Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Review - Is the Hybrid the one to go for? (detailed specs & pricing)

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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:42 - Toyota Cross Pricing
1:16 - What is a Hybrid?
3:04 - EV Mode
4:34 - Fuel Economy
6:03 - Energy Monitor
6:26 - Power Figures
7:42 - Interior
10:17 - Back Seats
11:25 - Boot Space
13:04 - Toyota Cross XR Specs
14:18 - Eco Driving
15:09 Fuel Tank Size
17:00 Should you buy a Toyota Cross?
19:04 - Outro
As motoring journalists, we are privileged to drive, test and review many vehicles. However, we are rarely afforded the opportunity to “live” with a car. A longer test period can often reveal quirks or inadequacies in a vehicle, or more positively, confirm that the vehicle is one you can confidently recommend. Ciro De Siena recently spent 4 weeks with the much antipicated Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XR variant.
If social media can be used as a measure of interest in a vehicle, the Toyota Corolla Cross was certainly a stand out addition to the market in 2021. With extremely attractive pricing, the offering at face value is certainly attractive, and I have been inundated with requests to review this car.
Our video guy Ciro De Siena was fortunate to be supplied with the top-of-the-range Corolla Cross hybrid XR model. In this video he takes us on a detailed tour of the car, answering the big question, will the hybrid variant save you money? We also look at the boot space, rear seat space and features, infotainment system, specs and pricing.
Toyota Corolla Cross Price South Africa
Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi CVT R349 900
Corolla Cross 1.8 XS CVT R390 100
Corolla Cross 1.8 XS Hybrid R413 000
Corolla Cross 1.8 XR CVT R425 400
Corolla Cross 1.8 XR Hybrid R448 300

[@erikapleasants4886]

I see this video 2 years old. I'm about to purchase this Toyota so this review helped enormously in helping me make up my mind. I'm a single lady living in a new town knowing nobody so thank goodness for these videos! Thank you.

[@stuartcornforth3293]

I have had my xs hybrid since November, and love it. It's NOT a drivers car, rather a sensible car with cool tech. If you play the eco game and have decent charge in the battery, the EV mode works quite well. By playing the game on the N1, as I forgot to refill, I got down to 2.9l/100! Really love the silent pull aways and silent parking lot trips.

[@dejeanthegamer]

That's Stuart, what kind or range do you get with city driving ?

[@GuyI9000]

Wow really? What speed? 2.9l is definitely worth it, gonna test drive one

[@GuyI9000]

@@alunesh12345 does jesus beleive in this hybrid?

[@matomekgatle4023]

Hey. Thanks so much for sharing. Can you recommend any blogs or social media platforms that share about maintenance, I’m really interested in the car and long term maintenance is the only thing I’m wondering about

[@Mr_Matu]

WoW, 2.9? That's amazing.

[@pcd0001]

I have had the XR for a month now. I am very impressed... The biggest selling point for me is the value for the price...I had to decide between Rav, new Tucson, CX5/50, Fortuner and Subaru Forester....this brand new car costs me less than 7k pm new without deposit....I bought 2 brand new cars (new suzuki swift glx for the wife) for 10k per month instead of only one car. Plus a saving on fuel on both cars.. It is a no brainer if you are on a budget, but want reliability and value.

[@Carscoza]

Sounds like you cracked the code! Wishing you many happy miles in your vehicles

[@liquidcourage7221]

Would you mind giving out some information on your purchase? Exact model / number of payment months / dealership (sales person). Also, do you recommend it? Others have been saying it feels underpowered.

[@vanisamantile665]

@@Carscoza can one add sunroof on the Toyota corolla cross?

[@claramakgala4994]

Hey kindly refer me to your sales consultant or garage were you got your deals

[@r0j0e]

@@vanisamantile665 they mentioned in the video that it's not even an option on the toyota site

[@iketau8244]

Thanks for the review. You're the reason I bought this 2024 XR Hybrid. So far, the experience is great.

