2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD Off-Road Test Disaster!

[@johnpalmer4996]

What a wonderful vehicle to buy, checks all my boxes. 45 MPG, can tow 1500 pounds, can do a little off roading , handles snow pretty well, has 8 inch height above the ground. Love the safety features like emergency automatic stopping my minivan doesn't have. It's also made in Alabama . I use my 2018 Kia Sedona to tow my 25 foot Panga boat, I roll my lawn tractor into the back of the van etc., but it burns a ton of gas driving in stop and go traffic areas. I'll keep that van and purchase this Toyota for everyday use. Now I'll have 2 great vehicles that'll do all kinds of things well, I can go on long drives with the Toyota and not burn a lot of gas, I can go down dirt roads with some confidence I won't get stuck in a rut in the road , I can tow a 16 foot aluminum boat 200 miles and not burn a ton of fuel, I'll have a vehicle that I can drive to a hospital during a snowstorm and with the Minivan I can tow big boats, haul enormous amounts of cargo and transport up to 8 people. Who needs a pickup truck ? Win Win!

[@gschweiger]

I appreciate you showing your frustration, mistakes and realizations. It makes for a very honest review.

[@fixedwing1]

My impulse comment is basically the same so I agree. Reality vs "instagram moments". Ryan is keeping it real.

[@aprilweimer1979]

This … The ground clearance is only around 5 - 6 inches I wouldn’t be trying to crawl over any kind of trails like that without at least 8 inches of ground clearance. I really wonder how this would perform in snow or sand which is primarily what I’m interested in for this vehicle. It also comes with a 19 inch tires and I wonder if it would perform a little better if it had an off roading tire.

[@Flying-Fox19]

Ground clearance would make a difference along with good off-road tires. Would fitting performance tires on Corolla sedan vs a Civic with stock tires racing on a track? Hell yeah. 19 tires for this small SUV also would feel more uncomfortable on bad roads.

[@jstrecu8054]

Appreciate you showing when things aren't going smoothly, and how an experienced person would act in those situations.

[@GLBProductions]

Well done Ryan for keeping calm and composed enough to film and narrate AND sort out the situation all at the same time 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@AarmOZ84]

An economy crossover SUV is definitely not a first choice for someone wanting to off-road. However, mad respect for testing this little SUV to its limits.

[@hystericalJuggernaut]

Ryan you are consistently the best reviewer for not only testing off-road capability but showing the ease of the full recovery process like this and the new raptor for when things go south!

[@fstein9099]

The furthest offroad most of these will get is if they park on the grass beside the driveway

[@wildbill23c]

As with many crossovers and Jeeps as well. Most people never leave pavement with their vehicles, the worst they do is hitting a curb at Walmart.

[@ogalief]

And of course they have to put on all these plastic appendages to make it look rugged, and make all of the ads look outdoorsy. In reality, it can't handle much worse than a gravel parking lot

[@wildbill23c]

@@ogalief Which is mostly where these types of vehicles are driven...the worse they may see is snow and ice on the highway and possibly side streets in town. That's all I'd use a crossover for anyways. Except I wouldn't pay the kind of money dealers are asking for this junk. For that kind of money I'd rather have an old Jeep Cherokee XJ that has been properly restored.

[@hopnhike]

I love the vehicle. Not for 4x4 trailheads but I think if might be fine for difficult 2WD trailheads. I learned a lot from your skills as a driver! Thank you!

[@bjsimon802]

All hybrid have low resistant tires, swap out the tires and maybe there will be difference. There is offoading videos of Hybrid Rav4 in ukraine, and it did very well for hybrid. The tires dont grip because they are meant for pavement and his meant to save fuel and does not have clearance. It needs lift kit and some terrain tires, and i am sure it will do well. But for now it is meant to save fuel, and save money. That is what hybrids do.

[@davidl.howser9707]

Finally....A very honest vehicle review channel to watch very often. Nice !

[@koskos1971]

I really appreciate that you showed all the effort but really its not your fault. In the beginning we didn't know that Rav4 and corolla cross as well as yaris cross are only 4x4 in the label behind. The truth is that the motors in the back wheels are too weak in power in order to push the car and if you watch your video you will notice it . Its not the rocks or the place . If you had an 1.5 Ford Bronco sport or a Subaru you could notice the diference. Even a Huyndai Tuscon 1.6 would do better because it splits the power front and back equally. Warm Greetings from a subscriber and fan from Greece .

