2023 Toyota Corolla Cross SUV review (inc. 0-100): More than just a big Corolla?

This car melted our website when it was announced! So we were super keen to get behind the wheel. Paul Maric drives the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD hybrid to see if it's any good!
Hardness tester, noise and lane keeping results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
More Toyota content: www.carexpert.com.au/toyota
More Toyota Corolla Cross content: www.carexpert.com.au/toyota/c...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 00:51
Interior 03:31
Infotainment 04:59
Safety Tech 06:22
Practicality 07:11
On the Road 10:59
0-100 km/h 15:03
Verdict 19:23
We review every new car on the market, bust car myths, cover the latest car tech and answer your burning questions.
Whether you need new car advice, purchase validation or simply love learning more about new cars and technology, we are your car experts.
Subscribe to Car Expert: / @carexpertaus
You'll find us dropping new video content three times a week. If you'd like to ask a question about one of our videos, simply leave us a comment. If you'd like to give us any feedback on our content, feel free to email us, or alternatively, hit us up on social media.
Finally, we want this channel to grow with your support and feedback. If there's anything you don't like or would like to see us change, we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on social media to see what we're up to and to ask any questions!
CarExpert:
Facebook: / carexpertaus
Twitter: / carexpertaus
Instagram: / carexpert.com.au
Paul Maric:
Facebook: / paulmaric
Twitter: / paulmaric
Instagram: / paulmaric
#toyota #corollacross #review

[@raoth99]

Hey Paul this review is much awaited by your fans like me ….. finally it’s here …. Thanks

[@afarangi4839]

Cars destined for Australia should have ventilated seats instead of heated...just saying

[@Mazokn]

Totally agree! or just don't have neither and lower the cost. I've had numerous cars(VW & Lexus) with heated seat in the past and now, never have I once needed to use it here in Melbourne.

[@jdelark6428]

It seems unusual, unless you're driving in Tassie, or down the southeast part of Oz.

[@mcn0511]

Have been waiting for this.. glad you rate it Paul. We jumped in early, our frosted white Atmos is a couple of weeks away.

[@davidbarraclough37]

Great review Paul, very detailed and answered questions we didn't think of. Can't wait to drive it again, ours on order!!

[@shaydenm8431]

Just discovered your page recently. Subscribed after I watched the very first time. Keep up the good work

[@brianglendenning1632]

Drove one today from Newcastle to Lismore - rental. It was great - 5.5l/100km, active cruise was solid, handled predictably, tech worked flawlessly. For the money, nice!

[@rubeusvombatus]

I actually hope the Corolla GR comes to Australia just so you can review it. Always enjoy watching these, mate!

[@cesarquinteromangones7317]

Mate, thanks for all the effort that you put into this video. It is helpful for people that are looking for buying this car.

[@mandyryan3907]

Thanks for the detailed review. Been waiting for someone to review the Atmos... we have ordered the Jungle Khaki version... weve owned a few toyo hybrids so i was pretty happy with my test drive.

[@nocturnalgaming3956]

Thanks for the great review in detail mate! Keep up the good work. As for the noise while driving, I am very positive of you try it in a better road ground, it will be more quite and smooth.

[@letsseeif]

Excellent review Paul.

[@sarahmurray5848]

My new limited model corolla cross hybrid just done 2000km in NZ and I love it. My fuel efficient is 4.8L/100km which isn't bad compared with their advertisement. I enjoy the update of camera system and the infotainment is easy to use. No regret

[@michesbianan]

Great indepth review of this man.

[@fale892]

People whinge about the price of this, yet wouldnt say a word about the buying a base BMW or Audi for the same price but with less features and tech.

[@slugger7440]

Such an excellent and comprehensive review

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you liked it!

[@nanat5698]

I got a GXL hybrid and only just reach 500km. I love the new screen and the wireless apple car play. The lane trace assist and the the cruise control are doing a great job as well. Currently my average fuel consumption is between 4.2 to 4.4L/100km so really happy about it.

[@cebtropico]

Has to wear in once the motor has done around 6700-7800km engine the tank that will raise up and over 700km/tank fuel ⛽️ . It’s how the ecu is set for new engines as well.

[@rogerdodger8813]

How much did you pay for that?

