2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | MotorWeek Road Test

Toyota offers a hybrid powertrain in just about everything they make, so it did seem odd that last year, when they debuted an all-new SUV version of their long-time best-selling Corolla, a hybrid was nowhere to be found. Well, it didn’t take long for Toyota to correct that situation, delivering this Corolla Cross Hybrid for 2023. #Toyota #CorollaCross #CorollaCrossHybrid
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[@NGMonocrom]

For this category of vehicle, 7.5 seconds 0-60mph. is *very* impressive.

[@aaronbehindbars]

This landed on my short list when it was first announced. After briefly considering picking up a used Honda Fit, which was ruled out when I found it severely lacking in driver leg room, my wife and I narrowed it down to this, non-hybrid CC, and HR-V. The later is a fine little rig with a slightly nicer interior even in its bottom trim, but fuel efficiency seemed low and it was a bit pokey. We never drive a non-hybrid CC, but assumed a similar level of performance as the Honda. As soon as my wife started driving the CC Hybrid through the dealer's lot, her face lit up. I knew she had made her mind up then. I didn't even drive it before we ended up finding another one we could buy. The driver's seat went further back than I needed, so I was good. 7.5 seconds to 60 is plenty quick. It merges and overtakes with great ease. Steering is baby pinky finger light, but I don't mind and my wife has little upper body strength and finds that to ease her driving. I appreciate the basic interior materials as they should age well, but wish it had a few more cubbies and stash spots. Also, the cupholders stink. Those aren't deal breakers, though.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

We have a 2023 Camry and a 2022 Kona Limited. I like the Kona's interior better but it's all up the test drive which I haven't done yet.

[@thaitanium15]

Why would anyone go for the non-hybrid version? You make up the price difference in fuel cost in 1-2 years and get a substantially faster car.

[@stevenkim9637]

Then why would you get the Corolla cross hybrid when the price difference to lower trim Rav4 hybrids are very minimal?

[@thaitanium15]

@@stevenkim9637 Exactly, a lower trim Rav4 hybrid costs about as much as a higher/highest trim CC. For a person that lives in an urban environment or a place that has tight parking/roads the CC might be a better option. I haven't driven the CC hybrid but the lower trim Rav4 hybrids I've driven don't have a great driving dynamic. According to the review the CC hybrid has received some new suspension tuning so that might make it more responsive.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

fleets will probably buy the non version in big numbers.

[@davewilson7602]

Because the price difference isn’t actually as small as this shows. Hybrids are in short supply so they either have markups or no discount, non hybrids you can get a discount and they’re on lots

[@devinbiz]

Maintenance cost on my Prius was higher than it would have been for a non-hybrid Toyota (such as a Camry), and the base prices Corolla Cross is lower than the starting point for the hybrid model. A good option for a budget, but I’d probably look to spend a little extra for a hybrid RAV or CRV

[@minimoto99]

I had a basic hybrid model in the UAE as a hire car and couldn't believe how nice to drive it was. The ride was really up there with recent Mercedes I've driven. Just felt really solid and smooth. The only negative I can remember is the infotainment screen didn't angle towards the driver, so (with the sun blasting in UAE) it made it hard to see.

[@Fele221]

I bought one 3 weeks ago! I love it! I recommend everyone!

[@FrugalTeacherFI]

Do you still like it? I’m trying to find one. Local place had one and it sold immediately.

[@saintsubie6661]

Wish you had shown us rear seat interior and cargo room as part of review

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I'm so confused! Do I like this XSE hybrid enough with their low tech interior, or the high "RoboCop" tech of the new Kona Limited AWD? I do notice that neither crossover has a sunglasses holder by the rear view mirror anymore (I'm driving a 2022 Kona now). Also, the Cross Hybrids lack spare tires but the Kona has 1/2 the mpg. A test drive (or 2) are in my future to determine a winner for me -- if the dealers have one available for a test drive. If only the hybrids included a spare tire though. Is that a deal breaker? Don't think so, as I have never used my spare on my current and previous 2 leased vehicles.

[@sdjrinc.6921]

7.5sec to 60 isn't bad considering the Honda Hrv does between 10.8 -12+ sec 0-60

[@allentoyokawa9068]

HRV isn't that slow

[@digitaldoc100]

I would like a GR version. Another 25 HP and this would really be much better.

[@tyronewilson7890]

@@digitaldoc100there’s a GR version overseas. Im not sure what country it’s offered in but I want to say Thailand. Could be Japan. You can search for it on KZbin. I hope it eventually comes to the US.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@tyronewilson7890 Thanks for the info, but it looks like the overseas GR version is the same powertrain with the CVT, with more of a wheels and appearance package.

[@tyronewilson7890]

@@digitaldoc100 no problem! It’s called the Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport. Only offered in Asia.

[@MikeR-ev8kd]

Loving our ‘23 xse hybrid the more we drive it. Quiet, great mpg quality car that feels very refined. I see several reviews hating on the Cross. I don’t agree at all. We preferred it over all it’s competitor's (including the RAV4 hybrid).

[@STARFLEETC0MMAND]

Too bad the Hybrid version has massive high voltage cables in the way, where the spare tire should be. Most want a full size spare tire, but it's no go deal breaker with that high voltage cables in the way; hopefully that will get fixed for 2025. (Only solution for the current year 2024 hybrid, would be an exterior hitch tire carrier).

