3 WORST And 8 BEST Things About The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota Corolla Cross or Honda HRV?
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0:00 - Intro
BAD:
0:30 - The ride
I’ll preface this point by saying, the ride here is objectively fine..especially considering the price point and segment
Ultimately, it’s just the steering, a little springyness from the ride, and some road noise that aren’t quite perfect here
1:32 - Interior is meh.
This SE is the middle trim for the hybrid and its interior is a mixed bag
It’s all cloth upholstery, which actually isn’t bad
It’s black, but with blue and white contrasting accents which is kinda cool
Weirdly though you do get leather for the steering wheel and the armrests in the doors
Even in the rear seats
You can get Softex on the XSE trim and abigger screen
But here we have optioned the $940 moonroof package
No pano here no matter how much you spend
And then here’s a weird thing
The dash and door cards are a hard scratchy plastic..except for the passenger side
And finally, only the driver’s window is auto up/down
2:40 - Price
And lastly is price, which is kind of a double edged sword
SE starts $29,290
options - 2,240
total - 32,865
HRV starts 24,100
Top trim EXL - starts 27,650
Cosstrek starts 25,000
Top trim limited - 30,895
CX30 starts 23,000
Turbo prem plus 35,400
So the Corolla Cross hybrid is generally more expensive BUT none of the others offer a hybrid…so it’s value that you’ll recoup pretty quickly
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GOOD:
3:56 - The hybrid
Well as we just touched on, we gotta talk about the hybrid…this is the only hybrid in the segment and it’s a great system..it’s toyota’s 5th gen system that we’ve seen in the sexy new Prius
2.0 4 cylinder
139 lbft (151 electric torque)
196 total hp
38 mpg comb
EV mode won’t last long or go quickly
less than 1 kWh battery
So decent power, punch, and efficiency…im impressed
4:37 - Looks
I think this thing looks pretty good, but the hybrid has a totally different face than the non-hybrid
The hybrid looks cooler than the non-hybrid
Bigger grille wirth texas longhorn inlays
17 in wheels
Two tone paint
blue crush metallic & jet black roof
surfing movie 2002
Chrome window runner on top
Flared shoulders and hips are aggressive for a cheap hybrid
AWD on rear door
Chrome corolla cross embossed in C pillar
Blacked out badges on back
Plus there’s a bunch of easter eggs that I show you in the feature tour video
5:27 - AWD
Then we have to talk AWD…because every Corolla Cross hybrid comes standard with eAWD
It’s actually eAWD which means it’s just a small electric motor on the back that kicks in when needed…like at launch or loss of traction
The thing about that rear motor is that it’s only packing 40 hp so it’s helpful but if you’re expecting to drift corners, you probably wont
Still cool that all the hybrids get AWD
5:58 - Quick
So it’s a small cheap hybrid from Toyota - it’ gotta be super slow and boring right?
WRONG
This thing has smoe serious punch!
0-60 in about 7 sec
Hybrid is 3 seconds faster to 60 than gas
It feels nimble on its feet, at least at low speeds and around town!
6:22 - Safety
TSS 3.0 is great
6:54 - Tech
Even though this is the cheapest SUV and not even the top trim, you still get some really great kit here
8 in screen - can upgrade to the 9in screen
Wireless ACP and AA
Wireless charger avail
Full digital cluster avail on XSE
Remote connect w/ alexa, phone app, etc
Wifi enabled
Dual bluetooth connection
I mean, honestly, aside from heated seats, this thing kinda has all the stuff I really need
7:33 - rear seats
And then there’s the rear seats, which aren’t huge, but actually, I can fit back there without origami-ing myself
There’s also a couple cool features back here like
Air vents STANDARD which is impressive
USB-Cs
No center cupholder, but door ones
And a map pocket
So for the size and segment i’m impressed with this!
8:02 - Trunk
8:39 - Outro

[@dwnshft]

Special thanks to our Patrons for their support of the channel! Corolla Cross or Subaru Crosstrek?

[@A_A_J.]

Crosstrek if you don’t get the Cross hybrid.

[@anneofhearts]

I have one and I LOVE It!!! The best thing: its comfortable and peppy,,,small enough to fit anywhere, looks smart, drives like a sporty car....surprisingly the gas tank is only about 10 gals.but i can get over 400 miles on that tank.

[@michaelbrohl1625]

I test drove one of these and will probably buy it. None of your negatives bothered me at all. I also will get the SE with no options necessary. I don't need a sunroof etc.... does nothing for me. I have shopped around and for me personally this can't be beat.

[@farcinue]

Surfer here. Blue Crush is a surprisingly good movie. It’s not Big Wednesday, but still an entertaining watch. Nice review… I like the Corolla Cross Hybrid, especially for the mpg and living in an urban environment like LA. It’s small enough for compact parking spaces, but big enough for a surfboard or bike.

