By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 22, 2022) For over 50 years, one of the most well-known and popular new car choices has been the reliable Toyota Corolla. Now, for 2022, Toyota has an all-new option for shoppers, extending the Corolla brand with the small, fuel-efficient Corolla Cross crossover that slots neatly between the smaller and quirky Toyota C-HR and the larger, best-selling RAV4. It will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

Corolla Cross is offered in a choice of three trim levels: L ($23,410), LE ($25,760) and our tested top-trim all-wheel drive XLE ($28,840) all powered by a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the same combination that powers the Corolla SE sedan. The Cross can tow up to 1,550 pounds, good for a small utility trailer or small boat.

Outside, the Cross design reflects styling cues of the RAV4, with a massive black grill flanked by LED lighting and black accents, blistered fender cues over the four wheels, and attractive rear styling with an integrated rear spoiler and LED lighting. The look is attractive, modern, inoffensive.

Inside, the Cross’ interior feels larger than what it is, sharing many similarities with its sedan and hatchback siblings. Even the base model comes nicely equipped with appreciated touches like rear air vents and tech connectivity. Moving up to our XLE, creature comforts like soft-texture heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting, dual -zone air conditioning, power front seats, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and leather-trimmed steering wheel are all standard.

Additional options on our test Cross included a nine-speaker JBL audio system, Amazon Alexa, tilt-slide moonroof and auto-leveling headlight system.

We found generous head, leg and shoulder room, with seats that are comfortable and easy to adjust. There’s handy storage in the center console and two cupholders. Operating controls are straightforward and easy to use with the high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. All windows have automatic up and down.

On the road, the vehicle feels slow and anemic, with tepid acceleration, making us wish for 30 to 40 more horsepower on numerous occasions. The CVT lacks the smoothness we found in other tested competitors. Noise was also one of our most common complaints, with too much wind, road and engine noise for comfort. Handling felt responsive but not as agile as we would like with notable body roll and steering feedback.

Overall, Toyota believes the Corolla Cross is the type of vehicle today’s new-car buyers want — and we agree. They’ll sell gazillions of them.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $27,540
Price as Tested: $32,594
Engine/Transmission: 169-hp 2.0-liter four cylinder with a CVT
EPA Fuel Economy: 29/32/30 mpg – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Not yet tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Where Built: Huntsville, Alabama

Competes With:
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Jeep Renegade
Kia Seltos
Mazda CX-3
Nissan Rogue Sport
Volkswagen Taos

Highs:
Standard Toyota Safety Sense features
Attractive styling
Roomy interior, good cargo space

Lows:
Anemic acceleration, unrefined engine/transmission
Noisy cabin
Worst car horn ever