Amy Plemons is the Executive Producer of CarPro and an experienced car reviewer.
This week I'm back behind the wheel of the Toyota Corolla Cross. This time the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE and in a pre-production prototype. The hybrid is new to the Corolla Cross lineup for 2023 and XSE tops the three-trim hybrid range.
Exterior
Toyota designed the hybrid Corolla Cross lineup with sportiness in mind. My test model's two-toned Acidic Blast/Jet Black roof looks the part and is certainly attention grabbing. The hybrid lineup features a smoked Toyota front emblem and all-black badging along with a color-keyed rear spoiler.
The XSE is equipped with premium LED head lamps, taillamps and fog lights and you can opt for available adaptive headlights. The XSE is also distinguished by 18-inch sport black-painted machined finished alloys wrapped around Sport steel-belted radial blackwall tires. On top, it's equipped with black roof tails.
A quick note about the hood: WOW is it HEAVY. I have no idea why it is so heavy but prepare to use some muscle.
Powertrain
The big story here is the hybrid powertrain. I wasn't a fan of the gas-only's dismal (sorry Toyota) 169-horsepower. It just seemed underpowered. But the hybrid's 196-horse hybrid powertrain (with standard all-wheel drive), feels a lot better. That's because it's a three-motor hybrid system with electric torque that gives the sub-compact crossover the pep it's missing in the gas-only model. Based on the powertrains alone, I would almost go so far as to say the Corolla Cross should be sold as a hybrid-only model. Of course, the hybrid is wow-worthy in the fuel efficiency department, offering 42 highway mpg combined.
Interior
The Corolla Cross's cabin isn't as exciting as its exterior, but it's comfortable, well-designed and spacious with a nice amount of headroom. While there is some soft touch material on the dash, door arm rests and seat backs, overall there is more plastic than I'd like for the top range model. I also wish the interior door handles had more heft to them.
Black SofTex-trimmed comfortable seats with contrast stitching are nicely done with side bolstering. The XSE is equipped with a 10-way power heated driver's seat with lumbar support. The leather-trimmed steering wheel has a great feel to it. The XSE is the only hybrid model equipped with a 7-inch fully digital gauge cluster that's bright and colorful but the font is a little small for me.
A narrow center console houses a leather-wrapped gear shift knob, two cup holders and controls for the drive modes, electric parking brake and brake auto hold.
In the back you'll find 60/40 rear seats. Slightly stadium style seating means you lose a little headroom. The rear seats are comfortable with seat cushions on the flatter side. Back seat passengers have access to A/C vents, USB-C ports and a drop down center armrest.
Cargo area is quiet impressive and an optional Tonneau cover hides valuables. An optional package nets a power liftgate.
Standard XSE features include dual zone climate up front, wireless charging, nice floor mats, and ambient lighting.
Technology
Multimedia technology really shines in the 2023 Corolla Cross thanks to the addition of the new Toyota Multimedia System with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard across all Toyota grades. With a Connected Service Drive Connect trial or subscription, you get navigation and can also use the "Hey Toyota" voice command system which is great.
An 8-inch touchscreen is standard across the lineup and houses a backup camera. A 6-speaker sound system is standard, but I'd recommend upgrading to the optional JBL 9-speaker system. A WiFi Spot is available via subscription and new for 2023 there are added USB-C ports across all grades. You get four of them in the XSE.
Ride and Drive
The Corolla Cross hybrid is a comfortable and practical daily driver that's easy to maneuver over town. The hybrid's improved power over the gas-only variant makes it the winner in terms of acceleration. It also makes it more engaging to drive. Its suspension feels nice and visibility is great thanks to the ride height afforded by 8 inches of ground clearance.
Safety
The 2023 Corolla Cross lineup upgrades to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 this year which enhances the previous system. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist.
The XSE hybrid adds front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and safe exit. It's also equipped with a backup camera with gridlines.
Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder is standard on all grades as is Hill Start Assist Control.
What You'll Pay
Without an itemized vehicle Monroney, since my vehicle is a pre-production prototype, I'll have to do some number crunching myself. This model has the optional two-tone paint, a $500 extra. It would also appear it's equipped with the Convenience Package with options with a moonroof, power lift gate and JBL sound system and it might even have adaptive headlights ($2,050 - $2,665) which would be the higher number.
Add all that to the Hybrid XSE's base price and you're looking at roughly $34,230 not including destination.
Verdict
The Corolla Cross continues to be a welcome addition to the Toyota lineup. It's a great daily driver that offers fantastic driver's assist technology and Toyota's terrific new multimedia system. The sporty hybrid model definitely gets the edge in my book thanks to its more powerful hybrid system and impressive fuel efficiency.
- What I liked most: Looks, hybrid acceleration, JBL sound system, new Toyota Multimedia System
- What I would change: More contrast stitching to break up the black interior, larger multimedia screen.
- MSRP: Base Corolla Cross Hybrid $27,970. XSE MSRP starts from $31,065. Price as equipped an estimated $34,230.
- Fuel Economy: 45 city/38 highway/42 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,057 miles.
- Weight: 3,373 pounds
- Spare Tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 176.1 in./71.9 in./64.9 in.
- Ground Clearance: 8.0".
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Acidic Blast/Jet Black Roof ($500).
- Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds.
- 2023 Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid: Sporty style meets a great hybrid powertrain, terrific multimedia tech and safety.
- Warranty: 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain and unlimited mileage corrosion warranty, 10 year/150,000 mile hybrid battery warranty. Toyota Care, and 2 years roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Huntsville, Alabama
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
