In 2021, Toyota added a new ‘dimension’ to the wildly popular Corolla line with the addition of the Corolla Cross gas model. We tested the 2022 Corolla Cross gas version a year or so ago and found it to be a really good value. A vehicle we would recommend.
Now, for 2023, they have expanded the Corolla Cross offering to include a hybrid. Toyota – in our opinion – building the best hybrids available – offers the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid in three trim levels. All trims are AWD only and deliver 42 mpg fuel economy at prices starting under $30,000.
Just recently, Toyota sent us the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid to see what we thought. Never a doubt, they hit the mark one more time.
Let’s take a look
AS TESTED
Toyota sent us the top-of-the-line 2023 Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid AWD for evaluation.
The base MSRP for XSE is $31,065. Optional items were a Tilt/Slide Moonroof, Power Liftgate, JBL 9-Speaker Premium Audio, Adaptive Front Lighting system, Two-Tone Exterior Color and several accessory items brought the delivered price (including handling) to $37,208.
EXTERIOR
Our test 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid AWD was a sharp looker clad in a new two-tone Acidic Blast (a metallic gold) with Gloss Black Roof and Black interior.
Styling detail included a sport-styled Black Grille w/Metallic Paint Surround and Smoked Toyota Emblem, Black Front and Rear Fenders, Black Rocker Body Panels and Black Overfenders, Black Painted Power Mirrors, Black Painted Machine Finished Wheels, Black Roof Rails, Black Rear Spoiler and All-Black badging.
Functional features included LED Projector Low and High Beam headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED Fog Lights and LED Tail and Stop Lights, uniquely styled LED Running Lights, Power Heated Outside Mirrors and Variable Windshield Wiper and Intermittent Liftback Wiper.
Of note were the Adaptive Front Lighting w/Auto-Leveling feature and the body-color keyed door handles featured “touch-sensor” lock and unlock. Great for access without fumbling for keys.
POWERTRAIN / MECHANICAL
The highlight of the Corolla Cross line for 2023 is the new Fifth Generation Hybrid Powertrain in our test vehicle.
The base power unit is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine working in concert with an electric motor driving a combined 196 horsepower through an Electronic on Demand AWD system managed by an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).
There are three Drive Modes for the driver to select from: NORMAL/ECO/SPORT. NORMAL is just fine for every day driving. If you want to get a bit more zip in your road trip – SPORT is your mode.
The fuel economy is rated at 45/38/42 mpg city/highway/combined. With 13 gallons in the tank, range is over 400 miles.
Underneath the 2023 Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid runs on the TNGA-C platform to optimize performance and capacity. Suspension is ‘Sport Tuned” Independent MacPherson Strut w/Coil Springs and Double Wishbone Multi-Link w/Coil Springs rear. Brakes are power ventilated disc front and solid disc rear. Steering is Electric Power-Assisted Rack and Pinion. Our XSE’s wheels were 18-inch mounted w/ 225/55 R18 Goodyear Assurance All-Season tires.
A very nice drive and ride around town, on the highway and up in the hills.
INTERIOR
Our Cross XSE featured five passenger Softex-trimmed (mixed-media) seating Front seating was heated and included 10-way power driver seat adjustment. A center console with armrest featured rear seat vents for the Dual Zone Air Conditioning. Rear seating was 60/40 split-fold flat w/rear folding arm rest.
Front passenger space was generous beneath the Tilt/Slide Moonroof and easily accommodated larger and taller folks. The rear seating was not so, particularly in the legroom space. With front seats pushed back for taller persons, a rear seated passenger would be less than comfortable.
We noted the cargo space (featuring a tonneau cover and a 120v AC power outlet) behind the second-row seating was very adequate and easily accessible through the rear Power Liftgate.
Of note is the richly refined styling on the seat and seatbacks of the mixed-media seating. Very sharp and very comfortable.
INFOTAINMENT/TECHNOLOGY
Our 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid was equipped with their crisply designed 14-inch-high-definition touchscreen. The design features a main menu arrayed to the left – easily reached and intuitive to use.
The entertainment function was driven through the optional JBL 9-Speaker Premium Audio System. Entertainment features included HD Radio, USB data, SiriusXM and a new Integrated Streaming feature, providing the ability to link Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.
Standard across all Corolla Cross grades is the new Toyota Multimedia System. It features a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features.
Using the Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Toyota’s Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist.
With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more.
Cloud Navigation utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data and Destination Assist gives access to live agent assistance to locate the next destination.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In addition, Wi-Fi Connect provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Corolla Cross into an AT&T Hotspot.
SAFETY
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has earned a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.
It is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system. Key elements (see chart in link) are wide ranging and include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams and the new Proactive Driving Assist.
Other features on our 2023 Corolla Cross XSE included Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Front and Rear Parking Assist w/Automatic Braking.
As noted, our test vehicle was equipped with the optional Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) w/Automatic Leveling. We found this feature hugely helpful in our drive test – after dark -running the rolling and twisting two-lane roads around Lake Travis with complete road visibility.
WARRANTY
The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicle warranty includes:
- 3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive
- 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain
- 5-year/Unlimited Mileage Corrosion Perforation
A hybrid related warranty includes 8-years/100,000 miles for all system components with the battery warranted for 10-years/150,000 miles. Importantly, the warranty is transferable to following owners.
The purchase of every new Toyota also comes withToyotaCare – a 2-year/25,000-mile complimentary maintenance program.
COROLLA CROSS HYBRID LINE UP
The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid line up has three trim levels:
- S – MSRP $27,790
- SE – MSRP $29,290
- XSE – MSRP $31,065.
Check out the trim levels and build one your wayHERE.
If a hybrid is not your choice, the 2023 Corolla Cross also comes in non-hybrid trims. See them HERE.
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KEY DATA: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid
- Model: Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Trim: XSE Hybrid
- Class: Compact Crossover
- Seating: Five
- MSRP: $31,065
- As Tested: $37,208
- Powertrain: 2.0L 4-cylinder ICE
- Horsepower: 150 @6,000 rpm ICE
- Torque: 139lb.-ft. @4,400 rpm ICE
- Horsepower: 196 Combined Horsepower Hybrid
- Transmission: Electronic Continuously Variable (ECTV)
- Drive Modes: ECO/NORMAL/SPORT
- Tow Capacity: 1,500 pounds
- Drive System: Electronic On-Demand AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph – 8 seconds
- Top Speed: 120 mph
- Suspension: McPherson Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
- Ground Clearance: 8-inches
- Steering: Electric Power Assisted Rack & Pinion
- Brakes 12.0-inch Ventilated Disc / 11.1-inch Solid Disc
- Wheels: 18-inch Alloy Black Paint Machine Finish
- Tires: 225/55 R18 Goodyear Assurance All Season
- Fuel Economy: 45/38/42 mpg – city/highway/combined
- Fuel Tank: 10.6 Gallons
- Range: 400+ Miles Highway
Source: Media Drive and Manufacturer PR Materials