[@davidcudlip6587]

Did it come with a spare tire or a fix-a-flat kit?

[@berkayt5319]

I was waiting for this!

[@Jamzkie]

We ordered this exact car and expecting it before Christmas, nice car indeed!

[@MrSchrodingersCat]

Got the Atmos AWD Hybrid on order. Was waiting for your input & hoping you didn’t slate it so thanks for that 😊

[@cebtropico]

Congratulations 🎉 you will love it. Remember the car takes around 6000km to wear in New car. You will get optimum fuel economy after around 10,000km. Enjoy

[@zmirc]

Awesome test, including noise db. Respect

[@etienneerasmus]

Proper review this one. Highly considering one in the coming months.

[@markchesterfield6118]

Another great test thanks Paul. I know you're limited by the manufacturer in terms of what media vehicles are available but most of us looking at this type of vehicle can't stretch to the top model. Would love to see more tests at this end of the market somewhere more typical of the middle of the range.

[@thesuperRc_..]

👆Thanks for watching and commenting telegram me right now you have been selected among my lucky winners🎁🎁

[@stank_it8114]

Regarding the Corolla Cross, it's essentially the same car. The more "luxurious" packages come with leather seats, an automatic driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof, an automatic tailgate, an autonomous driving system, better speakers, and a faster multimedia processor. While it might seem like a lot, I've personally seen that these differences aren't crucial in practice.

[@sandiebredemeyer4922]

I bought a 2L Hybrid AWD Atmos Corolla Cross 3 months ago. It is brilliant to drive. I love it. It is fun to drive, I feel safe and very comfortable on long road trips. My only concern - no spare tyre. Only a tyre repair kit. For the Australia market a major oversight!

[@cynicalobserver8176]

Crickey!

[@kdegraa]

I think the 2wd model has a space saver spare.

[@pummyy]

Fun to drive ???? lol

[@mariowhyte7848]

Your reviews are always so detailed and thorough!!! and that reverse test....It takes me back!!!

[@SamGiles]

Fantastic review, Paul. No doubt, I can see this being hugely popular in Australia, despite its flaws. I'm a big fan of the exterior styling too, looks terrific - especially from the front. Admittedly, it's not my type of car, but it's always fascinating to see them reviewed in a pragmatic and enjoyable way.

[@aminebenmohmd3057]

I searched for this car on ur channel yesterday and u dropped it today 😂😂

[@CarExpertAus]

Mind reader!

[@matthewnew13]

The worlds gone mad. 50k Corolla, 40k Jimnys… madness!! Did this not have a spare tyre?

[@pummyy]

you dont need a spare until you need one. It is so weird they got rid of spare tyres and everyone is ok

[@Mazokn]

mum just bought a 2024 corolla cross hybrid in China for about $22k AUD, what a bargain.

[@kdegraa]

The front wheel drive Corolla Cross has a spare tyre. In regards to price all cars are expensive now besides cheap Chinese cars. This car is really no more expensive than comparable cars from other brands.

[@cc0072010]

Infotainment so much better. That new platform has been out in the US for at least a couple of years. Great to see TMCA FINALLY bringing it to Aus - they really should have brought it out with the 2021 LC300...

[@husseinedris1386]

I need to buy it in the coming 4weeks! Thank you for tutorial

[@coldnnh6983]

After a year with ours it’s been great, still solid, 35 mpg on highway, 30 average, Toyota’s quality as always. Highly recommend it

[@martingifford5415]

Is that a normal engine or a hybrid? Seems high mpg for a hybrid.

[@ThePolypam]

​@@martingifford5415 Normal engine as there wasn't a hybrid version in 2022. I love mine.

[@lordcaptain73]

I liked the pov for visibility. I don’t mind this car, looks quite good with all the outside shots.

[@cornishpasty4344]

Love this. This is exactly what I've been waiting for. Zippy. Hybrid.

