Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
High fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive SUV
Touchscreen interface is easy to use
Quicker and more efficient than standard Corolla Cross
Cons
Offers less rear legroom than other small SUVs
Engine can get loud and buzzy during hard acceleration
What's new
New hybrid version of the Corolla Cross
Toyota-estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg combined
Standard all-wheel drive
Part of the first Corolla Cross generation introduced for 2022
Overview
Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross SUV last year to fill the gap between the larger RAV4 and the now discontinued C-HR subcompact. Now there's an additional model within the lineup: the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. As you'd expect, it's just like the regular Corolla Cross but has a hybrid powertrain that provides better fuel efficiency.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Toyota estimates the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will get up to 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is a big increase over the regular all-wheel-drive version of the Corolla Cross, which gets 30 mpg combined. Notably, the hybrid powertrain is also more powerful than its non-hybrid sibling and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Overall, we like the Corolla Cross and think it's worth a look if you're interested in an inexpensive small SUV that gets high fuel economy. But it might also be worth your time to cross-shop the Kia Niro. It's also a pint-sized hybrid SUV but has a few advantages over the Corolla Cross. Toyota's Prius hatchback and larger RAV4 are also viable options.
Which Corolla Cross Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
We don't always suggest the top trim level, but we'd go with the fully loaded XSE. For only a few thousand dollars more than the base model, the XSE includes appealing features such as upgraded upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument panel, and front and rear parking sensors.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in three trim levels: S, SE and XSE. All versions are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system (196 combined horsepower) that drives all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Standard features include:
S
Starts off the Corolla Cross Hybrid, with:
17-inch wheels
LED headlights
Automatic climate control
Remote keyless entry with push button ignition
Height-adjustable driver's seat
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)
All Corolla Cross Hybrids come standard with Toyota's suite of advanced driver aids known as Safety Sense 3.0. This includes:
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
SE
Adds a few nice-to-have features, such as:
Heated outside mirrors
Tinted rear windows
Rear windshield wiper
Extra USB ports
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Wireless phone charger
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
XSE
Tops the range with:
18-inch wheels
Folding rear armrest
Dual zone climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Ambient lighting
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Upgraded upholstery
Digital instrument cluster
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
Only a few options are available for the Corolla Cross Hybrid including two-tone paint, a JBL audio system, a power liftgate and a moonroof.
XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Excellent performance & comfortability!!
Hybrid is the way to go. Excellent gas mileage. Grips the road extremely well & is secure around curves. Well designed exterior & interior.
1/5 stars, Plastic TIn Can
Big Ed,
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I bought the 22 corolla cross LE and the 2023 corolla cross hybrid I bought is the same thing except with a hybrid motor. If you like cheap interior plastic wall-to-wall this is the vehicle for you again Jane is plain I got the SE trim the back seat is crammed no power liftgate only option is on the top trim level drives like a hybrid for a couple grand more get the RAV4 hybrid don't … waste your money call for the RAV4 hybrid
Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross SUV just last year to fill the gap between the larger RAV4 and the C-HR subcompact. As the name implies, the Corolla Cross is mechanically related to the Corolla sedan and hatchback but has a lifted stance, more cargo space and available all-wheel drive. Now there's an additional model within the lineup: the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. As its name indicates, it's a hybrid, and with it comes the expectation of higher fuel efficiency. But the hybrid powertrain provides other benefits as well and that makes the Corolla Cross Hybrid a potential better buy than its gas-only brethren.
What's under the Corolla Cross Hybrid's hood?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid's four-cylinder engine and hybrid system combine to produce a total of 196 horsepower. This is the same hybrid powertrain that Toyota is putting into its redesigned 2023 Prius. The all-wheel-drive version, which is standard on the Corolla Cross Hybrid, has an additional electric motor that drives the rear wheels when necessary to provide extra traction in slippery conditions or even help the Corolla Cross Hybrid feel a little sportier when going around corners.
As with the Prius, getting 196 hp from a hybrid is pretty impressive. It's more than the regular Corolla Cross, which has just 169 hp. Toyota estimates that the Corolla Cross Hybrid will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8 seconds.
And what about fuel economy?
Toyota estimates the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will get up to 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is a big increase over the regular all-wheel-drive version of the Corolla Cross, which gets 30 mpg combined. The Prius is still more efficient, as is the rival Kia Niro, but we think 42 mpg is pretty solid considering the vehicle's AWD and utility-oriented nature.
How does the Corolla Cross Hybrid drive?
Around the city, the powertrain is responsive and gets up to highway speeds easily, though if you're generous with the accelerator pedal the four-cylinder engine gets loud and buzzy pretty quickly. The steering and the ride are tuned for comfort to be sure, but thankfully the Corolla Cross Hybrid feels reasonably secure and in control when cornering. There's also enough ground clearance to get over ruts and rocks when driving off-road
How's the Corolla Cross Hybrid's interior?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid offers a reasonable amount of cargo space. The cabin is very similar to that of the non-hybrid, which is generally a good thing. It's easy to get in and out, and the controls are straightforward.
In the back seat, taller passengers will notice the lack of legroom relative to other small SUVs, though headroom is still pretty good. And backseat passengers get air vents standard, something you won't find on its namesake Corolla sedan/hatchback.
How's the Corolla Cross Hybrid's tech?
For 2023, all Corolla Cross models, including the Hybrid, receive a new center touchscreen interface. It has a lot more features than the prior system, such as available navigation powered by Google, more robust voice command capabilities for many of the car's features and controls ("Hey, Toyota" is the prompt), and the ability to receive over-the-air updates for new features and upgrades. It also supports wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid also comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest driver assistance software suite from the automaker. This is a step forward from what Toyota had on the regular 2022 Corolla Cross. Feature sets are similar, but Toyota says the 3.0 system is better at detecting hazards. In our limited driving opportunity with the Corolla Cross Hybrid, we found the various features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, worked well and were unobtrusive.
Edmunds says
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid boasts superior performance and better fuel economy than the regular Corolla Cross. Tack on some serious technology upgrades for 2023 and the package gains even more appeal.
FAQ
Is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 2 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Corolla Cross Hybrid has 21.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid:
New hybrid version of the Corolla Cross
Toyota-estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg combined
Standard all-wheel drive
Part of the first Corolla Cross generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 2 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,970.
Other versions include:
S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $27,970
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $29,290
XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $31,065
What are the different models of Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid?
If you're interested in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the next question is, which Corolla Cross Hybrid model is right for you? Corolla Cross Hybrid variants include S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Corolla Cross Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