[@Hamilton_ZA]

Nice review as always, but now we need a side-by-side review with the non hybrid model.

[@KhunRoger]

Exactly what I just posted. But don't concentrate on mileage or petrol cost - some of us just tootle around locally.

[@earlallnutt]

Signed my OTP in November last year for a XR Hybrid Cross. Really exited to drive this old, but fairly new to us, technology. So proud of SA building this. We can achieve more like this to create more jobs. Let's buy only SA made! Politicians will find ways to blame everyone, but themselves, while the rest of us will just put in the work to create a beter future for all in our beautiful country.

[@christopherwalker5017]

Proudly South African

[@thandomthembu4913]

Investing in ourselves 👌🏾

[@zusiphejozela2477]

First review of 2022, Thank you Ciro and the team!!!

[@kreisenchetty3688]

Many thanks for this review. Have been waiting patiently from Nov 2021 for this 😊

[@rav11stars]

I loved your review; it's very well made, edited and the way you explained with a subtle wit is very nice

[@LariM78]

I picked up my Corolla Cross XR today - 2023 model. It is an amazing vehicle. Unfortunately there is such a long waiting list for Hybrids and I couldn’t wait that long. Before getting this car, I looked at the Subaru Forester Sport and was impressed by the adaptive cruise control, lane trace, etc, but that car was out of my budget and heavy on fuel. The XR model is such a great alternative and such a comfortable ride. Loving the apple car play as well…

[@garethdekock7391]

Just a correction... 36Litre fuel tank... Not 45. Hence the range

[@markcoller9173]

Thanks Ciro been patiently waiting for this review. Have been to toyota and was told the waiting period is anything between 3-6 months now. Would want to test drive it before buying but seems that would be a wait as well!

[@marcbtempelhoff2326]

Finally found a Corolla Cross Hybrid unit and enjoying the fuel consumption game. I think this is the perfect vehicle to have as your first hybrid.

[@2008beezer]

Just purchased one here in Taiwan but of course everything was explained in Chinese, so this video was a god send. Lekka video, it really explained everything I had questions about and because your video was so good I am happy to subscribe to your channel and share with my friends.

[@SevenAteNine182]

Bro Ciro you are a legend man. You (and Juliet) have world class motoring journalism skills. I love all the local nuances you include for the South African context. Keep up the excellent work. Oh and awesome review as always!

[@JOlsson01]

Love your reviews. Cheers from Australia.

[@haseebislam08]

Excellent review! Absolutely to the point. I’m here in Bangladesh and am planning to get one soon. In fact I’ve spoken to the dealership regarding the booking in a day or two. I know the feeling of a hybrid car as I’ve been driving a Prius C for the past 3 years. Brilliant little car with zero issues for a moment till date. Toyota, as always, the best in class when it comes to reliability. Oh btw, the fuel tank capacity is 36 litres…..not 46.

[@malfan]

Thank you for the HD video quality :)

[@TheAthavanleon]

I drive a variant of Corolla called Axio - Its an amazing car to own. Its so efficient to run almost cheeper than a motorbike. Toyota's hybrid is one of the best in it's class.

[@maxmpuru8616]

Ahhh yes, finally an old fashioned car review, my day has been made....

[@KenIronside]

Thanks, brilliant review.

[@rensm6256]

Kia Ora from New Zealand 🇳🇿 Just bought one and I love ❤️ 😍 it !!!

[@emilschneider9974]

Yes very useful info, thankyou for the comentry on Corola Cross!

[@wave1401]

Yip yip yip. Been waiting for this one. I'll jump the queue and put in my next request - should the Haval H6 Hybrid make it to South African shores please. At the same time, thank you very much, it's been informative and entertaining!