[@subazealand9158]

I got here in New Zealand the station wagon, but as Japanese import which is way nicer than the one offered new in the country. It has the same nice soft touch materials as this Corolla Cross, but with nicer seats. I'd say I'm glad I picked the wagon. Is surprisingly nice to drive, really good handling (even tho is 2wd) and it has the 1.8 hybrid engine. Is quite slow as you can see with the 2.0, but still feels ok for most of the time. Is loud as well as the Corolla Cross, specially on hard acceleration and with the bad roads in NZ the factory tyres are super noisy too. Theres definitely things it could be better, but after almost a year owning this car, theres lots of positive things, and actually quite surprising (the hybrid tech, most of the materials inside, comfort on road trips, how practical is the interior space even tho is not huge, etc), is a car that I dont regret buying it all.

[@jinng8694]

Looking forward to you and the team doing a soft road small size group segment comparison to sort out the useful from the useless. Or maybe a hybrid challenge to see which will empty their half tank faster on a road trip where petrol stations are quite far apart.

[@fredvillani2283]

Great test Paul. From my personal experience in dealing with Toyota after moving from a 20 year stint with mazda, as I want to transition to an EV through an Atmos Hybrid, the Cross meets all our requirements. The only down side of dealing with Toyota is the long wait times and extremely poor customer management. Being assured I was one of the first to order the best estimate Toyota can provide is 2023.

[@HighMaintenancePS]

that’s just the way of the world mate. Supply chains are wrecked everywhere. Let alone if your the top selling auto manufacturer on the planet. The demand is outstripping the supply (silicone chips, lithium, etc)

[@paulmanser753]

Great review as always have a GXL Hybrid on order👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Enjoy it!

[@drunkenmonkey64]

What’s the turnaround time for your order?

[@fusionfreak70]

I expressed interest in July for a gxl hybrid. I’m expecting mine in < 3 weeks

[@Kili121416]

Bought my GXL Hybrid in Jun 23, will be mid 24 earliest I believe.

[@kiankhan07]

Hello, i have a video idea which is to do an ADAS mega test, so you get cars from each brand and see how well the lane centering works, what happens if you dont put your hands on the wheel and what happens if you unbuckle your seatbelt and maybe some other tests to compare them even further.

[@Reddog1963]

I’ve just ordered a Atmos for my wife,wait time anything up to 12 months she can’t wait to get it.

[@petescull371]

Great review, Paul - do you have the Suzuki S-cross in Australia. I would be interested in that one. Thanks

[@brettducker7284]

I bought the GX non hybrid model. I'm really enjoying it. It's only done 200kms so I can't really judge the fuel economy yet. You are right about the side mirrors though; they are big and create their own blindspot when turning right.

[@Kaichongjee]

How are you finding the CVT

[@User-cb4jm]

@@Kaichongjee if you don’t like droney CVTs, this isn’t gonna be any different.

[@Kaichongjee]

Does the CVT work well with the electric motor

[@cebtropico]

Give the car upwards of 6500km ‘wear in period’ the car will get Much better Fuel ⛽️ Returns after the vehicle has worn in plus you adapt it to better driving styles. I Guarantee you will achieve more than 650km it not over 750km/Tank on the Hybrid and around 500-550 for the Non-Hybrid. Congratulations 🥳 🎉 they are a Great car for the Money & Size ‘Class Leading Boot, even over the VW’.

[@cebtropico]

@@User-cb4jm my Hybrid is quiet 🤫 they aren’t very noisy. CVT is best for Hybrids and quick of the mark.

[@Benderswe1]

i got mine today, and its sooo nice 8-)

[@vipinjomy3738]

Excellent reviews from India

[@ryosaeba6486]

Fantastic Review, Paul, You should talk about Toyota Connect service apps, I heard that you can remotely turn on the car from the apps. Nice technology for Toyota.

[@trumpet1604]

Test drove one last week and I love it. We have ordered a top spec Atmos Hybrid AWD in Moondust. Hopefully it won’t take too long

[@interceptor7905]

When is due to arrive to Australia?

[@trumpet1604]

@@interceptor7905 they told me 6 months

[@interceptor7905]

@@trumpet1604 Bit of a wait,hopefully works out for you

[@trumpet1604]

@@interceptor7905 I was hoping sooner but Toyota did not release Atmos ordering until 1 Nov compared to all other trims on 15 Oct. But I am the first Atmos for the dealership

[@cebtropico]

Congratulations 🥳 enjoy the car. Hybrids are the best

[@seunjinbing]

Great review! Hoping you'll do one as well for the newly released 2023 standard Corolla as well considering your high praise last time you reviewed one!

