My Thoughts Exactly: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
You get this vehicle. It is called the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross – an all-new small SUV/crossover from a brand that needed such a vehicle in its lineup.
What do you get when you cross a Corolla with a crossover?
You get this vehicle. It is called the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross – an all-new small SUV/crossover from a brand that needed such a vehicle in its lineup.
This is not the first time Toyota to create a crossover from the Corolla platform. You may remember the Corolla Matrix – remember the Matrix? Going back to 1988, Toyota sold the Corolla All-Trac wagon. Should I also throw in the Tercel 4WD wagon from the mid-1980s?
Luckily for Toyota, the new crossover was built on the current Corolla platform, also known as the TNGA-C. In turn, it took on the shape of the RAV4 and the Highlander. There is something to be said about creating familiar shapes to attract consumers.
Yet, you can find some distinctions between the Corolla Cross and other Toyota SUVs. The grille texture and headlamps are unique to this smaller SUV. The longer front overhang and lower profile were also noticeable when compared to the rest of the Toyota lineup.
My top-of-the-line XLE tester adds 18-inch alloy wheels, more chrome finishing all around, LED front turn signals, foglamps and taillights. To sum it up, it is a nice package overall.
Inside of the Corolla Cross, you are treated to a nice-looking and useful interior with plenty of parts from the Corolla sedan and hatchback. The center console looks familiar, as does the eight-inch infotainment screen. The XLE’s full screen instrument cluster mixes a wide information screen with either a digital or analog speedometer, analog-ish tachometer, and gauges.
To go along with the eight-inch infotainment touch screen, this tester had a nine-speaker JBL audio system that offers smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and wireless device charging.
We were entertained by a two-tone Macadamia and Mocha interior in Toyota’s SofTex upholstery and trim. The front seats offered some support and comfort. The rear seat space had average leg room with better head room than the sedan. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 25.2 cubic feet space. Fold down the rear seats for up to 65.5 cubic feet.
Powering the Corolla Cross’s hood is the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found on select Corolla sedan and hatchback models. Connected to a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive, I discovered that the driveline takes a while to get the Corolla Cross up to speed. In town, it’s no problem getting the Corolla Cross from point to point. However, you have encourage the Corolla Cross a bit more when passing on the freeway.
As for fuel consumption, this Corolla Cross tester averaged 24.1 MPG. Again, I would blame this on the climate and weather. OK, it’s a “race car excuse,” but, c’mon…
Because it has an 8.1-inch ground clearance, it loses some of the Corolla’s adept ride/handling mix. The Cross fells more average with its soft ride and handling overall. There was some roll and lean when cornering hard, so you might want to be a bit more gentle when doing evasive maneuvers.
I enjoyed the turning circle the Corolla Cross exhibited. On-center feel was good, and there was a decent amount of response to the wheels. There was some lightness in the system, however. Pedal feel for the braking system was good and responsive. It returned good stops in normal and panic situations.
As for price, my 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE with all-wheel drive and a slew of options came with a sticker price of $33,550. It is on the high side for the class, but we’re talking some reality due to the usual supply chain and inventory issues affecting every manufacturer. The Corolla Cross lineup starts at $22,195
Because of those industry challenges that still frustrate you – the consumer – the Corolla Cross has become one of those desirable vehicles you want. It is sized right for those looking for an “affordable” small SUV with a solid platform. One known for dependability and reliability.
Is it the perfect vehicle amongst others in its class? Not exactly. However, consumers are usually loyal and trust the Corolla name no matter what it is.
That is how you cross a Corolla with a crossover. You build on the brand equity laid down by Toyota to introduce a vehicle that aligns with most consumer’s needs, wants, and wallets.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America
Photos by Randy Stern and George Torline