[@philipc239]

Love your review 👍👍😊

[@motlatsomatjekane3700]

Thanks for doing this

[@thabolesole674]

Great review Ciro. If possible, please also do a review of the new Lexus IS 300h now paired with a CVT. Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@nooranikhan3146]

An awesome Honest Review

[@Phennym]

I’m definitely trading in my Audi A5 for this one. Great revie👍🏽

[@matthewandgrace9187]

This was a very good review. Thank you so much.

[@Carscoza]

We're glad you enjoyed it, thank you for watching

[@gazg00]

Love the Corolla Cross, always thought that it would be a big seller when they announced the prices.

[@luthermahoney5867]

Eagerly await the Rav4 Hybrid review. Really seems like the midsized SUV to have. Hope we get the and version. The Rolla cross is a great package, needs juuuusr a Lil more grunt.

[@bongakhumalo3095]

Been waiting for this

[@jandreb895]

I won mine 😝 absolutely loving it!

[@robertcarr4172]

We get the non hybrid xs tomorrow. Brand new. Very very excited. Nice upgrade from our Ford ecosport

[@ArmandoMachado92]

Nice review! Love the car also. BTW, the ciclist enjoyed his moment of fame 😂😂😂 +2:01

[@karelesterhuizen7117]

Always strange the GP number plates in CT, lol, great review.

[@braalo07]

One of the best vehicles out there 🔥🔥🔥

[@inctru]

The biggest selling point IMO for this over the regular Cross is that it uses a much more reliable eCVT instead of a less-reliable & more prone to random self-destruction belt/chain CVT design.

[@zaheerjogiat7888]

Can you please explain the difference between cvt and ecvt?

[@colinashby3775]

Good review. Not heard of this guy before.

[@Carscoza]

We're glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@abrammakgalemele3491]

Thank you Ciro❤.

[@blinkjuwele]

Great review as always. Battery life cycle and replacement cost would make or break the decision for me. Would be great to know.

[@mrthomaslaux1]

Good video

[@lionelmitchell7967]

Hi Ciro. Enjoyed your review of the Cross hybrid. Is a review of the cheapest EV, the CityBug, coming soon. Personally a wouldn't pay R230k for that little golfcart. Saw one on the road in Pretoria. It was tiny.

[@michaeldande]

Cool Content, Which Camera Do You Use In the Car.. this inside car shot

[@fishingkayakssa7956]

This car across the range is going to wipe out the competition, another market killer, going to do serious damage to other manufacturers. Beautiful looking jammie.

[@africanandproud6792]

@@alunesh12345 You're making the gospel unattractive by invading on people's lives like this. Please stop.

[@danielngada8225]

Great information and analysis. I wonder if it has reverse cameras and 360° view around the car. The size is quite reasonable and it gives the Jolion a good competition by fuel consumption 👍Thank you for a wonderful auto review 😀

[@wesleymullins8818]

Hey Daniel, the XS and XR versions have reverse cameras. The XI doesn't have a head unit with a screen but was told they can fit it for +- 13k No 360deg view on any version though

[@ebrahimmurchie4013]

Excellent review. Toyota all the Way.

[@4theson2]

Happy with my XS Hybrid

[@synthwave7]

This car is super well priced and probably the cheapest electric "type" vehicle in SA ever. Consumption is very good. I cannot even get 20 km/l on my 2022 Polo 1,0 Tsi DSG. The dashboard is a let down in my view. Toyota always skimp on the digital info on the dash [Fortuner another example] - gives basic info, where German vehicles give you a lot of tech info you NEED on the dash.

[@benbarnard8280]

My wife's Vw T cross get 5 L to 100 with ease, her lowest consumption is 3.7 L to 100 it has done 980 on a tank, and it has nice power from the little turbo engine with a proper gearbox. I hate the lazy old cvt gearboxes,and no Rev counter, no thanks.

[@wsy987]

1. T cross is way smaller and lighter , they are not in the same class. 2. It is not possible to get 5L/100 in any major city with T cross. 3. T cross needs premium fuel.