[@jamesconnor9142]

I was thinking FWD GAS engine doesn't kick in till over 40-45 MPH. So I dont know how to get power to front wheel for gas motor to help? I think RWD is for more power and front electric motor is main pulling motor.

[@aaronbehindbars]

I think most people buying these aren't expecting a ton of off-road prowess, but finding the limits is how you know how to stay within them. A set of tires would make a huge difference. Falken makes a Wildpeak A/T Trail in the stock size (for the S and SE with the 17's). Better traction might have allowed slower speed over obstacles...less damage underneath...maybe. Perhaps some underbody protection, a small lift, and A/T tires might make a Corolla Cross Adventure Hybrid to give Toyota something to sell against the Crosstrek.

[@joeytucker341]

Thank you for showing us all a new use for traction boards. Before today, I was only aware of their use as a fashion accessory on urban dwelling overlanding vehicles.

[@Jayman77]

You are an amazing reviewer and driver. You understand how these AWD systems work, and ways we can manipulate the AWD system to get it to do what we would like to do as much as the computers allows. Great recovery. Everyone needs to see this. Keep on testing the limits!

[@garrettyankton5411]

This is a great demonstration of why you need proper tires. Street tires like the ones on this car would have struggled with most vehicles. Same would go for winter conditions

[@adambakkam1527]

Looks like this video is made for You tube views only. 99% won't take this off road. This car meant to be a high seating position car with tons of safety features. The rear electric motor is there to give a push during takeoff from a full stop to give a pep and increase milage. It is NOT meant to be an off-road vehicle. My CCH SE averages around 52+ in summer and around 43-44 in winter (mid-west). Excellent package for the price.

[@drivingsports]

We take everything with AWD and Crossover design off-road or on trails.

[@kenhoward3512]

I think Toyota would say this is an "all-weather" or "soft-road" vehicle, not off-road (especially with no underbody protection).

[@mirceaisaila1454]

No Corolla Cross was harmed during filming :))

[@thomasward00]

My Wife's 2020 Toyota CHR developed a slight noise with the CVT Transmission at 67K Miles, Toyota diagnosed and handed us a Transmission replacement cost of $10,500 plus tax, we ran and sold to Carmax, Just bought a new Mazda CX30 with Auto Transmission. No more CVT's, they are all junk.

[@gordonleung9008]

Own a AWD Hybrid in Australia. The car is basically 2wd, awd is just for light gravel and better traction in the rain

[@bjsimon802]

you need the tires, and higher lift. Because they offroad hybrid in ukraine and russia, they do well. This is not high enought because hybrid are meant to save fuel. Also they have low resistant tires for fuel saving. Upgrade to Rav4 Edge, or called Adventure.

[@tomkato6400]

While it must have been frustrating for you, I’m glad you did this to demonstrate the limits of a CUV. If I owned this vehicle and have to drive off pavement quite a bit, I would invest in some All-Terrain tires. Those Michelin Primacy scream MPG and pavement.

[@scottk1562]

Yep. Can't blame all of the short comings on the vehicle. Most of his issues are tire related. Does not take a rocket scientist to understand this. The Cross is not a Trophy Truck after all.

[@jeffreysmith4304]

I'm Glad it was just Scratches and A/C Condenser TY for showing us the "Mistakes" Along with the "Victories" It Actually Strengthens your Credibility Knowing you don't Hide The bad Stuff

[@MagicNash89]

Congratulations on posting your way of getting out, this is one of my favourite episodes of yours, I think

[@burakalkan4137]

This review was kinda,... honest, and I like that about it, not everything goes smoothly in the world

[@IndoZambian]

Great to show the whole process! I also wonder if these types of CUV AWD systems are really meant for inclement weather. They offer better control on wet pavement/rain and snow vs. going off road.

[@kevinb2844]

Great and practical question… while it may be more interesting to watch a video about off road-guarantee 97 percent of people who buy these vehicles need them for conditions on road and main videos should be how they function in wet weather and snow.

