Hybrid Power Transforms The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross!

If you think adding a hybrid powertrain to the Toyota Corolla Cross makes it even more of a slug, Quite the opposite. It shaves nearly 2 seconds off the 0-60 sprint of the gas-only model. And then it adds significant efficiency, all-wheel drive and a smoother powertrain. In short, if Toyota’s small wagon-like crossover is on your shopping list, you’ll want the hybrid. Tom Voelk travels to Carlsberg, CA to get a first look at the new Corolla Cross Hybrid and chooses the base S model, because money is tight and this one MSRPs for under $30,000 including shipping. $29,305 before adding the all-weather mats. Sorry, meant to put that in a graphic.
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2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid review, 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid price, 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD, Tom Voelk, Tom Volk, Tom Voelk car reviews,
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos.

[@jeffer1101]

This vehicle is such a home run for Toyota. I know it won't dust a Macan or have the flash of a VW ID7, but it's an honest car that gets incredible fuel economy, will be reliable and cheap to own for many years and is affordable for all. I know it lacks the excitement many typical reviewers like, but the consensus in the business is all quite positive and I think it deserves consideration for Car of the Year. This vehicle literally answers what we often gripe about. Good on gas, affordable and a more realistic vehicle for the masses instead of a $60k full size pick up truck (that is often driven with one person and an empty bed).

[@johndonaldson5126]

It's still an ICE vehicle.

[@Flying-Fox-of-Snowy-Mountain]

​@@johndonaldson5126So is billions of other vehicles on the road around the world. Think ppl in Thailand, Vietnam, village of the damned can afford or find a non Tesla available?

[@toronado455]

Only 34,000 units per year? That is going to make these unobtainable without waiting on a very long waiting list. I was hoping these would be produced in greater numbers. I was also hoping for a XLE trim as was stated in the original Toyota press release last year.

[@curtganeles925]

My eyelids were getting very heavy listening to that Toyota rep in that windowless hotel ballroom. Much respect, Tom, for doing the hard work for us 😩

[@alliejr]

I love that you reviewed the base S trim. However, without a special order, I doubt anyone would find an S trim on a dealer lot.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

With the chip shortage, you might find more of them.

[@tinhinnh]

theres only 3 trims so there will be more

[@A_A_J.]

I found one. $6,000 markup, though, same as with their XSE and SE trims. Found an SE at a different, more honest dealer with no markup.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@A_A_J. You get a gold star for not rolling over.

[@jasonthach44]

Thanks for doing the base model.

[@davidjym]

Even this base hybrid looks quite good 😊

[@markorchard4080]

Tom - great work. Nice to see BTS of the events you attend.

[@OldThomMerton]

Love the hybrid addition, it's the only way to buy one of these. And that new colour? Awesome!

[@the_jarmel]

Happy Tuesday ...Thanks Team Driven 👏👏👏....Hope everyone has a good week ...

[@BrianSzadek]

You did an awesome job! Thank you! Love your reviews.

[@holmiumh]

Nice, glad you checked the most affordable trim. 3:26 I found the EV mode to be very useful when in a LA style traffic jam or backing into the garage (no tailpipe emission trapped in the house.)

[@toronado455]

That makes sense, but doesn't it normally default to EV mode at slow speeds?

[@hjer731]

@@toronado455 Not always i think

[@daves1646]

Wild. Toyota is making more decent to drive hybrids with good eco!! Only ‘Huh?’ to me - 14,000 + 34,000 in first 1.7 years. They really are protecting sales of the RAV4, aren’t they …. A shame that Toyota isn’t fully invested in making more affordable eco fully available for families.

[@louiearmstrong]

They should also hybridize the C-HR

[@igeekone]

Yes, it's disappointing to have so low numbers. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is right sized.

[@twystedhumour]

@@louiearmstrong They did as a Lexus UX.

[@louiearmstrong]

@@twystedhumour they did a hybrid CH-R for the rest of the world

[@wernergoosen9003]

Amazing video as always!

