Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD

Miles Driven: 538

Fuel Used: 18.4 gallons

CG Report Card

Room and Comfort	B-
Power and Performance	C
Fit and Finish	B-
Fuel Economy	A-
Value	B+

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	B
Tall Guy	B-

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	169 horsepower
Engine Type	2-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission	CVT Automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 29.2 mpg

Driving mix: 50% city, 50% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 29/32/30 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular Gasoline

Base price: $27,625 (not including $1215 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Audio Plus Package ($1465), Adaptive Lighting System ($615), floor and cargo mats ($249), Homelink mirror ($175), door-sill protectors ($179), roof-rack cross bars ($299), Activity Mount ($399)

Price as tested: $33,550

Quick Hits

The great: Useful packaging, fuel economy

The good: Ride and handling

The not so good: Could use more power

More Corolla Cross price and availability information

CG Says:

Toyota applies the popular Corolla nameplate to a crossover for the first time with the introduction of the Corolla Cross for 2022. Size wise, this new SUV straddles the line between the subcompact and compact SUV classes (we categorize it as a subcompact SUV). It’s roughly 3 inches longer than a Corolla hatchback and about five inches shorter than Toyota’s RAV4 compact SUV, filling the gap between the quirky C-HR and RAV4 in Toyota’s SUV lineup.

For now at least, the sole powertrain choice is a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a CVT automatic transmission. All models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A gas-electric hybrid version is expected at some point, perhaps as a 2023 model.

The Corolla Cross is offered in three trim levels: L, LE, and top-line XLE. Inside the cabin, the L and LE versions have traditional instruments, with a 4.2-inch multifunction screen. The XLE model has an upgraded gauge panel with a 7-inch multifunction display, as well as features such as heated front seats and leatherette upholstery. All models have a standard infotainment system controlled by a 7.0-inch touchscreen; an 8.0-inch screen is optional on the LE and XLE. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is standard on all models.

Also standard on all is Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 set of safety features, which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, road sign assist, and lane tracing assist. LE and XLE versions have standard cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Our only real complaints with this tidy package is the tepid acceleration and limited 2^nd-row seating space. And, as a quibble, we wouldn’t mind seeing an upgrade in terms of cabin materials. All that said, Corolla Cross pricing lands squarely in the value camp.

Although it’s not revolutionary in any respect, the Corolla Cross nonetheless brings the prosaic-but-practical virtues of the proven Corolla brand to SUV buyers in a manner that’s compelling and appropriate. From that standpoint, it should prove to be a solid choice for shoppers seeking trustworthy Toyota value in a handy crossover package. Read our First Spin of the Corolla Cross here.