[@paulc2548]

Excellent review of the off road all wheel drive capability. You do a very detail on 'off road' test in every videos and I love it. You are about the one who reviews cars and trucks' all wheel drive/4WD in full details, great job. Thanks for sharing videos with all of us out here.

[@kenhoward3512]

"TFL Off-Road" channel does a very analytical test of each low-traction situation using variously-placed rollers under the wheels, along with an off-road course.

[@Jim-bh7gs]

Interesting, but the only off road I'll ever do is the supermarket parking lot.😊 I am still very interested in the corolla cross hybrid.

[@whafrog]

Wow, kudos for showing the whole process. A testament to your integrity! Also, great learning for the rest of us! 👍

[@py1211]

I think an SUV is not designed for serious off roading like this especially with normal road tires, but anyway thanks for your demonstration.

[@chad.breece]

Was looking to buy one of these buy ended up with a Crosstrek instead. I'm happy with that decision

[@wildbill23c]

I think the Subaru is a much better choice...they sometimes get a bad reputation due to some engine issues a few years back, and the CVT but I think Subaru has corrected a lot of that, and their Wilderness line has got me interested, for 99% of what I do a Subaru Forester or Outback Wilderness would work just fine.

[@lespecsman]

The first words my grandson learnt to say was Subachew Closschek

[@Blue.Crawler]

Hats off to you for staying calm with what could have been a bad situation. Glad it was just a scratch as the black knight would say

[@eamonob84]

A scratch? Your arm’s off!

[@kgpax]

Main problem is this awd system is not really awd...it's more like an fwd rear assist system

[@farcinue]

Well, got a lesson on how to use traction boards too! Glad nothing was badly damaged.

[@bderris]

Ironic that the license plate frame says "Let's go places."

[@tinhinnh]

yes but it doesnt say specifically offroad 😉

[@guyva_unito_sree3]

oh were you expecting a land cruiser out of a corolla. it can go 99% of places except up a mountain which you probably never do either. derp

[@ericpizarro3084]

It was a disaster indeed!

[@bderris]

@Today.s-Noah-Zack-Wintz-UTube calm down. Just commenting about the irony.

[@tinhinnh]

most people dont offroad so theres nothing wrong or ironic about the slogan 😊

[@therealjeffg]

Really interesting to see the recovery….thanks for continuing to film that bit…..slowly slowly is my take away.

[@dansanger5340]

You do what nobody else does. As interesting to watch as the ID4 overland trek.

[@ted9592]

Thanks for this. I am looking at one of these. I dont go seriously off-roading, but this tells me it can do the basic off-road that I need. I need a nice toll road commuter that can go into the country once in a while.

[@MrBryant240sx]

Maybe get yourself a second set of wheels for when you know you will go offroad.

[@stevennevins6643]

This guy should have a million subscribers.

[@deltaorion4826]

This is the kind of chaos reviews I subscribe for. Now waiting for the Bronco sport hybrid coming out next year.

[@0HOON0]

Hell yeah. My favorite chaos review was Ryan's trip into deep, deep back country snow with the ZR2 Bison. Thought it was going to turn into a survival episode. 😂

[@creolep6882]

I appreciate your unbiased and honest reviews. Definitely makes me rethink any future lease options I have with AWD here in the NorthEast

[@quixomega]

Im not surprised, this really isnt something that screams "offroad me" and I doubt many owners will be trying anything more intense than a gravel road. The CX-30 review where he got it stuck didn't stop me from buying one.

[@pezones]

Reminds me of the time I took my 1989 Cavalier Z24 on a dirt road and put a hole in the oil pan. Next day I tried to patch it with JB weld, it didn't work lol

[@robertlee7332]

I am glad no chickens were harmed during filming. : ) Love your videos.

[@diegoromero-perez635]

Dude, I was gonna buy one just like this, thinking of it as a 4WD vehicle with off-road capabilities, which you just showed and proved does not have. Totally out of my list! Thanks for showing the things dealers would never tell you.

[@jicalzad]

Why were u thinking it would be a capable off-road vehicle?

[@nickwaller5119]

AWD is just a marketing word that makes the average consumer feel “safer”…. At least in a lot of vehicles these days

[@wildbill23c]

Until it snows then AWD/4WD just means makes every bad driver feel overconfident in their lack of driving capability.