[@garthera7819]

Hi Tom, I'm not sure why I didn't discover your reviews sooner, but this is by far the "best" (subjective, but...) review of the Cross Hybrid and, at the same time informative about the ICE (I think this acronym is up-and-coming!) as well. Even though that lecture/presenter guy does the silly 'loud whisper' presentation, I thought the way you interspersed it into your review was perfect, in fact had you said it took 5 hours to produce this review I would have still been impressed. Whereas modern reviews suffer from a lot of POV and silent hand waving to show things, your review is notably like a real person, so thank you for that. I also appreciate that you reviewed the base model, but do think that those of us with white hair have a responsibility to society to have Blind Spot Monitoring, which is why I upgraded my Kia Soul accordingly last year. I'm look at Summer 2025 to get the Cross Hybrid SE if interest rates come down and $1,500-3,000 forced dealer packages go away. Lastly, a QUESTION: Why do reviewers all emphasize the word "Corolla" in the name, as in "COROLLA cross", rather than the normal accentuation for 2-word names throughout all cars since forever? For example, nobody says "PRIUS prime", but rather the emphasis/accentuation is on the second word in the name, as it's always been. I wonder if Toyota instructed dealers who loan out test cars to insist on this, to put the trusted name "Corolla" front and center.

[@aceofspades6667]

great review, seems like a pretty solid option for the price point.

[@blu_is500]

Saw a CC the other day, it was way larger than it appeared online! Thanks for posting.

[@davidjym]

Subcompact aren't so small nowadays 😮

[@blu_is500]

@@davidjym No kidding. I remember the 1st gen KIA Sportage, the growth is crazy.

[@davidjym]

@@blu_is500 . So is the new Chevrolet Trax, it's gotten bigger than the trailblazer 😅😅😅

[@dstevens518]

Thanks for the good review, as always, Paul Harvey... 🙂

[@planr5572]

I like that you showed clips of the Toyota press presentation. I feel like an insider now :)

[@davidgoode7416]

Great review, thanks

[@ArtooDetour]

Waaaay better grille treatment on the hybrid. Fixed the regular Cross’ “frown mouth”

[@tommihelich2613]

Nice review Tom.

[@jauffins]

You're the best, Tom.

[@mhsvz6735]

Excellent, thank you!

[@marekw.9816]

Rear vents on a base model, impressive.

[@shopwithaaron]

Never looking back...What is with the front clip? Thanks Tom!

[@petergazarek9466]

TOYOTA ❤👍🏻

[@ChezDoesStuff]

Of all the cars we have, the Corolla Cross rides closest to our GLS350d with air suspension. Not the RXs, not the NX, not even the Alphard. We have the torsion beam rear end though.

[@castorkat4868]

NJ will have ONE in stock end of June and they are super inflating the prices on them as a HARD TO FIND vehicle..Maybe next year you'll see one

[@fernandovargas7562]

Cool vehicle for Boston and the whole nation…. The hybrid version nice…. Cool video

[@toronado455]

10:29 I think that may have been the longest dramatic pause you've ever taken on your sign off. 😊

[@kevinframe757]

Tom, I've always loved your balanced and easy to vibe with reviews😊 Though for some strange reason, I"d love to see you flog it, in any vehicle, just for a few moments. Of course, who am I to tell you: I don''t have 177k subscribers😚

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Next week, drag race between Corolla Cross Hybrid and Honda HR-V.

[@farcinue]

I live in LA, and this is perfect for urban driving and parking. Plus, the more powerful hybrid and great mpg put this near the top of my shortlist for next car.

[@TinLeadHammer]

You need a porky crossover with 8 inch clearance for urban driving and parking?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, The robust 2.0 Hybrid powertrain is a welcome improvement over the weedy 1.8 system that came with the first Corolla Cross launched in Asia. Too bad Toyota did not offer big-boned Americans and Canadians a plus-sized wheelbase to match the rear seat space offered by its chief rival the HR-V. 🤔

[@purplepeoplesparty2368]

Cheap like me! Thanks Tom

[@ultimatelaziness]

Love all the small improvements they're making but when oh when are they going to update that clunky screen? The double bezel is huge and it looks so cheap. I'm waiting for the next major redesign and I really hope they address that lacking feature. Awesome review. Loved how detailed you are.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I suspect it will be a few years before Toyota upgrades the screen. That's the Toyota way.

[@Guvb235]

I quite like the Corolla Cross but no rear wiper on the base model is appalling.

