2022 Toyota Corolla Cross treads familiar territory

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross looks acquainted, like a new wintertime jacket that somehow smells like Grandpa. Toyota’s latest design does not do anything at all new, but it welcomes potential buyers coming from Toyota sedans or downsizing from bigger autos with a warm but uninspired greeting.

More like a scaled-down RAV4 than an upsized Corolla hatch, the little crossover gives a proper-sized alternate to the funky Toyota C-HR hatchback that is been paraded about as a crossover since 2018. The latest Toyota does not sense so new, with its out-of-date infotainment technique, buzzy powertrain, and analog gauge cluster. There’s even a stick in the gauge cluster to reset the journey meter like the old times. But Toyota has verified time and all over again that its conservative introduction of new vehicle systems appeals to prospects who like familiarity. That is one particular purpose it earns a good TCC Rating of 6.2 out of 10, which will most likely boost when crash-examination final results are finalized. 

In my prolonged weekend on the road with the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE with AWD, I was amazed to not find a CD participant.

Hit: Appears to be like like a lesser, calmer RAV4 

The 5-seat crossover shares styling characteristics with Toyota’s bestselling RAV4, but with out the sharp angles entrance and back. The break up upper and decrease grille distances by itself from the extra menacing scowl of the RAV4 with a smile that aims to remember to. Black cladding runs above sq. wheel arches, and curved fenders give it some heft from the rear devoid of demanding to be taken significantly as an SUV. It is not, and Toyota has struck the equilibrium in between in excess of-developing some of its most current designs with a a lot more unified streamlined look in the Corolla Cross. 

Skip: Boring, buzzy powertrain

There’s less to like under the hood, but it’s perfectly satisfactory for most drivers. The Corolla Cross makes use of a 2.-liter inline-4 shared through the spouse and children, from the Toyota C-HR to the Lexus UX. It will make 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, and paired with a consistently variable automated transmission it is not likely wherever in a hurry. That is great, but the noise it can make would seem as if it is straining for relief all around just about every bend. Much more than everything else, the noise reveals its economic climate vehicle roots. 

Hit: Cargo quantity

It continues to be to be seen if the Corolla Cross will switch the flagging C-HR, which even now bought 35,700 models in 2021. The squat C-HR retains only 19.1 cubic ft guiding the rear seats, or 37 cubes with the seats folded down. The Corolla Cross AWD model I tested experienced 25.2 cubic feet of place with the rear seats up, and the cargo hold conveniently managed a Costco run. Separately, it held my daughter’s big hockey bag with fewer of a problem than other little crossovers. In either model, there’s only about 32 inches of rear legroom but head and shoulder home is superior in the Corolla Cross than the C-HR. 

Miss out on: Outdated interface

Toyota has been rolling out its significantly-improved operating procedure and interface, but the entry-amount Corolla Cross doesn’t get it. The font and graphics will be familiar to any individual who’s driven a Toyota in the earlier decade or two, which provides it a acquainted simplicity missing in other new autos. But it is dated, like an 8-bit recreation in a electronic metaverse.  

Strike: Offered all-wheel push

Prime XLE versions appear with AWD, which you just cannot get in a C-HR. This really should appeal to wintertime climate motorists who want the included traction of AWD without having the inconvenience of swapping out winter season tires.

Overlook: Ought to be a hybrid

The loud but productive powertrain has an EPA-rated 29 mpg city, 32 freeway, 30 blended. I came up short of that on largely highway miles, but it is good for an AWD crossover. It would be so considerably better—and quieter—as a hybrid. Maybe up coming calendar year. 

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD

Base cost: $28,640, such as $1,215 location

Price as examined: $33,550

Drivetrain: 169-hp 2.-liter inline-4 with a CVT and AWD

EPA gasoline financial state: 29/32/30 mpg

The hits: Relaxed styling, fantastic cargo room, out there AWD

The misses: Loud, out-of-date interface, would be greater as a hybrid