Toyota Corolla enters the subcompact crossover wars



(September 11, 2021) PLANO, Texas — Fresh off the sale of the record-setting 50-millionth Corolla, the best-selling car of all time welcomes a versatile new family member with the introduction of the subcompact 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. Value-priced and packed with features not typically found in a small crossover, Corolla Cross hits the sweet spot with the engaging driving experience of a small car and the functionality of a larger crossover.

           
           
   

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, based on the ever-popular Corolla sedan, is coming to dealerships this October with a starting MSRP of $23,410 including destination charge for the front-wheel drive base grade. And a bump up to all-wheel drive will be available for an extra $1,300. The Corolla Cross will top out at $28,840.

The all-new 2022 Corolla Cross will be assembled in the U.S. at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama — a brand new facility that will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 Corolla Cross vehicles per year.

“For over 50 years, Corolla has been synonymous with dependability, fuel efficiency, safety and value,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. “With the all-new Corolla Cross, we are building upon that foundation and offering even more versatility and creature comforts to make everything from a daily commute to a weekend escape more memorable.”

Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the compact SUV maximizes the inherent potential of the high-strength TNGA-C platform and a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine. This enables the Corolla Cross to achieve high-quality performance, a comfortable ride and outstanding spaciousness. What’s more, the surprising cargo capacity gives it the versatility to accommodate life’s adventures.

Offered in three grades – L, LE and XLE – the versatile design of the Corolla Cross is spacious, modern, powerful and high quality. From an engineering perspective, it offers an approachable exterior as well as a higher line-of-sight thanks to the revised TNGA-C platform. Key design cues include a distinctive black grille flanked by LED lighting with black body accents – giving the entry SUV a confident appearance. And from the rear, the stylish design elements continue, with an integrated rear spoiler and LED lighting. Wheel options range from 17-inch steel on L to 18-inch alloy on XLE.

Inside, Corolla Cross’ spacious interior offers many of the same desirable features as its sedan and hatchback siblings. The all-new model can be outfitted with a power moonroof, as well as either single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, with all grades featuring standard heating and air conditioning vents for rear seat passengers.

In back, storage space can be maxed out thanks to the 60/40-split folding rear seats that come standard on all grades, while XLE models also include a center armrest with two additional cupholders. To make access to the roomy cargo area even more convenient, the Corolla Cross has an available power liftgate with height adjustability.

The Corolla Cross is equipped with the Dynamic Force four cylinder, 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) engine. That means a punchy 169 horsepower engine paired with CVT with a physical first gear provides a truly engaging driving experience, all while delivering exceptional efficiency.

Corolla Cross’ suspension also plays a role here, as it’s fully independent for all-wheel-drive models, while front-wheel-drive vehicles feature a brand-new torsion beam system in the rear.

Additionally, every Corolla Cross is capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds.

For those who choose AWD, Toyota’s clever Dynamic Torque Control system directs up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when it’s needed – and disengages completely when it’s not. This feature helps Corolla Cross maintain great fuel economy – another strong suit for this powertrain – with an estimated 32 combined MPG for the FWD model and an estimated 30 combined MPG for the AWD model.