[@jdm1039]

Toyota seems to get away with that kind of stuff, along with cheap materials, cheap interiors and doors that sound like an empty tin can rolling down the street when you close them. Things that other manufacturers would get ripped apart over. I remember watching a recent review of a Camry where the reviewer glossed over the black gloss trim (pun intended) and made excuses for it but always complains when other cars have that trim. Another complained when a $35k Nissan did not have LED taillights but didn't say much of anything when a $50k Lexus did not have full LED taillights.

[@brucesims1641]

No spake tire makes it a poor choice for many.

[@davidjym]

Nobody buys the base model 😊

[@jayjudd6518]

Can’t find any where

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Coming soon: “welllll, technically… the front passenger doesn’t REALLY need a wiper, you know”.

[@LiohJuney]

As soon as Tom said PRNDL, I thought of London from Zack and Cody Suite Life (millennial easter egg). Great review as always Tom!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I can honestly say I didn't ever catch that show.

[@BTC909]

Euuu, my daughter worked for Dairy Queen. You don't want to go to a Dairy Queen. Good luck finding one of these. Especially without an ADM.

[@bg1379]

Re: EV Mode, I love using it in the neighborhood to keep it quiet and when shuffling cars around the driveway. Feels like I'm causing far less wear by keeping the engine off!

[@josephjohnston7309]

Thanks for the review. The invoice price link sends me to a dealer and nothing about invoice price.

[@khunopie9159]

Why did the Toyota have an angry grill? ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ Because it was Cross

[@phillm156]

This is a great vehicle for 1st time drivers. I’m getting the hybrid for my son.

[@castorkat4868]

try to find one of these forget it

[@phillm156]

@@castorkat4868 pre-ordered, wait a couple of months, no problem.

[@phillm156]

@@castorkat4868 mine is on order.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Gas in Vancouver, CA is almost CAD $7.50/gallon. This Toyota Matrix Hybrid couldn't come at a better time.

[@CrankyGrandma]

How does it compare to the forester?

[@cuddlepoo11]

Nice to see a review of a vehicle not in top level trim. Tom and others seem to always review top trim which is somewhat deceptive. Sticking to trims that most people probably want would seem to be better and mention the differences. Still, Driven is probably my favorite vehicle review source.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I disagree somewhat. Manufacturers provide loaded vehicles so we can test out the latest technologies. Often times the performance of ride quality are the same same with cabin space and cargo room. Sometimes there's a difference but often times not as much as people think.

[@narasimhakaushikn9198]

@@DrivenCarReviews - Ride quality would vary because of the wheel sizes across trims. In rare instances such as Porsches, it'd be due to adaptive suspension kinda stuff...

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Seems like a decent transportation appliance for folks looking for such things...

[@davidjym]

That's what Toyota is known for 😂

[@fist003]

nice review. the ones we have over here only have 1.8 engines be it hybrid or non hybrid. but the deal breaker for me was the foot parking brake.

[@patrickhuang4811]

Nice review! I wonder when will the dealers start receiving the inventory for this Corolla Cross Hybrid.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

June

[@mikej238]

lol..dealers will get a demo. You will have to order one and wait......a long tine

[@konradhittner4668]

Looks like this is the new Vibe/Matrix-and that’s a good thing to have available again.

[@TinLeadHammer]

It looks nothing like a Vibe/Matrix, it is not as functional and it is huge in comparison.

[@konradhittner4668]

@@TinLeadHammer “Huge in comparison”? The Cross is 5” longer, 2” wider, and 300lbs heavier than the Matrix/Vibe, but is rated for better fuel economy than the Matrix/Vibe in both the regular and hybrid versions.

[@sonnguyen-ru6rf]

You were corrected! It's very hot selling now, as of now ,March 2024 ,still be about 2-4 months of waiting if you want to order one !

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The wait is partly due to the supply chain shortage.

[@madisonave37]

In my area you can get the RAV4 hybrid for just a little more.

[@trave7644]

I would never buy it simply of because the hidious front grill;! I just bought a Cross XLE, and love it. Next year I may trade it in for a new version of the Hybrid with perhaps even more safety features.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Five seconds from a question to a response is eternity. Screw that.

[@neeko.b]

I like it for what it is. Don’t really see a reason to go beyond the base model either. No rear door bins and only one seat-pocket is a little strange though.

[@A_A_J.]

no rear wiper... no intermittent front wiper. Such irritating things to leave off.