[@dwnshft]

🌊🌊

[@jayoneill1533]

Good review, very informative. Thanks

[@dwnshft]

🙏

[@hulkbustersmash73]

Great review.

[@dwnshft]

🙏

[@A_A_J.]

I’ve test driven both, and bought a cross hybrid. It has a better drive assist function and is overall a smoother ride. And I say that as someone who has owned 3 Subarus. If I lived in heavy snow areas, I’d get a Subie, but this Cross hybrid is more than enough in 90% of the country.

[@nighthawkvc25a]

Would you happen to remember how the Cross hybrid compared in terms of road noise?

[@A_A_J.]

@@nighthawkvc25a A bit more wind and road noise than the Crosstrek... however, the Crosstrek has the more growly boxer engine, so it has a bit more engine noise. If you are in the back seats, I think the Crosstrek would be slightly quieter. Corolla Cross has a larger trunk and it's more of a sound box. About the same level of noise between the two models in the front seats. Practically speaking, almost the same for both.

[@Papalou1234]

Ottawa,3 years waiting for a cross hybrid...order a rav4 hybrid 8/12 months waiting and negociation is very tough😮‍💨

[@TheSleepyMechanic0524]

Coming from a blown up 2014 Mazda 3 sedan, that had no features at all, including a nonfunctional radio. It was a manual transmission, probably the only cool thing about it. Got into a black 2023 LE last week, and I’m in love. Night and day difference

[@jonm2522]

Is Australia getting this front design or the current boring one with the Grill all the way to the top.

[@JPStaats]

Nice review of the US version this model, but need to correct you on the location of the hybrid battery: it's under the rear seat, not in the trunk.

[@dwnshft]

😎👌

[@lindap361]

Love it but it needs higher driver seat. Missing cigarette lighter for my car vacuum and no compass. Hood very heavy with teeny stick to hold up in a dark not easily seen place so I can add windshield cleaner. Hope no one decapitated!

[@brianreynolds1717]

I have owned a corolla cross hybrid since 9-1-23 the only thing I dont like about it besides the no spare tire is the peanut gas tank. I get the same miles per tank as the hyundai venue it replaced.

[@A_A_J.]

Range is the same as the Crosstrek. You just need to get used to the fact that you don’t NEED that gas… why would you waste energy moving gasoline from one place to another?

[@ms.b9093]

@@A_A_J. Exactly! Same range as the CrossTrek's 16.6 gallon gas tank.

[@aca2983]

I've tried very hard to make myself like the Corolla Cross because it checks all my boxes and seems perfect "on paper." But it just seems so dull and cheap feeling. I just can't... PLUS dealers are still asking ridiculous markups. No way.

[@ms.b9093]

Same thoughts for me too! I just wish Mazda offered a hybrid!

[@kasio22B]

It's a shame that you don't get a rear seat center armrest at this price point... All in all, I wish this cute ute is under 30k...

[@jtferraro]

Are you sure a 9” screen is available on the XSE?

[@razieltov]

Yeah he is totally wrong about a 9" screen.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

The car needs more "pizazz" as the new Hyundai Kona is a techno marvel and very futuristic to boot. Sadly, Kona won't offer a Hybrid version, so when I'm ready to lease my 2025 crossover SUV, I'll look at both but big factor for me next year will be cost to lease versus buy my current 2022 Kona at lease end.

[@dwnshft]

Hoping to review the new Kona soon!

[@A_A_J.]

Kona has been unreliable since it was built. Corollas are incredibly reliable. If you don’t care about later issues and poor resale value, go with the Kona.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

@@A_A_J. I'm driving my 2nd Kona (2019 and now 2022) and between the two, ZERO issues so I don't know what you're talking about. Hyundai does have engine issues but they are with older engines and not the 1.6 Turbo found in the top Kona trim (which I have).

[@A_A_J.]

@@Steve_in_NJ With respect, 1) your cars are less than 5 years old, 2) it's a numbers game. Most Kona's would obviously be fine, but for every 100,000 Kona's, some will have engine/transmission problems, same with Corolla Crosses and Crosstreks, but Consumer Reports says that you are more likely to have issues with the Kona than the other two. Doesn't mean YOUR Konas will have problems.

[@ms.b9093]

@@Steve_in_NJ I would hope you had zero issues in just a year! Toyotas are the long game of trouble free ownership!

[@LicPlate8VPL158]

you might as well get the highest trim level chevy trax

[@crazylegs225]

But then you have to live with the fact that you bought a Chevy.

[@LicPlate8VPL158]

@@crazylegs225 their latest stuff aren't bad. I rented a 2023 Chevy traverse not long ago and it was so amazing. not the mpg though but hopefully the new 2024 4 cylinder engine would get better mpg. I think Chevy's infotainment is amazing though with how fast it functions. My deal breaker for the Trax however is lack of ventilated front seats and no 360 camera. Kinda weird that heated seats are available everywhere but like....not all of us live in the snow? yknow?