[@archietect4924]

Good review Paul - Thanks. I have an Atmos on order and in the same Jungle Khaki colour. Very impressed with it and the autonomous parking functionality is really good when tried out in the demo model.

[@thesuperRc_..]

👆Thanks for watching and commenting telegram me right now you have been selected among my lucky winners🎁🎁

[@zestreviews1787]

Your Reviews are Top notch... We appreciate You ,all the way From South Africa.🇿🇦

[@justusmuluh]

Im definitely getting one of these

[@rafickjafferalli6225]

Hi Paul what do you recommend for both hybrid and non hybrid between Toyota cross. Outlander. Xtrail and sport age. Thanks

[@garthera7819]

Great review... I thought it was going to be for the non-hybrid, as it doesn't mention "hybrid" in the title. Maybe in Australia they only sell the hybrid? And here in the US that don't have that color, which is probably my favorite car color ever! Thanks for all the detail, I'm subscribing even though many of your cars probably won't match ours.

[@deejayrobin73]

Good review Paul, but you seemed confused on power adjustable seats, the driver side is powered while the passenger side isn’t.

[@MaxFromSydney1]

Thanks, Paul. And thanks alot for including cabin noise data points. On a recent road trip, I found the noisy cabin in my current car contributed significantly to fatigue, and a comparatively quiet cabin will be an important feature I look for in my next car purchase.

[@CarExpertAus]

Agree! Cabin noise is a killer on some of these smaller cars.

[@TheGillederais]

i suggest to test drive mazda cx5 or wait for cx60 for hybrid.. mazda has nvh level on par with lexus or germans car... toyota n honda not even on the same table as mazda

[@MaxFromSydney1]

@@TheGillederais , every choice is a compromise, I suppose. I haven't driven the CX5 myself, but have also heard that it has a quiet cabin. But I'd like to buy a low emissions SUV if possible and the current CX5 Turbo that I'd like for performance is a bit of a gas guzzler. Same with the Subaru Outback XT. I'm wary of new models, so let's see how Mazda goes with their new hybrid SUV models.

[@TheGillederais]

@@MaxFromSydney1 even at the top trim model,gt sp n akera, you have non-turbo option. Personally, I have looked rav 4 n cx 5, and for me rav 4 interior is disgusting compare to cx5 for the price you must pay for it. with new updated infotainment n digital gauge rav 4 for cruiser hybrid model there is a bump of $4000 makes it closer to 60k on road.. that extra money you can pay for buy fuel lol..

[@ablet85]

Noise-cancelling headphones. Just got off a 6000km work trip in a V6 and honestly, a good set with proper ACN is a god send.

[@aimanfitri0iv]

it's looks very nice in our market malaysia one of the best-selling car very popular and very attractive pricing for all variants

[@kalengkong]

Thanks for the cabin noise in DB.

[@CarExpertAus]

No worries!

[@monkistyle]

Hi Paul, do you think Toyota are still doing the incandescent globe thing due to some kind of carbon offset thing? Just thinking out loud maybe the energy it takes to produce the LED tail light is way more than the whole lifespan of the incandescent tail light, including globes..? Happy to be corrected.

[@coldude2559]

Can't wait to put a deposit down for the hybrid and hopefully I'll get it by 2025!!

[@iqronaldo]

Good details

[@sunnychan8463]

Just want to ask does the panoramic sunroof on the Corolla Cross tinted?

[@walltiger6603]

i have a corolla cross with 2.0 engine. i use extreme driving style to get 5.0L/100km, which is 47 MPG. i never go over 100km/h, seldom let the engine go over 2500rpm when accelerating and hyper mill when ever possible. so l smile when i see the gas pump, and its a different kind of fun to squeeze for MPG.

[@smurfx]

been thinking about getting this car or the camry hybrid.

[@veeness1969]

Definitely a contender for my next car 😁

[@helenrussell2132]

I looked at the GXL version today. I don't like the step in the boot when the seats are folded down. Also this model shown has a 'tyre repair kit" instead of a spare. This is the most ridiculous concept in a country as big as Australia. A spare is needed, even the thin ones. So my choice is now between the Yaris Cross - mostly flat when seats are folded down and a spare with the GLX or the Rav 4, whose AWD includes a spare tyre. Thanks for the review of the top of the range model!