[@jamesconnor9142]

Ive been in off road with 2013 Corolla. The bumper was to low some spots and one big rock came up thru floor pan at backseat foot rest Id be windows down AC off and seatbelt off

[@user-vh9fn2qg6v]

Great job! Best car reviews on KZbin.

[@timyen75]

real and honest off-road test is this channel. thanks

[@tedantares2751]

Crap! I'd go for a Forester!

[@wildbill23c]

Me too. A Subaru Forester or Outback Wilderness will hopefully in the not so distant future replace my aging bad tempered 2005 Ford Taurus LOL.

[@nathanmrg2]

Appreciate your insight, its really meant for very light duty off roading, nothing crazy. I see that using all season tires would help over the hard stock pavement tires on this vehicle. Do the bigger 18 inch wheels on the xse make a driving difference than the SE 17 inch wheels for rough roads? I'm not sure bigger aluminum wheels are better especially with respect to gravel, dirt, and mud as well as the maintenance (rock chips in rotors, electrical components etc). I would think 16 inch wheels would be better for this. Lastly, did you notice the stop start function at all, or is it electric torque with the pedal when AWD is utilized from a stop? It doesn't clear the memory when you push back on the pedal does it from a stop? It would be nice to have a function to turn this off sometimes so the computer realizes to keep AWD. I'm not that familiar with the Pruis 5th generation platform and its AWD computer.

[@johnnylau77]

Because of this video that everything is real. I hit the bell for this channel

[@j-dub.d-trey]

Dear Toyota: Corolla Cross Woodland edition. If you’re going to offer the 8” ground clearance, offer better angles and an x-mode like BLD setting.

[@jovenciorefuerzo9157]

My wife and I are thinking of having this for our family. Thanks for a good review, it did help a bit.

[@johns6816]

Great video, shows the true nature of trail riding!

[@dongibson644]

The Crosstrek or Forester better off road.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Wait, did I just watch 9 minutes (of a 19 minute video) of Ryan rescuing his tester from a rocky incline using a combination of ramps, traction pads and rocks, then declare, "this vehicle did a remarkable job, excellent." I don't think I know what words mean anymore.

[@0HOON0]

Toyota should build an off-road trim to compete with the Crosstrek.

[@tinker1148]

Exactly! You can clearly see that it wouldn’t transfer enough power to get it out so obviously it wasn’t a traction issue like he kept saying. I think he was just understandably nervous about the oil pan and not really thinking about what he was saying.

[@scottk1562]

There is a setting available to enable tracking lines in the backup camera.

[@jamiecraswell9368]

Wow ! My heart was in my throat while watching you get this car out ! Great video thanks!!

[@andersriksson100]

Nice, seems pretty capable on fair trails but I guess occasional towing is more common among most drivers...? I have'nt yet seem a video with the Corolla cross pull a loaded boat trailer say 700-1000kg up a slippery boat ramp - any video suggestions or other input? Will the rear wheels help sufficiently if the front wheels loose grip?

[@spencerloop284]

What’s good man! I kinda found this from the rav4 video! I appreciate the recovery efforts… because I feel like this this is a quite real situation. I always end up sweaty and frustrated, but out of the situation. Sweet use of tools to get out of the situation, thankfully it was familiar to ya!

[@irenecohen8708]

I am watching this because it popped up on my feed, we just bought this vehicle and love it. I live in southern California and have no plans for off road traveling, snow, ice, rocks, etc. Using the bridges, etc. reminds me of the rear wheel drive Volvo I had in 1988 in New York State. I was constantly getting stuck in snow drifts, getting uphill during a snowstorm was difficult and after using my plywood boards and kitty litter I would fishtail all the way home. I think the 18 year old Subaru Outback I just traded in would do better under your conditions.

[@jdmspiritturkey]

europe has old face and new multimedia with slightly bigger screen but no wireless apple car play. why do they make that way I don't understand.

[@jamesfish8336]

If there was more damage, would Toyota be understanding or would they take you off the PR list?

[@FM-ij7iu]

I know this must have been so frustrating but I couldn’t help giggling. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@louism4365]

AWD and 4WD are two different approach of the "all wheel" system. One is for "on-roading" in extrem condition (Rain, Ice, Snow, Gravels, Sand ...) and the other for real "off-roading" meaning going anywhere, further, deeper and hoping comeback. Some brands are very good in both like Subaru and even Audi with the Quattro system. This "thing" is more a comfy-highway-compact-vus something hahah Toyota should have backed up its old Tercel 4wd system. Great test and well done for the driving of an AWD in these conditions !

