The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross pretty much tells you what it is at first sight. No tricks or unexpected surprises. It’s simply a mix of a Corolla and a crossover SUV. It’s built on the same platform as the Corolla sedan and hatchback, but sits higher, gives you more ground clearance, extra cargo space, and even the option for all-wheel drive. It used to share space with the quirky C-HR, but now that one’s been discontinued, leaving the Corolla Cross as a more low-key option for folks who find the RAV4 too big or pricey. There’s also a hybrid version of the Corolla Cross, which I was lucky enough to get for the week.
Starting with wide brush strokes first, the Corolla Cross is part of the ever-growing extra-small crossover SUV category, competing with other options like the Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona. In this segment, it’s all about getting the best mix of features and comfort for your money. While the Corolla Cross nails some of that, it does fall short in a few areas. For the price, you receive an undeniably generous list of standard driver assist features like dynamic radar cruise control, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 for pre-collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, etc. There’s lane tracing assist, steering assist with lane departure alert, auto high beams and more. An impressive amount of safety tech for a Corolla.
In addition to that, the Corolla Cross offers a nice ride and comfortable seating. Due to the extra square feet, it also boasts plenty of cargo space. Rear legroom is less than most rivals unfortunately. From an exterior perspective, the Corolla Cross does what it can to look good. Black badging with a matching black roof rack and cross bars help a little. 18” black painted alloy wheels help a lot. Tying in the theme even more tightly are black housing for the headlights and taillights, along with black heated side mirrors.
On the inside, black and red fabric seats with sporty red stitching, combined with the leather-trimmed steering wheel with sport paddle shifters, might suggest a level of performance that isn’t actually there. The 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Even with the Sport Drive mode and ‘sport’ suspension according to Toyota, it’s far from a thrill ride. Instead, the Corolla Cross offers comfort and fuel economy before a racing heart-rate. For that extra adrenaline hit, consider the Corolla GR. For everyone else hunting for a practical, dependable, fuel efficient and feature filled option with a little extra cargo space and ground clearance, the 2024 Corolla Cross hybrid could be just the thing.
Price as tested: $34,787.00
