2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Review: Dear Toyota, I’m FINALLY Proud of You.

As you guys have lovingly dubbed me (which is NOT TRUE), I am the "Toyota Hater" (again, not true).
Enter the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, a small-SUV from Japan with a smooth hybrid engine, and finally a good interior. But the Corolla Cross Crossover has plenty of competition, so is it really worth $50,000? And should you buy one over the Rav4? Let's talk about that!
--
🚨 SAVE $$$ ON FINANCE! 🚨 Use my link for a $150 fuel card for every settled loan! 💸💸
carsauce.com/finance
--
Read our full in depth written review now:
www.carsauce.com/car-review/2...
--
⚠️ Watch me next ⚠️
- Should you spend 50% less and get a Mazda SUV?
• WHAT is the SECRET SAU...
- How does the Hyundai Kona hot hatch compare?
• Hyundai Kona N 2022 Re...
- Don't buy this Toyota SUV.
• I didn't want to relea...
--
Here at CarSauce, we review every new car on the market. We are a community of sauce givers and we'd love for you to subscribe and join our community!
We give every car "the sauce", test their 0-100km/h, and see whether or not they are worth purchasing and spending your hard-earned cash on.
From time to time, we'll also buy a weird and wacky car and take you on the journey with me!
We release videos every Sunday 5pm AEST / AEDT with the latest new car reviews! Your feedback is important, so if you want to see us do something new or something you would like me to change let me know!
Got a question for me? Leave it in the comments! I try and respond to them all!

[@wedgett1]

This is a great car. Super smooth and relaxing to drive - something that a lot of people forget to consider when purchasing a car. Would much rather one of these over a car with a dual clutch!

[@sumosprojects]

Awesome review dudes, I especially like your fresh approach to making the review realistic rather than boring old statistical or bagging every aspect of how these cars drive. Keep up the great work 🇦🇺🍻👍

[@alexzannoni1501]

Great, realistic review guys!! I'm now having a serious look at one 👍👍

[@CarSauce]

🚨 SAVE $$$ ON FINANCE! 🚨 Use my link for a $150 fuel card for every settled loan! 💸💸 www.carsauce.com/finance

[@mikeburke9635]

Enjoyed the review with no fluff. One on order now. Thanks

[@Gazmeizster_Wongatron]

My new favorite car reviewer. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@manuelbm26]

Such a great review for a small channel, well done!

[@CarSauce]

Read our full in depth written review now: www.carsauce.com/car-review/2023-toyota-corolla-cross-atmos-hybrid-awd-review

[@trumpet1604]

Just about to correct you. And I just received mine last week in Moondust Grey ATMOS AWD and I love it!

[@epicakaqueenpianocoversand1327]

Hey man, I love your reviews! Keep it up! And if u can can you get a review on Innova Hycross/Zenix

[@CarSauce]

CORRECTION: It's 18" wheels here on the Atmos, not 17"

[@Malc664]

Sounds like it's one to look at for me, comfort is high on the list. I'm used to body roll and understeer with my ute

[@danielkyle8291]

Great car and love your style of review. 😊

[@esteban602]

Very good review and informative. I seen them on the road and they aren’t Toyota Matrix size at all, they are much larger,i currently have a 2005 Matrix that i want to upgrade to a Hybrid SUV preferably and the RAV4 is out of my budget. Can’t wait for the USA to get the hybrid version.

[@KylenExpress]

Got one and love it!

[@gt22503]

Great review. As a matter of interest what happens if you puncture a side wall and there is no spare and no phone reception ?

[@leannecooke7051]

Loved this review. I just got this exact model two weeks ago and it makes me so happy . cant falt CC..🎉

[@marlonspeed24]

How has it been living with it?

[@leannecooke7051]

@@marlonspeed24 We had a Yaris Cross hybrid befor CC and we upgraded and I got to say this car makes me feel alive its amazing I would highly recommend checking one out.

[@marlonspeed24]

@leannecooke7051 I checked it out as soon as it arrived in the showroom. Mine is almost here, sitting on ship currently.

[@leannecooke7051]

@@marlonspeed24 Your going to love it !