[@welcometofreddysplace]

Thanks for stepping up to do the real reviews.

[@rikkihodgins3613]

With right angles any car can off-road I’ve been on almost 20 different mountain backroads in Montana in my 08 accord and never got stuck and rarely spin a tire with all seasons cheap ones

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Thank God.. It was definitely a Butt Puckering moment, Ryan.. I was already worried for you and how much it would cost to repair it.. Glad it was just the A/C condenser.

[@0HOON0]

Ryan has sold A LOT of 4Runners for Toyota over the years. They should comp him an oil pan.

[@Californiagent]

😂 i love your channel bro ! Thanks for another amazing episode

[@rbluesu44]

I am torn between this car and Crosstrek, I love the fuel economy of this car, but I could get used Crosstrek save some money which car any advice ? I live in New England and I get a lot snow. I also might take the car dirt road but nothing hardcore.

[@0HOON0]

I love the way Crosstreks drive but might opt for the Toyota for that long term durability. Have you test driven them yet? If so what were your thoughts?

[@rbluesu44]

@@0HOON0 thanks for reply. I have not driven either of them yet. I drive outback right now, however it is old might giving to member of family. It hard decision but if you put anything with snow tires it helps. However ground clearance is hug in winter, I believe the Crosstrek has more clearance. I know the gas mileage will be better in the Toyota. I know the toyota will probably last longer. It is a tough choice.

[@tinker1148]

Subaru for sure. This Toyota has a terrible AWD system that was obvious if you watched the video.

[@geneforte9038]

Toyota more reliable than Subaru.

[@nathanmrg2]

The cost of maintenance of a subaru or crosstrek is not being stated by any subaru owner or dealership, the parts and labor on these vehicles, even if you do the work yourself, is higher than a Toyota. Reason half the world (even Afghanistan) drive Toyota is because of parts and reliability. Longevity of non-hybrid parts in a hybrid is yet to be proven in my opinion. This isn't like working on your parents Pruis anymore.

[@Piedone21]

I have an old SX4. It's great in deep snow and 4 wheel lock allowed me to go up a steep grassy hill. Of course, I wouldn't take it over boulders. It's not like I have disposable vehicles...

[@ItsAlive111]

I like how you were putting on the seatbelt every time you got back in the car until you started getting hot, sweaty, and tired of trying to climb up the rocks

[@cobramanphil]

I am seriously looking at this vehicle(probably a '25). With the ground clearance I am wondering if there is will be an available add-on(like a skid plate) to add just a bit of safety(plus save the undercarriage from slight hits). I'm not thinking of taking this off-roading on the daily, but it will be good to know that it can if necessary...

[@Doc1855]

Thanks for the review Ryan. We’ll just keep driving our Subie’s. They do everything we need them to do, well, I don’t take them to my fishing hole.

[@bubbatwitcher]

I am not thrilled that the cross is labled a disaster in the title. This little ute seemed to handle most everything that was asked of it. Any bonehead thatcwould tackle terrain in the video deserves to be marooned in the forrest.

[@gregggoldstein3449]

AWD Not designed for off road use. Also, if you think because you have 8” clearance you can swim through 6” of water? Don’t even think about it! The wheels are on electronic motors and a great way to make waves when holding up traffic when your hybrid motors get submerged. Stay away from muddy roads. Be careful on roads with drifting snow with adaptive cruise on. I lost AWD traction on slippery black ice. Almost landed down a steep incline while entering the ramp proceeding down hill to merge onto the highway below the overpass.

[@drivingsports]

The wheels are not electric motors. That’s only true for a few very expensive electric vehicles. This has a central electric motor in the chassis.

[@elhoward7440]

So the AWD is for driving in snow with snow tires then, not for offroading. That's okay, my Forrester couldn't offroad with the stock tires either. He did answer the stupid question I had about what those red and white plastic things are that people hang on the outside of their trucks -- they are traction boards.