[@matrix-fh9tn]

Recently bought 2023 Rav4 hybrid XSE, two main reasons are spare tire and the look. Btw, is this design basis for upcoming 6th gen Rav4?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I doubt this previews the next get RAV4. But hey, you never know...

[@alexat62]

Why do people still fret over 0-60 acceleration? In a family car, how often do u need to race off from a traffic light? Most of us r smart enough not do that on our overcrowded city roads. What’s more useful is the overtaking power in the 50 to 80 range. This car looks like good value and I appreciate u starting with the base model, unlike many reviewers that immediately jump to the most tricked out version. Overall, good review 👍🏻.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's less about drag racing off the line, more about a standardized measurement metric that gives people an idea of what to expect. Good for when merging into fast moving highway traffic from an on-ramp traffic meter. The hybrid is much better for that. Better for passing on two lanes roads too (but but I'd want something more powerful).

[@arnoldguisa4155]

Toyota has more hybrid cars than ever before 👌

[@ruzzelladrian907]

“Prindle shifter” is so London Tipton.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'll assume that's a compliment?

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

AWD and $15k below avg vehicle today - quite a solid value proposition indeed. Thanks Tom. PS I may name my next dog PRNDL, if it’s a shifty beast.

[@RoguePlanetStudio]

No L, le, xle, I preferred the older look. I don't hate the new one but I wanted the older look in a LE package.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

For the hybrid, swap the L for S and you essentially have the same grade walk.

[@bextar6365]

I prefer the styling over the RAV-4

[@davidjym]

Me too😊

[@TinLeadHammer]

I prefer Corolla Wagon over both.

[@davidjym]

@@TinLeadHammer everyone needs a high ground clearance in North America 😉😉😉

[@Cornbread-gi6kt]

No spare tire makes this a deal breaker.

[@themarinect]

There's no way this car will be sold at MSRP without dealer's markup

[@jaanfo3874]

You’re not paying attention to the market. There will likely be some small markups early on, but in about a year or so they’ll be selling under MSRP. Other markup kings are seeing similar activity right now; six months ago when I got my oil changed all the cars on the lot had $2500-$4500 markups, even the crappiest compact car, and they were flying off the lot. Last week some of the SUVs had $1,000 markups, all the rest of the cars were listed at MSRP. I checked the dealer’s website earlier this evening (one car in particular that I’m watching, a friend’s daughter just totaled her car and we’re talking about selling her my old car so if that particular car’s still there I’d vault onto it as a replacement around the end of the month) and not one car has sold in the last week. Incidentally, my car was worth $14k private party a year ago, it’s down to $9k now. The market and economy is changing rapidly.

[@chuckwalla2967]

Wish journalists would include freight fee when talking about car prices, especially given their exorbitant amount these days.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I always do (expect for this time). Forgot to put the graphic on. It adds $1,335.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Thank you for keeping the music to the minimum. I would prefer a proper Corolla Wagon sold in Europe, the Cross is not as handsome. I saw an orange cable in the spare tire / repair kit section - can it be removed or re-routed to put a spare in? I like the S trim: no stupid motorized liftgate, real instruments, yes more analog. And fuel economy is not bad. Thanks! P.S. 2 hours for this video? I wish I could be this efficient.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Remove the tray and you could get a spare in there. I'll assume the orange cable is running to the rear motor. Best to leave it alone.

[@TinLeadHammer]

@@DrivenCarReviews Is it exposed for easier access by a rescue team? On the video at 2:25 it seems to go from the hole in the floor (from the rear motor?) to the rear seat or under it (battery?). There is a thingy in the middle (transformer?) that is bolted to the floor, yet has a white handle? Why would Toyota route this cable like this? Is it possible to put a spare in there if needed? Not sure.

[@douglasnelson9268]

What the Prius should have been all along, usefully shaped and designed to look like something other than a ballet slipper. The higher stance helps with dragging the front on bumps. Instruments are centered where they belong. Add the reliability of the hybrid engine, transmission and drive train and it's a no-brainer for my needs and the way this senior citizen drives.

[@netgarnet4337]

Please let us know how comfortable seats are. Please be honest. I've seen so many reviews of this car and no one mentioned anything about it. Also how the seats in xse model? Those seats are the same as RAV4? I subscribed and gave a like. Thank you

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I drove this car for all of 30 minutes and was focusing on performance, handling and ride quality. So sorry, can't give you deep dive into the seats. I'd have to spend at least an hour, more like two to really assess them. That's my honest answer. I'll assume that's the same for other writers as well. I suspect the seats are at least slightly different from the RAV4 since that car costs more but again, wasn't focusing on the seats.

