrol, however, don’t expect to be thrilled when you put your foot down. The e-CVT will just flare revs if you punch it, so while Toyota claims an impressive 7.5-7.7-second 100km/h run, the sound is buzzy and not very pleasant. I tried hammering it from the lights and quickly lifted my foot.
As noted earlier, the ride is pretty supple even on 18s, and I was impressed with how the torsion beam rear suspension of 2WD models (petrol and hybrid) dealt with speed bumps and sharper hits. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to drive an AWD Hybrid back-to-back with its multi-link rear suspension
Atmos AWD Hybrid
The Toyota Safety Sense suite of assistance technologies is fitted standard across the range, and this latest iteration of is arguably the best yet from the Japanese brand.
There’s a new button on the steering wheel that activates the adaptive cruise and Lane Trace Assist functions for semi-autonomous highway driving, and it proved very smooth and intuitive in Sydney’s heavy traffic and tight tunnel network.
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are likewise handy inclusions from the base level, given some brands require you spending on a high trim level to access some of these features.
There’s also a safe exit assist that triggers a light and audile warning if a door is about to be opened into oncoming traffic, using the blind-spot monitoring system – it could be the difference between a safe exit and collecting a cyclist.
One complaint, however, is the quality of the cameras. The surround camera in the Atmos was quite grainy, to the point where the display and associated graphics looked like they had been blown up from a smaller, low-res screen.
All-told, the Corolla Cross is an easy, no-frills bit of kit, that takes the competent all-round attributes of the Corolla Hatch and Sedan and applies them to a conventional SUV form factor.
What do you get?
Corolla Cross GX highlights:
- LED headlights
- Halogen daytime running lights
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Space-saver spare wheel
- Power folding, heated side mirrors
- Embossed fabric seats
- Manual front seat adjustment
- Rear seats with tilt function
- Urethane steering wheel
- Electric park brake
- 2 x front, 2 x rear cupholders
- Retractable luggage cover
- 60:40-split rear seats
- Automatic climate control
- 7.0-inch driver’s instrument display
- Smart entry and start
- 12V power socket, front
- USB-C port in centre console
- Power windows
- Door pockets with bottle holders
- 8.0-inch touchscreen
- 6-speaker audio
- AM/FM/DAB+ radio
- Bluetooth
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Toyota Connected Services (12mth subscription)
Corolla Cross GXL adds:
- ‘High-grade’ LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED sequential turn signals, front
- Front fog lights
- Rear privacy glass
- Roof rails
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- Leather-accented/fabric upholstery
- Leather-accented shifter
- Leather-accented steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 2 x USB-C ports, rear (removes centre console port)
- 10.5-inch touchscreen
- Satellite navigation
Corolla Cross Atmos adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic moonroof (fixed)
- Power tailgate with kick sensor
- Illuminated entry system
- Leather-accented seats
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 2 x extra rear cupholders
- Fold-down rear armrest
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless phone charger
Colours
- Glacier White
- Frosted White*
- Stunning Silver*
- Eclipse Black*
- Atomic Rush*
- Lunar Blue*
- Moondust Grey*
- Jungle Khaki
*Premium paint costs $575
Is the Toyota Corolla Cross safe?
The Toyota Corolla Cross hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP or ANCAP yet, but given the related Corolla wears five-star ratings we’d expect a similar result when it is.
Standard safety features include:
- Toyota Safety Sense
- AEB with Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control incl. curve speed reduction
- Auto high-beam
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Lane Trace Assist (centring)
- Lane change assist (NEW)
- Speed sign assist
- Blind-spot monitoring incl. safe exit assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing camera
- 8 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
GXL adds:
- Parking support brake incl. vehicle, object detection
- ‘Simple’ panoramic view monitor (360 cameras)
Atmos Hybrid adds:
- Enhanced panoramic view monitor (360 cameras with see-through view)
- Advanced Park Assist
- Parking support brake incl. pedestrian detection
How much does the Toyota Corolla Cross cost to run?
The Corolla Cross is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty which extends to seven years on powertrain components if the car is serviced using Toyota’s capped-price service program.
Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Toyota offers affordable capped-price servicing for the Corolla Cross, with the first five services capped at $230 each.
As mentioned earlier, we achieved an indicated 4.2L/100km in the Atmos 2WD Hybrid, which is pretty much bang on Toyota’s claim. We saw in the mid- to high-6.0L/100km for the GX 2WD petrol, a bit up on Toyota’s 6.0L/100km claim, which saw a mix of city and highway driving, including some high-traffic stop-start conditions.
Not bad, and all models can run on 91 RON unleaded.
Atmos AWD Hybrid
CarExpert’s Take on the Toyota Corolla Cross
It may not set the world on fire, but the Corolla Cross has all the makings of a new sales favourite.
Such is the Toyota way, the jacked-up Corolla barely puts a foot wrong without really excelling in any given area. It’s a no-nonsense, no-frills SUV that will no doubt appeal in some way to most, if not all demographics, much like its hatchback and sedan counterparts.
That’s not to say it’s boring, given the funky colour options, as well as the fluid and pleasant drive experience; plus the hybrids are so efficient that the $2500 premium over the standard petrol seems like a no-brainer. Further, it’s pretty much a ‘just right’ size, given the C-HR is a bit too out there and the RAV4 ‘too big’ for some.
Having a hybrid variant count that outnumbers petrols or diesels is another point of difference, and will cater to our market’s increasing demand for electrified products. Props to Toyota for again demonstrating leadership in this space – though I know some vocal commenters here will be lamenting the lack of a plug-in or EV option.
My pick? GXL 2WD Hybrid for value, Atmos 2WD Hybrid for best feature set.
Atmos AWD Hybrid
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