[@iamkhanyasakawuli]

@@wsy987 they are competing in the same class, the cross-over segment.

[@graemecouch5010]

Good until VW DSG shits itself !

[@edwinseitei5275]

Nice 👌🏼 review. Very informative and in depth. I just wish Toyota can also bring us the Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid as well. Any chance that we’re gonna get that?

[@vpanday1977]

No.

[@GuyI9000]

It should come within a few years based on sales

[@adamboshoff3601]

Side by side shootout ICE vs Hybrid same spec would be a great video. Top spec 1.8 vs top spec Hybrid including performance and efficiency

[@ndalokhumalo9053]

I've been waiting for this review 🙌

[@jeddavis4771]

I'm actually at 25.1km/l with my 2022 Cross Hybrid. It did halve my gas consumption and therefore my bill. I'm actually keeping an excel sheet with my consumption and there are times I'm seeing 26km/l. I think the car's display gives a more conservative number. In actual daily driving, not punching it and maintaining a decent speed between 70-100 km/h, I'm seeing on average between a low of 24 km/l to 26 km/l on every fill-up.

[@mayuruttarwar2237]

Thats a decent milage

[@alannahwatts5778]

That is insane! I’m totally sold. Just added my name to the ONE YEAR waiting list…..

[@braalo07]

One of the best vehicles out there

[@Strngbd]

Ciro seems to have had a great December xD. looking "Healthy"

[@maxlodewyk_na]

Dear team, please also do a review on the latest Corolla Quest. Thank you.

[@sandilemajiya7831]

I Love this a lot

[@Neevarshan_Naicker]

I would go for the corrola sedan it looks better, it has a bigger boot in fact about 40 litres more, it has better front seats for me and yeah but this review was great 👍 👌 😀.

[@ryankov]

No ground clearance and no AWD tho

[@surajhk31]

Taxi 🚕

[@bakangmereekae]

@@surajhk31 😂😂

[@josh3221ify]

Can you fit a washing machine in your sedan? Doesn't matter how big a sedan's boot is, hatchbacks / suv's will always be more practical

[@sofiamafokoane5839]

Corolla cross has a bigger boot as well.

[@sorinmiliescu]

Hi, nice review and excellent sense of humor. Now talking about the range, you said that it can achieve 20km per liter and fuel tank capacity is 48 liters, so 48x20=960 km theoretical range?

[@martinneethling3113]

Informative as always. Tell me more about the performance on the highway and how long it takes from 0 to 100 km/h. Unfortunately with the government trying its hardest to tank the economy every day, there is very few of us that can afford a card just for commuting. If I buy a hybrid is must work on the highway and be able to do long distance trips - otherwise it just wouldn't make sense in SA.

[@lorenzowillemse422]

Excellent review. Very informative, you should’ve been a school teacher or something

[@julioaraujo7889]

FYI. With the non hybrid GR-S and XR (but maybe for both as I only have a non hybrid) you can get a full size spare wheel fitted by toyota. They pull out the plastic casing for the biscuit and add in a full size casing and the full size spare. Costs around 6k (july 2023) and is all factory. Everything fits in the same space. Not sure why this isn't standard or at least promoted as an optional extra. So for those wanting a full size spare. It does exist and does fit 100%

[@Clark_Kent_ZA]

Thanks for the info. I noticed the website doesn't mention this.

[@tshepoleonardmokaedi3663]

jolion has been the cool kid on the block up until this came......this is going to be a win for Toyota

[@rogerfelix7684]

Ciro, legend, love your reviews. Can you maybe help please. Can you find out with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, if the radar locks onto a vehicle in front, and my car slows down, do the brake lights of my car light up to alert vehicles behind me that I'm slowing down? Been using the system and it's brilliant, but was worried that vehicles behind me were getting a bit close. Do the brake lights activate when the adaptive cruise control slows my vehicle down? Thanks for great reviews.