[@flyminion]

I test drove a 2022 Corolla Cross LE (used) the other day, and the seats were nothing to write home about. The main thing I noticed about them was lack of lumbar support. My lower back was stiff after a 20 minute drive. Not sure if they've changed anything for 2023, but I personally would need to buy a lumbar support cushion to feel comfortable driving the base model. The top trim has a power seat with adjustable lumbar support, but I don't know if it's worth it the extra $$$ just for that.

[@jxmar_]

Toyota really needs to make the taillights of the XLE standard on ALL trims! That’s literally what’s stopping me from looking at a base trim.

[@reserva120]

That makes zero sense- stupidity at its best - well done sir.

[@cargueone1971]

Should keep happy traditional Toyota buyer happy. A home run.

[@hrdcore5757]

yea. but how available will they be? It is hard to even get a Rad 4 Hybrid as it is. And now you expect us to believe that theses will suddenly be available? And will the dealers stick a extra charge on it since it will be hard to get!

[@A_A_J.]

No rear wiper makes SO much sense for a vehicle you get for poor weather driving conditions. If you are going to do that, just have an option to run the rear camera while moving forward.

[@weaseldragon]

An electrical junction in the spare tire well? WTF?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

For the rear motor to drive the wheels.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

For the rear motor that drives the wheels.

[@weaseldragon]

@@DrivenCarReviews They could have moved it to the corner where there's unused space. It's called engineering.

[@weaseldragon]

At least it has the vacation-wrecker tire repair kit.

[@jimroberts6176]

Subscription charges? No spare tire? Deal breakers for me. Looks like my next car will be another Subaru Crosstrek. Good review-thanks

[@stipppox]

There are options with spare tire or with foam+compressor. The FWD I test drived has a spare tire on the usual place under the boot's floor

[@jimroberts6176]

@@stipppox Thanks for the info, Petar. I would assume the same for AWD model (?). Also, what do you know about the subscription charges...for what?

[@stipppox]

@@jimroberts6176 The AWD has some issues when driving with the spare tire and 4x4 mode enabled. The automakers prefer foam technology instead, at least I was told that in the local Toyota dealership. The subscription is optional in my country (Bugaria, EU hybrid version) and I don't care about it- you can connect Android/iPhone to the car and have most of the functions

[@davevolz6138]

Where’s Jack Hollis when we need him!

[@dystopia-usa]

Rear taillights (& general styling back there) looks extra-cheap & like a $20K budget appliance.

[@N2LADIES55]

Dealers will jack up the price and you won't get it anywhere near MSRP with so few being made and the high demand for it. I'll buy a new one in about 5 years when hopefully the vehicle shortage is over and you can negotiate below MSRP.

[@proflex310]

Love the car, but CVT kills all upsides !

[@rrt08]

Needs the HAL 9000 infotainment system.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

The Toyota marketing babble genuinely sounded like an AI voice.

[@Snafu2346]

wow that foam space waster is exactly the same size as small spare.......

[@wynchestyr]

amazing that Toyota doesn't at least offer a spare as an option. Lack of spare a significant disappointment and downright dangerous for those who venture far from tow trucks.

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

@@wynchestyr You can't even stow an aftermarket spare in the tire well because the Toyota geniuses stuck a high voltage electrical connector right in the middle of it (when they could have moved it to an unused corner)

[@chrise.cullen1902]

How often does this need to be charged and can will the hybrid be alright out side in the Midwest winter?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

This car cannot be charged. It's a standard hybrid that works fine in extreme weather.

[@chrise.cullen1902]

@@DrivenCarReviews thank you, I don’t know much about hybrids.

[@devilsmetsfan6393]

There are none of these on dealer lots and if 1 shows up, it is marked up ridiculously over MRSP. I will buy a Mazda and forget about the hybrid. In order to get heated seats you have to get the top trim level, pretty ridiculous.

[@YuTubeAccount4]

But how do you buy one!? Not available anywhere in the US yet??

[@mikej238]

order one at the dealer..then wait a very long time

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Scheduled for June of 2023

[@mikej238]

@@DrivenCarReviews yeah wishful thinking. Dealers will have Demos none for sale. People pre-ordered these 6 months ago....basically unseen.