[@marlonspeed24]

@leannecooke7051 I am looking forward to it. I just saw your picture. Is that the jungle khaki? Ours is the jungle khaki

[@EliMaRey]

I’m so jealous. That color is gorgeous but we don’t have that option in the US

[@ronsmith2241]

Thanks. I've ordered one the same as that except a FWD but ordered in early Nov 2022 and still.....waiting.....for it. But I'm definitely not a petrol head, so it should be fine.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Have the LXE AWD-, Works great out here in the California Deserts!

[@tarynm4797]

Can't wait for the hybrid to come out in the US. They announced it last summer but it still has yet to hit the dealerships.

[@hidazip]

People these days are not satisfied unless a car does 0-100 in 2 sec.

[@SC-RGX7]

Took mine yesterday. Talk about smooth driving in a SUV.

[@ALxdCr4ftPlays]

I'm aiming to get a new car but will wait another 2 years (due to cost of living and budget constraints). Either an EV (MG's the cheapest) otherwise the Corolla Cross Limited which Toyota New Zealand charges NZ$49k for. Its a great car, and you can bully others on the road with its high ride position and higher ground clearance than a typical hatchback car. Toyota New Zealand calls the Atmos version Limited. Its worth getting over the GXL, because Limited/Atmos has HD cameras (GXL only has SD cameras), rain sensing wipers, Toyota's team auto parking helper system, real leather seats (GXL has synthetic leather seats), wireless phone charger, sun roof, and automatic kick sensor boot door.

[@rraju5057]

my Atmos hybrid 2WD will be delivered in two days.. got no rush in my everyday life.. so.. all good to me...

[@jrf6171]

Hey, Great review. Do you reckon you could fit a spare tire in the boot underfloor space?

[@CarSauce]

I would think it’s probably quite difficult because of the battery (and there’s some open looking wiring which is a little odd)

[@xTheBigMdx]

Does suspension feel worse in the 2WD or any slower?

[@vivianvannadee]

Hey! Can you please do a review of the Toyota CHR ☺️

[@jdplays561]

what model is this? we have corolla cross here but not as fancy as this

[@ronsmith4328]

I ordered one just like this in early Nov 22, except I wanted a FWD with a spare tyre. Still....waiting.....

[@billmarles686]

Was disappointed on our Test Drive in Nov 2022 to find the Corolla Cross Atmos does NOT offer Seat Memory function that my wife and I use on a daily basis in our RAV4 Cruiser (2020!). A step backward for Toyota we thought. This is a feature (with 8 inches difference in height) that my wife and I use ALL the time. Hoping that by the time the Atmos we did order arrives, that Toyota have 'upgraded' the features to put Seat Memory back. Has anyone heard any updates on this? Otherwise, we loved our test drive. In particular the High Def larger Infotainment Screen that leaves our 2020 RAV for dead for clarity. Thanks for test driving the Jungle Khaki guys ... that's what we ordered sight unseen!

[@makhuvelelazarus2345]

It’s great car even though my wife is not fond of the engine noise it makes because of the CVT

[@slavstojnic7279]

I think when it comes to small SUV’s Toyota has starting to come to the party they have a bit more improvement to do but the Corolla Cross gets a thumbs up 👍🏼

[@COWEYES26]

I love my Corolla Cross!

[@skynetcybernetics9058]

The rear seat head room is terrible with about 34 inches but that's pretty standard for Toyota

[@curryman2085]

It’s not a moonroof/sunroof it’s just a glass roof 😂😂😂

[@ItsAlive111]

If you see the moon or the sun, it’s a sun or moon roof

[@curryman2085]

@@ItsAlive111 it doesnt open tho

[@andreaskaphengst8121]

Nice large tracking device.

[@user-3tf67bk46u]

Keep the corner-slowing cruise software, the glass roof, and the powered liftgate and give me the port injected and night and day better old 1.8, a donut spare, 16" rims and a CD player. And just give me a key start ignition. And lower the car price since just mentioned said improvements.

[@Kathywake23]

I like the push start ONLY bc they now use the switchblade keys instead of the sword keys. I dont like how the switchblade key starts to loosen after use. Though you may have other thoughts that could give me more perspective on this matter.

[@Personal877]

Guys: i am getting mine in 2 weeks. The con for me os I do drive long distance very often so the cabine noise in Toyotas is something I don't understand. I have to add sound proof soon to a brand new car is sad.