[@raymondmalan487]

Toyota has had this for Years.....Lexus Perfected it...German Brands Answer to this is Full Electric ( 1st World Tech in a 3rd World ) or the "Stop-Start"...😂😂. Hybrid is the Answer. No Maintenance on the THD ( Toyota Hybrid Drive ). Absolute Joy to Drive. Thanks for the Vid.

[@nkgudih]

One thing you forgot to mention, all Toyota/Lexus hybrids don't have a physical reverse gear, the cars only reverse in electric mode.

[@Historymaker881]

Various other reports and Toyota themselves indicate that the engine and electric motor push out a combined equivalent of 90KW of power when considering various parameters. They just don't mention a combined torque figure. It is a bit unfair to discriminate the low power of the petrol engine, considering it works in tandem with the electric motor...

[@hwleitner2009]

Real time fuel consumption can be displayed - you need to select it for display in the bottom right corner. Rented one in Cape Town and Johannesburg- surprisingly peppy and fine at highway speeds. 4.5 l/. 100 in the cape and 6.3 in Johannesburg. Would have no hesitation recommending

[@guestguest1390]

Thanks. Please consider doing the bmw x3 LCI xdrive 20d M Sport review too

[@Benderswe1]

the mix of analog and digital is what we in europe used to have now we go FULL digital

[@rainierswartz1543]

Hi Ciro when will you feature a M5 competition pack latest model?

[@0bzen22]

Best I found, accelerate moderately to the speed you want, maybe a little higher, them come off the throttle and re-apply throttle to maintain speed and EV mode, no more. Then more often than not, it will stay in EV (until you battery is at 40%).

[@altusjordaan9473]

I have the normal XR model. By biggest issue is road noise, especially from the boot. Drives me crazy. My Corolla sedan was much better insulated. What's your experience?

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@philipsnyman1407]

We have a xs petrol and love it it's a great car.

[@corneldup]

Where do you live, what kind of driving do you do, and what is the fuel consumption like on the non hybrid? Thanks

[@mettegrundt8932]

Looking for one in Denmark… thank you👍🏻

[@kaymwangala]

All I need is this for my daily commutes and a Legend RS for my out of town trips. Thats not too much to ask

[@childofyah268]

I love these vids I'm a teen btw who's a car fanatic!

[@Carscoza]

Great to have you on board!

[@LakshanLala]

Ciro, does the cross also have B on the CVT for regenerative braking like the corrola sedan

[@Munyabrwn]

Great fuel consumption. I get the same fuel consumption on my 2007 Nissan qashqai 1.5dci (manual transmission)

[@sharkies5747]

mmmmm... Not a math guru but if you get 5 or even 6 Lt/100 you should get 46Lt x 20 or 16 you will get 920Km or 766km per tank.. so even if you only use 40Lt you should get 640Km on 16Km/Lt or even on the 20km/Lt you can easy do 800Km.. I must say I really like this car. Nice comprehensive review.

[@GuyI9000]

How are you getting 5.6? Sat in a friends one and it was doing 3.2l per 100km

[@narcisoperalta7288]

Great car and nice review. I would love to know about cabin quietness and ride comfort though. I have heard that the Corolla hybrid sedan it’s actually noisy. Any experience with the Cross on ride quality time road noise? Thanks ~! 🙂

[@alainlaumond3612]

Fake new . I own Toyota Corolla - no noisy - 5.4 liters for 100 kilometers

[@hi-ul1jx]

Hi how do i sign up or something to show a car car on this channel because i have a friend with a fery nice Nissan hardbody with a RB26,25 in it and he wants to show it here

[@pierregroenewald4754]

Got a Xr last year Deember getting the xr Hybrid this week.. Exited

[@johanjoseph5815]

Hi, do you know what's the waiting time

[@candicerenn4783]

When’s it coming to the USA?

[@eraserheads78]

Toyota should have matched this CUV with the Camry's 2.5L hybrid engine and this will sell very well worldwide.