[@kevinkain2461]

Great review, can we have one for the Honda ZRV to compare please.

[@cmff6614]

What do you think of the tyre repair kits in the hybrids? Wouldn't like to be caught out in a remote location.

[@beniciodeltoro4956]

Got quoted 1.5-2.5 years waiting time for the hybrid version from my local dealer

[@SanojMendis]

Thanks for the great review Paul 👏🏻 In regards to the cabin noise is it similar to the Corolla Hybrid Hatchback? I know I'm comparing two different platforms. Any inputs, feedback from current owners?

[@dano3696]

Absolutely love mine so far, just over 1400km currently with an average fuel consumption of 4.2l/100km (I primarily drive in eco mode). For a brand new car the road noise is definitely there, but the sound system adjusts volume automatically and it's better in many ways compared to older cars

[@maruwaanmoses]

Cars are generally expensive mate 😢

[@ronsmith2241]

Good review. Thanks. With the rear boot you can set it to 5 different positions. You get an all important spare tyre with a two wheel drive. I have ordered an Atmos, Khaki Green. The seconds to reach 100 k/hr etc doesn't bother me. Easy to get into and out of it for when I get older. The moon roof is OK but I would prefer it without. I don't need it and will keep it closed. I've had melanoma years ago. I am a senior. :-). I get 4.7 L/100k. Looking forward to doing some travel in it. Ordered mine almost 12 months ago. I took delivery of mine this week. Its almost exactly the same as the one in your video. But I definitely won't be hooning. The salesman told me if I ordered it now, I would be waiting 18 months for it. Your review played a significant part of my decision to buy it. Thanks.

[@mandyryan3907]

Hi Ron, Ive ordered the same, we own a Rav 4 Hybrid and before that the Corrolla Hybrid, compared to other makes, Toyota leads in the hybrid world. So loved the test drive as expected. Shame I have to be patient for 12mths though.☹️

[@twc733]

Looks fantastic for a corolla

[@BornAgainCynic0086]

Love the car, very disappointed with the colour range in Australia, other countries had a much bigger choice. Had to go with frosted white. Wanted a blue or graphite.

[@mukhethwalidzhade1041]

Paul is the warmest car reviewer on KZbin. I love it here

[@twisted_panties]

Paul is so toasty.

[@bressan1998]

I hope it will come to Canada!

[@user-hg3pq7ts3f]

Paul.. you did not test the B on the gearbox? what use for? Brake? also downsize no LED reverse light and back indicator no LED... plus no paddle shift.... a bit bummer... for the price of above $50k? the khaki color is amazing... glovebox also no light or LED.... thanks for review :)

[@SACarContent]

Would like to see a review of the Kia niro hybrid which appears to be roughly the same size but with more kit

[@snip3d]

"Rav4 not available, buy this instead" is the feel i got from Toyota

[@kalengkong]

36 months wait on Rav4. This one is only 24 months wait :s

[@Bacender]

Hey Paul, weird request but when you're showing the smart phone mirroring and connectivity, can you please scroll over to the farthest left screen when iPhone mirroring? This is the screen that shows you a map, your directions, and your media. That screen's usability is contingent on the resolution of the display -- something that manufacturers never mention in the specs. Low resolution / cheap displays tend to squash everything in and can be annoying to use, while a high resolution display shows off more info and is easier to read. Would be good to see it when you're showing off phone mirroring. Thank you for these reviews!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the comment! Will try and do this for the next set of cars we film.

[@Bacender]

@@CarExpertAus You guys have the best community engagement. Thank you!!!

[@Mist_R]

I love this color. Avocado green 😋

[@dumisanindlovu1265]

Hi Paul . Great review bt for me th only thing missing from this SUV is th Sunroof

[@eliseduff7681]

I have just purchased one in that colour. I have to wait for 12 months though. I really enjoyed your video, it helps me stay excited about the car.

[@conrafael9465]

Great review i think the corolla sedan has more leg room in the back then this.