[@lgbunbury]

Is there a seat height adjustment on the front passenger seat? That’s a deal breaker for me…

[@davidjym]

Lol

[@markrainwater3406]

No spare tire? If so, I'll cross it off my list.

[@aristheo]

Will they ever over a PHEV version?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm guessing no on the Corolla Cross.

[@denault3985]

Of course your photography is first rate...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Not this time

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Honda, I'm waiting for a powerful hybrid HR-V. I like the HR-V styling a lot more than the Corolla Cross but boy is it super underpowered

[@davidjym]

HRV and Corolla Cross Hybrid are looking quite similar 😮

[@Snafu2346]

The HRV and the HRV hybrid in Europe look nice. Way better front end compared to the U.S. version. At least is it to me.

[@miguelbaeza65]

Hi Tom. I always wondered why your videos are uploaded way past the embargo date when other KZbin car channels have posted the review already?

[@davidjym]

Tom said he's doing these videos solo

[@DrivenCarReviews]

In this case it’s because I can only pump out one vid a week so this had to wait.

[@davidjym]

@@DrivenCarReviews . No pressure Tom. I just watch your videos for your opinions 😀😀😀

[@dogie8c]

The other reason for the other channels to pump out videos on time is… they have a team that helps them to edit the videos out faster. Doing KZbin solo is draining if you’re doing multiple cars.

[@76carmel]

Usually, the Toyota logo is in blue if it’s model is a hybrid. Didn’t see that in this Corolla Cross hybrid.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I believe that cue is being abandoned

[@patriot0971]

I remember my RAV4 from 97, base model is the one to get for a young person or family. I put 160k miles on mine in 10 years and it worked like a champ until I sold it to a grateful young student :) . I would get a non hybrid because who knows what will happen to the hybrid power train as it ages.

[@TeeVeeThoughts]

The most disappointing thing is that Toyota will only build like 8 of these

[@davidjym]

More like 8 variant of the Corolla Cross 😅

[@mikej238]

8..lol 😂 you're an optimist

[@ahbenjamin2889]

I have always wondered why Toyota never gives torque numbers on their hybrid models? Weird ...

[@davevolz6138]

Gonna trade rav4 prime in on one asap

[@kevtn8]

What's wrong with RAV4 Prime ?

[@christopherprose3881]

I think I'd take a Mazda CX-30 over this even though it would cost a few Ks more. Their interiors are far better and the turbo model is a gem, a real joy to drive. Not as practical, it would make up for lost cargo area with a much more rewarding ownership experience and, like Toyota, they are reliable. The looks of this "Cross" is such a disappointment compared to the original show car version, which was genuinely attractive. Something got lost in the translation and in final production model. It's yet another big 'Meh' from Toyota which is in stark contrast to the gorgeous new Prius. It's like they come from two different companies. Anyway, yet another great review, Tom!

[@davidjym]

I actually prefer this hybrid front design over the gasoline model 😊

[@TinLeadHammer]

The new Prius is just a boring egg, the outgoing generation was more inventive. And its interior is a deal-breaker for me, from low roofline to thick A-pilars to the horrendous instrument panel.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@TinLeadHammer You obviously haven't sat in the new Prius because the A pillars are quite thin. Raked back dramatically? Yes. Thick? No.

[@christopherprose3881]

@@TinLeadHammer You have a good point about the interior and the intrusive A-pillar, but the previous-gen never warmed up to me. The new one is one of the few Toyota models that I would actually consider test-driving if I were in the market.

[@danam0228]

It's a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), not a compact SUV. SUV monniker is reserved for body on frame

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That was the case for a long time but generally, the trend is to call them all SUVs.

[@TinLeadHammer]

It is just a car. But for EPA it may be a truck.

[@10tenman10]

No spare? Just a bad idea.

[@andrahbell7020]

Toyota and these big mouth grills wish they would bring gr sport trim here with gr86 engine and transmission

[@bliglum]

Facelift improves the look

[@jonaspareja]

I’m in Que for a Cross Hybrid. One thing I don’t like is the Analog gauges. Looks outdated. Toyota cost savings at its worst.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm convinced that in five years, analog gauges are going to be in HUGE demand. People always want what they can't have.