[@user-vw6vf5pq7d]

Hi so I have purchased the 1.8XR Hybrid and love the car, a little under powered but good value, one question, what is Drive Mode, the dash lights change from Blue to Red and it seems a little more aggressive, is this the equivalent of Sport Mode, as I cannot find any info on this setting.

[@ep_king1996]

Review on the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S please

[@wesleymullins8818]

Awesome, been waiting patiently for this review even though I'd already ordered one early Jan 😀. I test drove 2 of them, XI & XS and I found the cvt to be a bit whiney in both. Not a deal breaker though. The XI had more road noise but seems the XS has better insulation and was quite a bit more pleasant to drive. They are seemingly underpowered though but will suit my (wifes) needs just fine.

[@farainyika2365]

There is a market for this definitely and they are selling a storm since launch. I passed on it and went with the Vitara Turbo though. I cannot stomach CVTs and hate driving underpowered cars. You really suffer in Gauteng and want a car to make me feel alive. The Cross is best for families who want fuss free motoring with exceptional value. Overall, Toyota has a smash hit again.

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

It feels underpowered because for drivers like you, Toyota would want you to upgrade to the RAV 4 Hybrid of their Lexus models like the new NX that came out. More $$ more power, what did you expect for the lost cost of this vehicle. That is why there are luxury vehicles for those who want to burn a lot of gas going faster and pay premium fuel. Why ppl complain cheap cars have less power is beyond me. Get a BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, Tesla if you want to pay no fuel and go fast.

[@wesleymullins8818]

@@Flying-Fox-of-Snowy-Mountain The vehicle has a big power plant, and the engine actually makes good power. What creates the impression of it being underpowered is the CVT box. It gives you the feel of the car being lazy because it revs really high but truth is that it's only really lazy off the line and once it runs its pretty good. There's no way these vehicles could be compared to some turbo charged high end vehicle and nobody is comparing it. I knew what the vehicle is going into the deal and still bought it. Would I do it again? Hell yes! Everything has pros and cons and I bought it because it is good value for money and suits my wife's needs perfectly as I said previously.

[@namechecksout6300]

Aye! Happy New Year! Do you guys perhaps know when the first Renault Vs are coming to South Africa?

[@sizwe1131]

Problem with the RAV4 hybrid is that it comes in GX only and will be R560 000. The RAV4 VX hybrid will not be available in South Africa unfortunately therefore this Corolla Cross in XR is the best hybrid in terms of features and value.

[@dumiphama8811]

Hi. I am happy to inform you as a Toyota employee. The gx 2.5 hybrid has been discontinued. In fact all gx models have been canned bar the GX-R. The new hybrid models are now equipped with rear and front electric motors giving it awd. These are available in the 2.5vx spec and 2.5 GX-R spec.

[@reyperez9356]

anyone know when the hybrid version will arrive to the US?

[@eldoretsykes]

How safe is it for a passenger to sit behind the driver, "on top" of the electric battery? I'm worried about legs blocking the intake of the filter of the battery

[@mra7857]

When are we gating it in the USA

[@lucas_8358]

I loved this car from first moment i saw it on video but.. In my country Cyprus it will arrive on October and even though i can preorder it now to have it by January i am a bit worried about its size as i cant see it live.. rear seats leg room seems a bit small and cargo behind i dont know if our kids strollers will feet as i see 2 stuff taking space on each side.. CAN SOMEONE HELP???

[@MultiScotty24]

I have a 2021 Corolla hatch bought in October the Bi tone top of the range. Pretty similar but you do get wireless charging as standard in it. Thinking about trading it in for the Hybrid Cross but still in 2 minds. Dealer says 3 months to wait jip. Also looks cool with the urban kit, but apparently they can only fit that afterwards, and not from the factory?

[@zolanazozidondolo8540]

Does it show the whole area, as you move out of the paking lot?