2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: When Only a Corolla SUV Will Do
Competes with: Honda HR-V, Nissan Rogue Sport, Chevrolet Trailblazer
Looks like: A pint-sized RAV4
Powertrain: 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with continuously variable automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
The small SUV class is set to grow bigger still with the debut of the new Toyota Corolla Cross for the 2022 model year. The Corolla Cross slots between the C-HR and RAV4 in Toyota’s SUV lineup.
Related: Toyota SUV Buying Guide
The decision to include the Corolla name, which long has been associated with Toyota’s compact car, on a new small SUV might seem like a curious one, but the new Corolla Cross does share its platform and powertrain with the ubiquitous compact car. The Corolla Cross will be available in L, LE and XLE trim levels.
Exterior
Like the Corolla, the 2022 Corolla Cross uses Toyota’s TNGA-C platform. This isn’t, however, just a lifted Corolla Hatchback; it has a look all its own with a large front grille, flared fenders and lower-body and wheel-arch cladding. The SUV uses LED headlights and taillights, and the base L trim level comes with 17-inch steel wheels, while the top-of-the-line XLE trim gets 18-inch alloy wheels. A power moonroof and a power liftgate are available, as is an accessory roof rack with crossbars.
Interior
The five-seat Corolla Cross’ interior design largely follows the Corolla’s. The upper and lower dashboard sections are bisected by a horizontal bar that extends the width of the dash, and the center of the dash features an available 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system and climate controls below it. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is standard, and LE and XLE versions include wireless device charging and two rear USB charge ports.
Other available features include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch instrument panel screen and a JBL audio system.
Under the Hood
The Corolla Cross is powered by a 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a unique automatic transmission that combines a single gearset and CVT pulleys. Toyota-estimated gas mileage is 32 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 30 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. All versions are rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The available all-wheel-drive system can send up to 50% of engine power to the rear wheels; when extra traction isn’t needed, only the front wheels are driven. All-wheel-drive models also get an independent rear suspension in place of the torsion beam design used by front-drive versions.
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Safety
The Toyota Safety Sense suite of active safety features is standard. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, lane-tracing assist and automatic high-beam headlights. LE and XLE trims add blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
Related Video: What’s the Best Affordable Small SUV?
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