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Very good lineup regardless if it’s hybrid or regular gas engine. I’d prefer hybrid for more relax motoring, better gas mileage and more importantly- range. My Toyota Sienna hybrid used only 1/2 tank after 330 miles while my previous 2008 Sienna had already displayed low fuel warning light at 330 miles. The hybrid Sienna also has smaller gas tank 18 gallons Vs 21. The transitions between electric and gas engine are seamless.

[@jxmar_]

7.5 0-60? Huh.. I’ve seen as fast as 6.7! Wished the L, LE and XLE had the hybrid option

[@iko3]

Corolla Cross is on my shortlist! I wish it was a bit more affordable though.

[@tunedime]

Wait a couple of years

[@ae747sp5]

No brake test?

[@markh.1487]

Looks pretty good, although I don't know why it is only available with all wheel drive and in a sport trim. How about an LE FWD for the masses?

[@uhAlphaFox]

They seem to originally had intentions for an LE hybrid, but it was scrapped

[@bmlove81]

I don't understand why Toyota. Doesn't give us the torque numbers for their hybrids.🤷🏾‍♂️

[@edsmith9855]

The hybrid is the only CC model I would consider. The base model is just too slow, I would get a 2.0L Crosstrek instead. The added power and economy of the Hybrid makes it a very valid option though. Supposedly the reliability is good, but having 3 electric motors seems complicated and odd.

[@toronado455]

two out of the three electric motors are simply the motor generators that have been in use in the Toyota hybrid synergy drive system since the first Prius. those are what enable the planetary gear set to function the way it does. the third electric motor is the rear E axle that enables the AWD functionality. it's all very proven and reliable.

[@flurpoid]

The 2.0l Crosstrek is incredibly slow too. Overall the 2.0l boxer just feels super gutless, the 2.5l should be standard across the lineup.

[@toronado455]

@@flurpoid Subaru is said to be marrying their boxer to Toyota's hybrid tech (at some point) which should prove to be an interesting combination.

[@smoguli]

A 7.5s time for the 0 to 60 is not slow, in fact it's faster than a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 😀

[@billyrock8305]

Topgun #1. 😊 Delivery 1-2 years 😢

[@Butchcub75]

they shouldve just called this thing Matrix. impressive mpg

[@dohc1067]

A nice combination of utility, power, and efficiency with a splash of electrification. A winner period.

[@farcinue]

This is my first choice for my wife’s replacement car soon. It’s the perfect size for living in LA, plus slightly raised for my middle aged bones. It seems like a great balance between practical, efficient, and size. I would be even more interested in a premium Lexus version. They need to update the UX.

[@toronado455]

The UX is nice I just wish they would update it and make it taller.

[@joannestazio4495]

The armrest is so uncomfortable!! It has to be one of the shortest and highest armrest around.😩

[@toronado455]

Excellent! 🏆 thanks MotorWeek!

[@xxxpensive1415]

So its a 2024 prius in a SUV shell

[@allentoyokawa9068]

no

[@growingup4487]

a cheap corolla with some batteries

[@OldFordTaurus]

Made with the thinnest metal possible. Insanely loud road noise through the whole Toyota lineup

[@user-pk7hk3vb4s]

Why is it that Toyota shows this car in yellow but you can’t have one in the United States?

[@schnuurtchke]

The wheels on the Corolla go round and round

[@MrEnky007]

Bought a CC SE hybrid, it's a good average car...

[@Dagreatdudeman]

What ever happened to happy looking cars?

[@allentoyokawa9068]

One right here

[@7CFlo]

Awesome vehicle

[@plightn]

Their current interest rate on this vehicle is 9.8 percent, they've lost their marbles.

[@user-nq6zl3sn4p]

Toyota knows how to put heated seat but they don't know how to put ventilated cool seat and spare tire on hybrid Corolla 😂😂

[@chriszawertany5242]

No windshield wiper on the L trim what a joke.

[@downhillskier7]

If you keep the car longer than 5 years you have add cost hybrid battery replacement? If you purchase a used hybrid car add the cost of replacing hybrid battery to purchase price!

[@sshah2545]

Toyota Crosstrek Hybrid

[@bjsimon802]

People in financial strain, these are ideal, simple and easy. Nothing fance to make your wallet poor.

[@schnuurtchke]

James Obiago 🧔🏽‍♂️

[@schnuurtchke]

Zazur chirp 🐤

[@schnuurtchke]

Zazur Toyota Corolla cross 🚘

[@stingray120]

Ugly front trim for the 'S' models

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Looks good

[@Momo_8k]

Very reasonable, if the markups stay away

[@TinLeadHammer]

No off-road test? Dislike.

[@nikolaygrishakin4646]

CVT is awful 😔

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes

[@moejr1974]

ok homer

[@chriskrueger8225]

Except nobody buys hotcakes anymore. This thing is just as boring and bland as the rest of Toyota's line up.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Built in Alabama Oh lord, should e built in JAPAN

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I hope Toyota makes a Prius Cross that looks more like the gorgeous JDM Crown Sport as opposed to this bland Corolla Cross

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Toyota doesn't make bland cars anymore

[@pointblank722]

Used 4 months, sold. Don't buy it. Very low quality car.