Overview
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross looks set to take on mini-SUVs in the tough American crossover sales war, thanks to its cute pug-dog style. This car’s engine makes 169 horsepower and may be paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; for the model year 2023, a hybrid powertrain will be added to the mix. Between the tiny C-HR and the larger RAV4, Toyota’s Corolla Cross falls into a familiar in-between area with rivals like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Nissan Rogue Sport.
The Corolla and Corolla Hatchback models’ interiors are significantly influenced by the Cross, but with slightly larger cargo room and, of course, a higher driving position.
What’s New for 2022?
With its SUV-like form and taller ride height, the Cross is more than just a normal compact hatchback. The Corolla Cross will get a hybrid powertrain in 2023, which may or may not include an all-wheel drive option.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Front-wheel drive is normal, while all-wheel drive is available as an option for the Corolla Cross models. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has 169 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission. First impressions of the car’s acceleration were sluggish, and the engine’s buzzy sound was particularly noticeable at high revs. A sluggish 9.2-second zero-to-60-mph time for our all-wheel-drive test vehicle was recorded at our track. We’re looking for a little more power and a lot more refinement when a hybrid powertrain is an option in 2023. Those looking for a smooth ride will be happy with the Corolla Cross’s, however.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the front-wheel-drive Corolla Cross can get 31 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model decreases those numbers to 29 and 32 mpg respectively. Toyota’s Corolla Cross got 30 miles per gallon in our highway fuel-economy test at 75 mph, just shy of the 30 mpg highway estimate. Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about the Corolla Cross’s gas mileage.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Corolla Cross will feel at home to anyone who has driven a Corolla sedan. Almost everything about the dashboard, from the materials to the functions, is carried over from the four-door model. In contrast, the Corolla Cross’s wider dimensions provide for more passenger and cargo space, especially in the back seat. Faux-leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard on the XLE, while the shift knob is covered in leather and a flip-down armrest for the backseat passenger is standard on the base model.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A square infotainment screen with shortcut buttons sprouts from the dashboard of the Corolla Cross. Toyota currently offers models with 7- and 8-inch touchscreen displays that employ a similar configuration. The Corolla Cross has Toyota’s current infotainment system, which isn’t the most up-to-date but is easy to use. A JBL speaker system and wireless smartphone charging are both available as options as well as SiriusXM satellite radio and Android Auto.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All trim levels of the Corolla Cross will come with a package of driver-assistance features that include adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. This will continue Toyota’s present trend of standardizing driver aid technology. Check out the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to learn more about the Corolla Cross’s crash-test results. Among the most important safety elements will be:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Toyota’s standard warranty plan for new vehicles is rather simple, but the firm throws in two years of free regular maintenance as a bonus. Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona’s 100,000-mile insurance may give better value to high-mileage drivers.
- A limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
Specifications
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $28,840/$32,170
Options: JBL speakers, $1465; Convenience package, $1250; adaptive headlights, $615
ENGINE
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle inline-4, aluminum block and head, port, and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in3, 1987 cm3
Power: 169 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 150 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic with 1 fixed ratio
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.0-in vented disc/11.1-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Assurance Finesse
225/55R-18 98V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length: 175.6 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 64.8 in
Passenger Volume: 89 ft3
Cargo Volume: 24 ft3
Curb Weight: 3384 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 9.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 17.0 sec @ 83 mph
110 mph: 39.9 sec
The results above omit a 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.0 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 120 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Road holding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY (AWD with 17-in wheels)
75-mph Highway Driving: 30 mpg
Highway Range: 390 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/highway: 30/29/32 mpg