[@jicalzad]

@@crazylegs225 exactly! Wonder how long that Chevy would last

[@dcniner0187]

How many people would want a turbocharged three cylinder engine.

[@LicPlate8VPL158]

your mom@@dcniner0187

[@4evertej7]

KZbin should provide the location feature, so that the viewers know where the content is from. As it we all know different countries are offered different car features.

[@stockpicksbytim1228]

There is a location feature, its up to the creator to provide it

[@patriotparty6795]

I'm wondering if you had to drive it on a long trip would the seat be comfortable.

[@dwnshft]

Drove it to, and around, Chicago and it was fine! a couple hours no problem

[@patriotparty6795]

@@dwnshft Thank you!

[@uhAlphaFox]

Combined MPG is 42! Highway is 38.

[@aca2983]

Not that impressive really.

[@martinwalsh5513]

The smallest SUV Toyota has is the Yaris Cross Hybrid

[@jicalzad]

Is light steering a bad thing?

[@ms.b9093]

It just means they tend to be less engaging. Have less substantial or quality feel of driving

[@soundxplorer]

My favorite car to drive was my old 1995 Honda Civic that did NOT have power steering, just a direct rack & pinion setup. It just felt natural, but it was a very small car so it worked fine. Larger/heavier cars need power steering. I recently bought a Corolla Cross Hybrid and I love it. At low speeds (in a parking lot) the steering is very light, but I've gotten used to it. The power steering tightens up a bit when you start going at higher speeds, but it still doesn't provide the direct feedback from the road that heavier sport-tuned steering would. For what it's worth, I test drove a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the steering felt similarly light. It's just how a lot of cars are made these days.

[@sunilayya8948]

No matter how reliable most toyotes are, I would buy a mazda over them anyday because toyota designs are so lacking in any kind of style .

[@ms.b9093]

Here here! Mazda would be unstoppable if they offered a hybrid!

[@stevenv2190]

Damn shame the 2024 PHEV C-HR has 223HP. Toyota NADM gets screwed again.

[@ffhamdan]

The tiny 40L tank capacity on the CC hybrid is disappointing; also equally disappointing the absence of roof rails on the Canadian base SE trim!

[@A_A_J.]

Why waste resources on a gas tank when you’ve already invested in good mileage? 450mile range not good enough?

[@cyrusthegreat3081]

Jetta gets 40 mpg without hybrid!

[@ms.b9093]

VW reliability????😂

[@cyrusthegreat3081]

@@ms.b9093 25k for Jetta vs 35k for Corolla cross! You will be spending extra 2 grand for Jetta maintenance over the period of 10 years! That 2k is savings in interest which you dint borrow 10k more for hybrid!

[@jeffreyfitch1006]

I'm NOT impressed. I've seen it parked next to the Rav4 prime & it's almost the same size, they certainly could have made this car closer in size to the Crosstrek. And the Rav4 prime actually gets better mileage than this thing. Why bother?

[@Selahree]

The rav4 prime is much more expensive

[@ms.b9093]

The Rav4 has much more interior room and cargo space and the Prime is easily $40K+

[@hatontuesday]

The Crosstrek is 176.4"; the Cross Hybrid is 176.1

[@arthurhuang8149]

lol inexpensive..... the dealer mark up is fucking out of control

[@HerbalistAce]

I have one. The only things I like better than my 2018 hyundai elantra is the 8" ground clearance, it's a new vehicle, AWD, and the mpg. Other than that, it's crap. Going back to Hyundai after this vehicle. Toyota is crap.

[@vinnpu]

Too bad it's not attractive.

[@dwnshft]

Yeah…😪

[@markkrispin6944]

That is what your mom said about you!

[@chief1960]

THE CVT IS A TERRIBLE MISTAKE AND TOYOTA WILL PAY AT 100000 MILES they cant be repaired only replaced, WHAT IS SAD TOYOTA KNOWS THIS. THE CVT IS TERRIBLE feature to put in the car.UGH

[@aca2983]

and eCVT is different. been explained a million times

[@vinnpu]

Sorry, but its not attractive. I have to like looking at my vehicle.

[@MarkasTZM]

After 3 weeks of owning one, the worst thing on the vehicle is the poor excuse for what they call "carpet". The floor liner is more like hard cardboard based pressed fabric more akin to a trunk liner than an actual carpet. Good thing the mats are decnt although they give limited coverage. My last Toyota made it for 24 years and there is no way this liner will be able to hold up that long.

[@sunnyd4734]

My 17 year old Honda has that same "pressed liner carpet" and it's very durable and I live in salty 🧂 New England, although I did wear a hole in the driver's side floor mat.

[@aca2983]

The interior finishing is the most disappointing part of this car.