The Corolla Cross will slot between the C-HR and RAV4 in Toyota’s lineup, packing a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit producing 169 HP and an available AWD system.
For over half a century, Toyota Corolla has been the name for dependability, performance, safety, and value for money. So, in any situation you can think of, you’ll have a Corolla to drive you out of there. And, it’s tough not to like Toyota vehicles, especially the Corolla.
However, the Japanese giant doesn’t stand still, expanding its already impressive portfolio with a subcompact crossover that you never knew you needed until now. An SUV spinoff of the beloved Corolla sedan, the 2022 Toyota Corolla, is set to arrive in the US sometime next year, and we can’t wait for it.
While it’s true that the new SUV from Toyota does not promise anything unprecedented, it does get a few things right. An optional all-wheel drive is a much welcome upgrade over the standard front-wheel drive and promises to elevate your driving experience while still delivering decent fuel efficiency. A 32 mpg figure on the front-wheel-drive and a 30 mpg on the all-wheel-drive model do not sound too shabby, especially when compared to the Jeep Compass or the Kia Sportage. However, Toyota won’t bring the Corolla Cross hybrid to US shores, unlike Asia. Sorry US folks!
The Corolla Cross shares the same gas drivetrain that powers its sedan counterpart. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine comes standard, delivering 150 lb-ft of torque and 169 HP. Meanwhile, a CVT comes as standard on all models. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, you get access to Toyota’s intuitive Dynamic Torque Control system. It can intelligently channel up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels only when needed, thus offering desirable fuel efficiency. Additionally, the company claims that the Corolla Cross can tow up to 1500 pounds under ideal conditions.
ApplePlay and AndroidAuto come as standard though you would have to dish out a few extra bucks to get the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system flanked by a digital instrument cluster. Furthermore, strategically placed USB ports (or wireless charging options, depending on the variant you buy) keep your mobile devices topped up throughout your journey.
Meanwhile, the onboard Audio Plus multimedia features a nine-speaker JBL sound system, offering you an immersive audio experience. From Led Zeppelin to John Mayer, you got it all thanks to the Amazon Alexa connectivity.
Last but not least, the Corolla Cross comes with Toyota’s standard safety features like the Toyota Safety Sense suite and proprietary STAR safety system. Arriving at dealerships with a price of around $24,000, the Corolla Cross is a pretty viable option to consider while getting a new crossover.
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