[@adriaanserrao2016]

Typical Toyota not giving south Africa the newer technology. Toyota sells 5 cars here in south Africa that are actually Suzuki and charge more for them with less features and worse warranty. The Chinese competitors are really making people think twice before buying Toyota.

[@davesrykermoments7725]

Hi I have a 2023 Cross and kind of love it BUT I have a issue that I hope you can do a quick video on. I would love everyone to check their Roof Rails at the rear of the car, why ? Well because of the bad design they are loose, you can pull them up because there are no connection's there to hold them down. I have taken it in for that repair to find out there was another Cross in for the same reason. they put some adhesive or whatever on it only to find a couple of weeks later that they have came loose again. I would love to know of other owners with the same issue and if any solution to the issue. Toyota need to know about this issue spending all that money on a brand new car to find that down the road there will be a rust or moisture gathering issue ? Please let me know all !

[@HumbleBearcat]

I like the front styling of this European version much better than the one we're getting in the USA.

[@borsh2002]

I get the luxury part in the higher-end iterations but when you think about Australia and other parts of the globe(geting so much warmer everywhere) how can be heated seats more relevant than cooled seats? In my opinion, this function should be basic in those parts of the world. If you are an Uber/taxi driver, or you comute for long periods of time in a at most 2 months-winter climate, tell me what is more relevant to you a heated seat that will remain unused or a vented one which will be usefull to you for almost the entire year? Cheers!

[@jkye1980]

it looks a great car, how could there is a pipe stuck out , it seems will scratch easily

[@veetour]

I’d wait a few more years. The short supply is creating long wait times and dealership markups. The Corolla Cross 2025 will likely have a better look and improved performance.

[@rio20d]

I like the design but not sure why they didnt go full LED on the tailights I mean that indicator and reverse, it looks like halogen lights lol, that wont last long and you need to replace them quite often though the bulb itself is quite cheap. with LED you usually dont need to replace it as it has long life span ( very high durability over 50k hours more or less)

[@Fishb8nz]

Very cheap and easy to upgrade reversing lights - and, well worth it👍👍

[@ten3353]

@ 9:35 was waiting for it 😅😅😅

[@ekhoury1000]

Finally a decent review

[@pjb5594]

Hey guys, you can adjust the Curve Speed Reduction or even turn it off in settings. 😊

[@Jaysus117]

I was gonna say I’m pretty sure u can turn it off

[@Fishb8nz]

@@Jaysus117 I like the curve speed reduction, especially when on cruise control on an unfamiliar windy road - saves having to brake but still maintaining a good speed.

[@SSchithFoo]

Top specked model goes up to like 55k which is like only 5k below an Outback XT. WTF are these car prices?

[@coastalbeer]

I would be more excited about the Cross if the price was lower.

[@reynardevanderchan7615]

I think it’s a Panoramic Roof as it can’t be open so it like a roof

[@karlwitkowski4820]

You mean they turned the Corolla into a Matrix all over again and branded it as a small SUV to charge more ? Woah! Amazing for us right?!

[@kirath1745]

RIGHT?

[@robertbruce2182]

The matrix was a North American product, I do prefer this implementation of a Corolla SUV, but the matrix would have been great

[@karlwitkowski4820]

I'm just not happy about paying SUV level insurance $ for a vehicle that was classified only a compact car just a few years back.@@robertbruce2182

[@PJ-crazy]

Let's sell in Thailand for this version

[@canelfno]

As Im told that another Mazda with Toyota Logos like they did with the Yaris Sedan and sales drop 90%..

[@sorenjunkers3834]

well the corolla cross is one of the best selling cars rn

[@deefer]

Fixed glass roof and heated seats. Not ideal in Australia. Much prefer a sunroof which can be left open to allow the heat to rise out. Same for ventilated seats vs heated seats.

[@krecikowi]

Battery is NOT in the truck.

[@lorinsdawood842]

It's called a glass roof (:

[@GlowingTube]

It’s a good thing, however, I can buy a VW T-Roc for $6K less, and it is bigger inside and had a bigger boot

[@actualfacts1055]

Couldn't they think of another name, they don't call the RAV4 a Camry Cross.

[@scoobeydoooo]

Just to add. Privacy glass may be tinted but provides no UV protection.

