Used 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Filling a perfect spot between the subcompact Toyota C-HR and the RAV4 — which is technically a compact SUV, but on the large side — the new Corolla Cross Hybrid is indeed based on the same proven platform as the Corolla compact sedan. But it has a higher ride height, an elevated driving position, all-wheel drive, and a practical SUV body.

For good measure, it should also achieve about 42 mpg on average, thanks to another Toyota specialty — a hybrid drivetrain. This is what really sets it apart from the non-hybrid Corolla Cross compact SUV, along with a few extra trim levels and cosmetic differences.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid isn’t just more fuel-efficient than the gas-only version; it’s more powerful and quicker, too. With 27 more horsepower (196 vs. 169) and the instant, effortless torque added by the electric motor, the more sophisticated powertrain gives the Corolla Cross Hybrid an increased sense of refinement from behind the wheel. In addition to the improved merging and passing power, we also found the ride comfortable and the cabin quiet enough. Given its smaller footprint, good outward visibility, and strong lineup of driver assistance tech, the Corolla Cross is also confidently nimble around town and in parking lots.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and assessing the current collection of hybrid SUVs, including this Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Yes, there are the special hybrid-related graphics available on the display, showing drivers how and where the energy is flowing at any given moment. But the cabin of the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid stays mainly within the typical Toyota boundaries of acceptable design and workable ergonomics.

The particular attributes of the Corolla Cross include a raised driving position and decent rear headroom. We like the front seats in particular — they’re comfortable and well-shaped.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel comes in at the SE trim level, which is where we would start. Sound insulation seems better here than in the cheaper S. It also adds blind-spot monitoring to its list of standard equipment.

Even average-height passengers might find rear legroom a bit limited. Depending on your typical use case, cargo space could be sufficient compensation. Behind the rear seats is an area of 21.5 cubic feet. That’s just shy of the Kia Niro Hybrid’s 22.8 cubic feet, but the Niro doesn’t even offer all-wheel drive as an option.

There’s a bit of a scaled-down RAV4 looks to the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid. It’s lower than the RAV4 and shorter, which can make parking easier. Yet the Corolla Cross Hybrid can still emphasize the utility in “compact sport utility vehicle.”

Toyota has also taken steps to visually differentiate this hybrid from its conventional counterpart. The designs at the front and rear are slightly different, and the SE and XSE offer 2-tone paint jobs. These involve Sonic Silver, Barcelona Red, Blue Crush Metallic, or Acidic Blast (a kind of greenish gold) with a black roof.

Hybrid power
It makes so much sense to enhance a gasoline engine with an electric motor. It provides more thrust while maximizing fuel economy. A win-win situation. Toyota has been a pioneer and then a master of hybrid systems.

All-wheel drive
Even in this electronic form, all-wheel drive is a useful asset in rough weather. Every Corolla Cross Hybrid is fitted with it.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
The ability to integrate a smartphone into the infotainment system and use apps like Waze is made even better by not having to get said phone out of a pocket or purse. This is standard across the range.

Warranties
Hybrid components are covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the hybrid battery has a transferable 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. As usual, the limit is whatever occurs first.

Integrated streaming
A Wi-Fi subscription also brings this feature, where Apple Music and Amazon Music customers can bring their accounts into the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Rear-seat reminder
If a pet or child has been mistakenly left in the back seat while the driver is just about to lock up and walk away, this handy and standard feature will provide the necessary alert.

Although there’s a hybrid version of the Corolla compact sedan, it doesn’t have the same drivetrain as this Corolla Cross Hybrid compact SUV. The differences are more power in the Corolla Cross — 196 horsepower, as opposed to the sedan’s 138 — and the Corolla Cross has all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard.

It’s not a conventional all-wheel-drive system, though, with driveshafts, locking differentials, and so on. Instead, a dedicated electric motor turns the rear wheels.

In combined driving (55% city, 45% highway) this new Corolla Cross Hybrid achieves 42 mpg. Compare that with the combustion-only Corolla Cross AWD, which returns 30 mpg. At 15,000 miles per year and $3.49 per gallon (the national average when compiling this review), that’s a saving of about $40 every month.

Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine/electric motor
196 total horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 45/38 mpg

3-year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Toyota’s new-vehicle warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are typical among mainstream manufacturers. Hybrid batteries have their own warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. Toyota also provides free maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the combustion-only Corolla Cross its highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+, so this hybrid variant should be just as safe.