Overview Toyota has taken all the best attributes of the Corolla Hybrid—fuel efficiency, affordability, and earnest value—and repackaged them into an SUV shape that goes by the name Corolla Cross Hybrid. Although the Corolla is offered as a hatchback, the Cross version amps up the practicality with more cargo space. It also provides a higher seating height that may appeal to you. A 196-hp hybrid powertrain provides perky-enough power and it sips fuel at up to 36 mpg highway per Car and Driver’s testing. Its bland road manners are a disappointment, but hey, it’s not like the Corolla sedan is particularly spicy in the first place. Not interested in a hybrid? The Corolla Cross is sold as a pokier nonhybrid version, but we review that model separately.What’s New for 2026?Toyota has given the Corolla Cross Hybrid a makeover for 2026 that sees the introduction of a new body-colored front grille, a reshaped front bumper, and a new set of 18-inch wheels for the top-spec XSE trim. A new color is also available—Cavalry Blue—and is offered with a black roof on SE and XSE trims. The interior features a redesigned center console and central storage bin, and a larger 10.5-inch infotainment system has been swapped in for last year’s 8.0-inch unit. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is now available on select trims, and a Cold Weather package is now optional on the SE and standard on the XSE; it includes a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is expected to start around $30,000 and go up to $34,000 depending on the trim and options.S$30,000 (est)SE$32,000 (est)XSE$34,000 (est)Given the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s fuel-saving mission and the high level of standard driver aids, we feel the SE trim hits the sweet spot. Standard equipment on the SE includes tinted windows, roof rails, blind-spot monitoring, and paddle shifters. All-wheel drive is standard with the hybrid powertrain. The XSE adds faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat; all nice amenities but slightly out of tune with this vehicle’s thrifty agenda.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceThe Corolla Cross Hybrid’s powertrain is comprised of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors making a combined 196 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard. Not only dramatically more fuel efficient than the standard Corolla Cross, but the hybrid version is also quicker. The hybrid also features a slightly sportier suspension tune, but any dreams of GR Corolla levels of driving fun will be crushed as soon as you slip behind the wheel.0–60-MPH TimesIn C/D testing, the hybrid hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds versus a mega-pokey 9.2 seconds for the standard model.More on the Corolla Cross Hybrid SUVTowing and Payload CapacityAll Corolla Cross models can tow up to 1500 pounds. That’s enough for a small trailer, but if you plan to tow something larger you may want to step up to the compact SUV segment where towing capacities are higher.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 45 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined. In our hands, the Corolla Cross Hybrid recorded 36 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route versus 30 mpg for the nonhybrid model. Fuel efficiency aside, the hybrid powertrain in the Corolla Cross Hybrid is notably more powerful and less gruff, a winning combination for any car. For more information about the Corolla Cross hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoAs is the case with the standard model, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s interior follows the template set by the Corolla four-door sedan. It’s basic and functional, but not so stylish. The primary benefit of the Cross version is the additional cargo room. The Corolla Cross Hybrid offers 22 cubic feet behind the second row compared to the sedan’s 13 cubic-foot trunk and the hatchback’s 18 cubes. Lower trims are far more basic, but the top-spec XSE model comes with nice-looking faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and a flip-down center armrest for rear-seat passengers.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityOut of the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s dashboard sprouts a 10.5-inch square infotainment display running Toyota’s latest software interface. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio are standard, but wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, rear-seat USB charging ports, and a JBL stereo system are optional.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesWith the Corolla Cross, Toyota continues its current trend of standardizing driver-assistance features, offering a suite of systems on all trims that include adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. For more information about the Corolla Cross’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageNew Toyota models come with a fairly basic standard warranty package, but the company throws in two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance to sweeten the deal. Rivals such as the Kia Seltos or the Hyundai Kona may offer more value for high-mileage drivers with their 100,000-mile policies.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for ten years or 150,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
SpecificationsSpecifications
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE*
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $32,400/$35,565
Options: Convenience package, $1250; JBL Premium audio, $800; adaptive front headlights, $615; two-tone paint; $500
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, 150 hp, 139 lb-ft + 3 AC motors, 111 and 40 hp, 152 and 62 lb-ft (combined output: 196 hp, lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmissions, F/R: continuously variable automatic/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.0-in vented disc/11.1-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Assurance Finesse
225/55R-18 98V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length: 176.8 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 64.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/37 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 40/22 ft3
Curb Weight: 3433 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.6 sec @ 89 mph
100 mph: 20.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 113 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 35 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 36 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 380 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 42/45/38 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
* Test results and specs apply to current model year.
Source: caranddriver.com
