Is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 3 Cons

When the Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV arrived in showrooms for the 2022 model year, we were generally impressed save for one glaring fault: A serious lack of power made for scary merging and maneuvering in busy traffic. The launch of a hybrid version for 2023 has cured that while also increasing fuel economy.

Related: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Review: Less Slow, Still Steady

Beyond more power and the addition of standard all-wheel drive — which remains optional in the gas-only version — Toyota has not messed with the Corolla Cross formula. That’s a good thing because the SUV has a lot going for it with its straightforward controls, a relatively comfortable if basic interior, and a decent list of standard equipment. Along with the power boost, the hybrid is positioned as the sportiest version of the Corolla Cross and gets a different suspension and a few styling tweaks to set it apart. Three trim levels are available: S, SE, and XSE.

All that isn’t to say the Corolla Cross Hybrid is faultless, as Road Test Editor Brian Normile found out while spending some seat time in Toyota’s latest offering. You can read his complete expert review by tapping the link above; for a quicker look, read on for five things we like about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and three things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Added Oomph

A 27-horsepower boost compared to the gasoline-only version of the Corolla Cross makes for a big improvement not just in acceleration, but also in overall appeal. With 196 hp combined from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric powertrain, the hybrid feels lively around town. Unlike the gas version, it has sufficient power for highway merging and passing without drama.

2. Increased MPG

More good news from under the hood is a notable increase in fuel economy   to go along with the hybrid’s added power. The AWD-only Corolla Cross Hybrid is good for a manufacturer-estimated 45/38/42 mpg city/highway/combined; that’s quite an improvement over the 29/32/30 mpg estimate for a gas-only Corolla Cross with AWD.

3. Familiar Interior

Inside the Corolla Cross Hybrid, things look and feel much like they do in the conventionally powered version we tested in 2021. There’s nothing wrong with that because the overall look and feel are perfectly fine for a subcompact SUV. Front passengers will find comfortable seats and plenty of room all around, though those in the rear may find things a bit snug unless the front seats are pulled forward a bit.

4. Nicely Equipped

Standard equipment includes the latest version of Toyota’s infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also an impressive list of safety features, including adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning, lane departure steering assist and lane-centering steering, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.

5. Comfortable Ride

A standard sport-tuned suspension may not turn the Corolla Cross Hybrid into an autocross champ, but it does serve up an agreeably comfortable ride with good isolation from bumps that’s still fun to drive in the twisties. The ride remains smooth and composed even when the SUV is equipped with the XSE trim’s 18-inch wheels and tires.

More From Cars.com:

• 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Review: Safe, Simple and Slow
• What MPG Does the 2023 Toyota Corolla Get?
• Refreshed 2023 Toyota Corolla Gains Hybrid AWD, New Tech Features
• Here Are the 10 Cheapest New SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
• Toyota, Lexus Offer 10 Years of Connected Services on Some Models

Things We Don’t Like

1. Noisy Powertrain

The hybrid’s added power addresses the biggest flaw in the conventionally powered Corolla Cross, but sadly nothing was done about the aural experience generated by the powertrain. The main cause for this is the electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission, which has the rubber band feel of some CVTs — an initial response of nothing, but increased engine revs and noise when the accelerator is pressed. Only then does the transmission get in the game and help the car get up to speed.

2. Braking Bad

As is the case with many hybrids and especially those from Toyota, the brakes are a weak spot with the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The pedal has a mushy feel and doesn’t offer much feedback, and modulating for a smooth stop is difficult.

3. The Cost of Saving Fuel

A starting price of $27,970 (not including the destination charge) works out to a price premium of around $2,300 for the hybrid compared to a gas-powered Corolla Cross. The cost of entry can climb to about $35,000 for one loaded up with options, which is on the high end for a subcompact SUV and can get you into a nicely equipped rival like the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. That said, the hybrid is the pick of the Corolla Cross lineup.

Related Video:

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.