[@joshobrien6188]

hey Paul is there a spare tyre on this model? cheers

[@tkburn1439]

Here In South Africa these sell like crazy circa 2000 units a month! However the Chinese have started eating into the Toyota pie the Haval Jolion and H6 combined also did about 2000 units over the same period.

[@vcubed7275]

Never buy a Chinese car.

[@dogie8c]

Wait until those Chinese cars break down. The Toyotas will still be running around for years to come.

[@mickgauci9947]

Hey Paul... when are you doing a review on the Sport Everest... Cheers

[@CarExpertAus]

Coming soon!

[@srapshooter]

Anyone with the AWD hybrid version what kind of range do you get? I know the AWD version get a bigger tank over the FWD. What is the L/100km do u get in the city where u use the battery abit more often? Oh last one, what speed can you drive at contnously on EV mode? e.g. can it drive at 50km/h without kicking the ICE on? Cheers :)

[@electronicfarts5105]

Wanted to test drive one the other day and there is already a 4 month waiting list.

[@robertceroli3512]

4 months doing well I've been hearing about 12 months

[@nightowlnzab]

In NZ test drives were by appointment at local dealership and apparently a large number were sold sight unseen before they even arrived in the country, and 22/23 orders for the top spec models closed a few weeks after going on sale.

[@GAZZA55]

@@nightowlnzab True the same applies to the new 2023 ZR hatch ordered one in early October and is not due until July/ August of 2023. The demos have not even come yet so can not have a test drive.

[@djjames6576]

SUV = Jacking up the price. Sports Utility Vehicle- It's not sporty, it's not utilitarian (it's a hatchback on big wheels). It is a vehicle. Maybe call it the Corolla Cross V.

[@TheGillederais]

Exactly this.. all this so called suv doeant hv any sporty feeling or handling. Only cx5 that has this characteristic, but many ppl dislike it. Weird...

[@hi9580]

Sporty: Handles and rides better than hilux. Utility: more cargo and passenger space than yaris or corolla.

[@legend_6483]

Exactly and to be honest I'm not looking for sporty car , all I want is affordable reappear parts and a car that can handle bad streets without hurting the wheels or mechanical parts , also a car that can serve me for at least 10 years

[@discotheque84]

The suitcase and backpack in the boot is a pretty good indication of the boot space. How about throwing in a pram to see how it fits?

[@BornAgainCynic0086]

Take your pram to a dealership?

[@santouchesantouche2873]

​@BornAgainCynic0086 He's right. A pram is a fair real world test. It's a fair point.

[@johnstath9666]

Great video. Drove the Yaris cross was also impressed.

[@Alpha_7227]

Can you do a review of the new corolla sedan with convenience pack pls.

[@gold3084]

How reliable in long run will cvt be ?

[@idolidol4566]

Hi paul! Do you mind if make a review of Toyota Fortuner 1st Generation (2012-2015) love to see old Suv like that. Thanks! More Power!

[@thesuperRc_..]

👆Thanks for watching and commenting telegram me right now you have been selected among my lucky winners🎁🎁

[@jasontan351]

Hopefully we can get a comparison of the Cross vs the new Honda ZRV soon!

[@tonygersbach375]

With the door test, do you ever have doors that don’t close solid?

[@cairozulu6700]

Thank you for the video. Between C-HR and Toyota Cross which one is the best and why?

[@pummyy]

CHR if you like to keep your passengers claustrophobic and Toyota if not.

[@hotwings9382]

It's the most in demand car in South Africa for 2022

[@R1S0.]

can wireless apple carplay work with a phone connected with a cable?

[@assada]

might remind some of the old Corolla 4x4 wagon from the 1990's

[@DenizAlbayrak]

You should definitely have mentioned the semi-autonomous feature

[@olivegrove2615]

That colour reminds me of the 1979 & 1980 corolla colour.

[@Kamal_AL-Hinai]

What colour is that, Is it Sonic Silver?

[@caljeff2427]

they need that drive train in the corolla hatch.

[@RayTayBan]

Hi Paul - are we going to see a Cupra Formentor video review soon? :)

[@thesuperRc_..]

👆Thanks for watching and commenting telegram me right now you have been selected among my lucky winners🎁🎁