[@BomberFletch31]

Not necessarily. I think most modern automotive glass provides 99%+ UV protection as is, without any tinting. At least, that's what the UV meter told me when I measured the privacy glass, windscreen, sunroof and untinted front windows in my Mondeo. Tinting does make a difference with respect to heat and glare, though.

[@polarbear4728]

Why is this color Corolla only available in England? Americans would buy more if Japan offered us this color.

[@ten3353]

dude. this is Australia 🇦🇺 🦘🌞

[@Fishb8nz]

@@ten3353 And in NZ, too. We have an identical CC hybrid but it's called Safari Green. Odd that it's not available in the USA!

[@MrsRuiNas]

This is like baby YODA RAV4....

[@aplusmerchant2281]

Best part about it: it’s a Toyota

[@tubfrance8859]

Good day mate, good review but the car doesn't have enough hr power. I have test drove it and if you drive like an old grandma or grandpa then this car for you. 2.0 engine is too small for a big body...so it very slow.

[@warcrabcyber9908]

Hybrid crossover 0-100 Mitsubishi Outlander phev - 7s Eclipse cross phev - 9s Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid - 8.3s Toyota Rav 4 prime- 6s Toyota corolla cross - 8s Nissan rogue / t33 x-trail e power 7s 2023 honda crv hybrid 7.8s Hyundai tucson hybrid acceleration 7.3s Kia sportage hybrid acceleration 8.1s Honda hrv /vezel hybrid 9.2 The corolla cross has a bland interior , that is exactly like the regular corolla, the exterior also looks bland, toyota just went for a basic design with the corolla cross.

[@thrash123ful]

Its a Cross Over not a SUV.

[@BigPoppaAA]

What a cheaply made car selling at a premium price! 2:43 the silver trim budged as he touched it, not enough Toyota glue?? 3:26 the clearance of the exhaust pipe preceding the muffler is shocking for a supposedly "SUV". A "sunroof" that doesn't open!? what is the point and what is the middle blacked out section separating the "sunroof"? Is it because it's cheaper to manufacture two sets of smaller glass than one larger glass? Is it because the body isn't rigid enough to have a whole glass roof? 8:11 "SUV" Sport UTILITY Vehicle, so much utility with that full step in the boot to the folded down rear seats! 8:32 That engine bonnet insulation pad, I hope that recycled material is fire resistant above the engine bay! And what is with Toyota fog lights these days, they forgot the real intention of it - form over function failure. This is a jacked up $35k Corolla selling at a $49k with different body panels, how nice!

[@nsdkido]

Looks like a RAV 4

[@MatchFixah]

Let's drive this thing normally.... :D

[@keithnewton8981]

Rav4 is much nicer

[@stevenj9970]

What the Hell happened to Toyota quality?? They built this but put the steering wheel on the WRONG side!!! Silly Japanese car maker........

[@lukelawrence6007]

Hideous but prefer corolla estate in Europe and Japan

[@ndasigerry]

That's a Rav4 in essence

[@chefgav1]

Nothing like a rav4

[@blaaaaaaaaahify]

​@@chefgav1wrong. The latest models drives itself EXACTLY like a Rav4

[@markscott2215]

My friendly Toyota dealer informed me that there is a 3 year wait for the hybrid. unlikely they would overestimate this for risk of putting buyers off. I guess it’s really not a viable proposition right now for many buyers, irrespective of it’s quality. A pity. Seems like a good thing

[@yuribudilov5638]

Toyota would pause taking new orders if wait was much above 2 years. They have done so already with Land Cruiser. Other car makers did the same. People will not wait for 2 years unless every car maker has a similar waiting period. During next 1-2 years I expect the queue to shrink - either by customers moving to other brands or Toyota fixing their problems and most likely both. You just need to have a plan-B when you get sick of waiting for Toyota. There are alternatives in 2023. I joined 1 year ago waiting list for Yaris hybrid in Nov 2022 and it arrived in 4-5 months, due this month, March 2023. Dealer expected 12 months. They don't know, just guessing.

[@marlonspeed24]

I'm surprised to hear this. Did you check around? That wait time is more than the more popular Rav4. When I ordered mine, there was a 6-month wait.

[@markscott2215]

The 3 year estimate was from a dealer in Perth. I questioned it at the time, thinking it was an exaggeration. Not so apparently ( at least in Perth?)