[@jeffer1101]

For anyone watching this thinking it's a bit of a joke of an "off road vehicle", keep in mind, this isn't an off road vehicle. It's just a regular crossover with the added benefit of AWD (for slippery conditions) and hybrid technology (for fuel economy). Most people who buy crossover vehicles would never take their vehicles in an environment like this, including most of the Cherokee Trailhawks I see on the roads (which would likely make quick work of this course since it's better designed for it).

[@wildbill23c]

You are exactly right. Its just a hatchback car with AWD for better wet weather traction is all.

[@hoskin1452]

Would you compare this to something like the newer Jeep Compass? I keep comparing this to the Compass and I can’t seem to find anything online that compares the 2 vehicles.

[@saeedhamood8877]

The most honest review I'v ever seen. Thanks 👍👍👍

[@tiorobot]

I'm considering an AWD Toyota Cross just to have a little help with the sand at the beach. After seeing how this AWD system works I can picture this car bottoming itself out one wheel at a time. I'm thinking 4x4 is probably the way to go as it has been for ages.

[@Psicoanalisis-red]

I want to ask you something. Why did you use the Drive mode? The Toyota Corolla Cross transmission is a unique “Direct Shift” CVT automatic that, unlike the typical CVT, uses a physical first gear for quicker off-the-line starts. Wasnt a better option to use the Manual 1st gear to get off?

[@Summertime-ex25]

A big part of the AWD success will have to do with the tires. A/T vs all season will be night & day, especially if the tires have big ridges for extra grip.

[@boxoffisa]

This car fits my financial situation. Saves on gas while having enough space since I don’t haven’t started family but have friends and like how cool it looks.

[@MR94JOKER]

good

[@guyva_unito_sree3]

its a smartly designed car except ignorant people wouldnt know anything about that . toyota is the best brand for saving people money and keeping them out of repair shops

[@Pyjamarama11]

Good on you for trying but I'd keep that little thing on the soft tracks I'd like to see how the Fiat Panda 4x4 handled that

[@RobBernhard]

I thought for sure you'd roll off that rock and we'd see it completely covered in oil. Thank goodness it was only the AC.

[@0HOON0]

I was worried Toyota had fitted it with a plastic oil pan or something. He barely scraped it!

[@timetraveler2518]

AWD is not problem. The problem is the tire that did not grip on the steep grade hill. We see the Toyota company bought the economy grade tires instead of traction tires because economy based tires often ride smoothly. So, they sell AWD vehicles with smooth riding to customers. That is common scheme for auto companies.

[@dennisdlc5842]

Honest review. I’m more impressed with the review than the car.

[@Conan89898]

Really enjoy your videos. All the best from Germany.

[@daboi_mikey127]

Can you do the subaru ascent plssss

[@muyaho420]

So it's only good for rain/snow.

[@wildbill23c]

As with any car, yes.

[@hippiebits2071]

I can never pass up a review with "Offroad Disaster" in the title. Nice job on the recovery and another honest review.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Clickbait.

[@nosretep1960]

Curious what peninsula? Should have lifted the control arm...

[@andersriksson100]

Are there any corolla cross AWD owners here with some input about how the car perform towing a (boat-) trailer or a caravan? Will the AWD help you get started in slippery conditions?

[@drivingsports]

It can help get started, but with a 1500 lbs towing limit, you won't be towing much more than a pop-up trailer or a small fishing boat.

[@andersriksson100]

@@drivingsports Thanks! Good enough, my fishing boat with trailer weights about 1400lb

[@rivernet62]

Looked to me like the spinning tires continued to have too much power and the others didn't. Slow response at best.

[@jaybou007]

I bet you this would be a breeze with proper A/T tires.

[@michaelturneree6199]

Is this essentially the same AWD system as the prius?

[@beaglesinthesun]

Great video, thanks for posting. I noticed that my SFW has front tie-down hooks located between each of the front tires and the front bumper. The O.M. states these can also be used for towing in addition to the bumper designated tow hook eyelets. Did this vehicle have those?

[@drivingsports]

No. This relies on a tow eyelet and the receiver wasn’t installed since it was a pre-production vehicle, unfortunately.

[@vegvisir6695]

Did I miss something? Do they market this as an off-road vehicle?

[@wildbill23c]

After Ryan's video....coming soon to your local Toyota dealer...the Toyota Corolla Cross TRD Offroad Pro.