[@yuribudilov5638]

@@markscott2215 Carsales recently put out similar article with RAV4 hybrid having 3 years wait and Camry hybrid up to 4 years. These are just instant snapshots of the waiting list assuming Toyota production does not improve over next 2-3-4 years. The fact is that if Toyota production does not improve most of these waiting people will eventually cancel orders and buy something else instead. This will make the waiting list implode. Alternatively, if Toyota will fixes their production issues in 2023 and then the queue will also implode in 2024. Therefore I would ignore the current state. You can offer dealer $500 deposit to just join the queue if you like but in the meantime research the car alternatives based on date you really need the car delivered to you. Or don't even join the queue, just monitor the internet every 6 months or call the dealer once every 6 months to see the length of the queue. I think in 2024 there will be other options to buy from several other manufacturers, more hybrids will be available and even some of the EV options may be candidates.

[@chefgav1]

@@pjb5594 rav4 is 3 years

[@tengoken4313]

I mean interesting, but 30k interesting? Wait til eoy if you can ladies and gents. We'll see prices drop precipitously.

[@oscalsochirino8706]

50 days to get one good luck

[@tengoken4313]

@@oscalsochirino8706 all good I'll just keep driving my truck. You could always look at a venza for almost the exact same vehicle.

[@mrz1281]

50k for a 30mm higher corolla is a joke!

[@grahfkarate1799]

So it’s a Rav 4

[@Fishb8nz]

We have 2023 RAV4 & CC hybrid, exactly the sane as the review except it's a Limited. Not the same some ways better than the RAV and vice versa. Don't have self parking in the Rav or heated steering wheel , the self steering not as pronounced in RAV. I was able to choose the interior upholstery - Ash grey/grey - really nice!

[@b.p.r.]

You have to pay monthly to use the touchscreen

[@pjb5594]

Just some of the connected services.

[@b.p.r.]

@@pjb5594 really

[@b.p.r.]

@@pjb5594 like what?

[@pjb5594]

@@b.p.r. After the first year (which if free) live navigation, remote start pre air con etc., Hey Toyota voice assistant.

[@Fishb8nz]

Not available in New Zealand. Toyota NZ has no subscriptions.

[@Doc1855]

The Corolla Cross cannot pull itself out of a mud hole. A Subaru Crosstrek can out perform it in all categories. 🤮🤢😭 on the Corolla Cross

[@keithnewton8981]

Sorry the last thing people with back injury need in lumbar support any on with serious spinal injury with tell the last thing you want is a lump in your seat so please stop this fake lumbar and back injury rubbish

[@Reihana_]

wah wah

[@keithnewton8981]

Have you people not been in a toyota corolla its all the same as the hatch and estate cars the dash is lifted from the car version its nothing special Rav4 is better sorry where is the battery 🔋 it not under the boot it under the rear seat. Remove that polystyrene and you haveva wheel well for a spare You are not very factual about this car I wonder if you do any research into toyota products. The 2.0ltr hybrid is exactly the same engine that in the corolla 2.0 hybrid there no change there the corolla comes with 1.8 or 2.0 so again do your research

[@chefgav1]

It’s actually not the same engine as Toyota only offer the 1.8lit in hybrid form in Corolla hatch and sedan. Question is do you actually do any research before you make silly comments

[@ljacobs357]

Ugly front grill.

[@ankur313]

$50k for a fat ugly Corolla !! Wow, people will buy any rubbish these days !!

[@stevemar6226]

I wonder what you drive?

[@peterburdett8131]

Did you look at it? Looks horrible front & back

[@pjb5594]

Bit hard not to look at it since they drove it. They seemed to like it.

[@rmrfboy]

get rid of that other commentary voice, its annoying and your video make your video professional. i'm not going to finish this video because of that.

[@javierruiz1710]

Do not say save the environment that makes me want to not bite a car it turn me off and makes me want to not buy the car under any circumstances makes me hate the car do not say that

[@iamabot2667]

luka, is that you?

[@JamesCanavan-wl5ev]

Toyotas are expensive for what you get, but great cars if you enjoy old technology and sleeping at the wheel!

[@ellomirza]

Jungle car key huh what

[@djdB]

jungle khaki.

[@Fishb8nz]

@@djdB Safari Green in NZ!