This might be the first generation of the Corolla Cross but it’s firing on all cylinders. We look at technology, interior quality, and more in our review.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross is the big sibling to the Corolla sedan in every way. It is available with two powertrains and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. It comes in six different trim levels and can achieve up to 45 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway when equipped with a hybrid engine.
The 2024 Corolla Cross is unchanged when compared to last year’s model. This might be the very first generation of the Corolla Cross but it’s firing on all cylinders.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Front Exterior – Toyota.com | Shop 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross on Carsforsale.com
Great hybrid fuel economy
Lots of standard tech
Nimble in tight spaces
Low powered engines
Very little legroom
Interior design is lacking
A crossover that prefers function over style
Toyota approaches the Corolla Cross with two very straightforward powertrain packages for 2024. The first is a non-hybrid four-cylinder engine that develops 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. That power is fed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive is available too. To be blunt, it’s a combination that struggles to keep up with highway traffic. For those willing to live their life in the slow lane, it’ll get up to 30 mpg combined though.
Then there’s a hybrid version that includes a 196 horsepower engine and a sport-tuned suspension. It gets up to 42 mpg combined. By far, it’s the one to have as it offers more power, more fuel economy, and standard all-wheel drive. The steering and suspension provide good feedback.
Notably, both versions of the Corolla Cross are made for urban environments where high-speed driving is rare. Its small size makes it easy to park and easy to place in narrow lanes. For those things, we’re truly grateful… we just wish it had a bit more power under the hood. In addition, the CVT is smooth and sedate in everyday driving situations but is loud when pushed hard. Keep that in mind if highway commutes are a part of your everyday life.
Everything that we liked about the Corolla sedan and hatchback largely carries over to the Corolla Cross. The dash, center console, and seating are all quite similar. Of course, those who prefer a cabin with a bit more glitz and glamor might need to look elsewhere. The Corolla Cross is largely utilitarian, even in the upper trim levels.
Another potential pitfall is the very limited second-row legroom. Despite this being a crossover it’s not exactly spacious for rear-seat occupants. Those who plan to almost exclusively haul kids in the back should have no problem though. Finally, the big difference here compared to the normal Corolla and Corolla Hatchback is the cargo space behind the second row.
It offers up to 24 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats in place. Notably, the hybrid sees that figure drop to just 20 cubic feet as the hybrid components take up some of the space. Fold the seats down and that volume expands to 40 cubic feet at most.
Toyota’s tech package in the Corolla Cross is much like the brand itself, comprehensive and good overall but there’s nothing too flashy going on. The standard infotainment system measures eight inches and provides a very serviceable station for everything from media to navigation. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard as well for those who prefer them. Six speakers are standard as well and a JBL sound system with 11 speakers is available on upper trim levels. A fully digital gauge cluster is also on the menu for those who select the XLE or XSE trims.
Safety is also considered and every Corolla Cross gets adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and intersection collision mitigation. That’s a great package that we wish every automaker would make standard across their range. Those technologies have the potential to save lives and they’re appreciated here in the Corolla Cross. On top of that, the IIHS awarded the 2024 Corolla Cross a Top Safety Pick prize. The NHTSA hasn’t released an overall rating for the 2024 model.
The base Corolla Cross comes with the non-hybrid engine, 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, cloth upholstery, LED headlights, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, an 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and six speakers.
The LE includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, USB-C power ports, and blind-spot warning.
The XLE gets 18-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, parking sensors, and rear automatic braking.
This is the first trim with the hybrid engine and it comes similarly equipped to the L but adds automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension.
The SE also has the hybrid engine but is like the LE otherwise.
Finally, the XSE gets just about every option including the hybrid engine and the fully digital gauge cluster.
The Corolla Cross is the perfect vehicle for someone who loves the Corolla recipe but wants more space. Beyond that, there are better options out there with more features, nicer interiors, better driving dynamics, and even some with hybrid engines that go toe to toe. We’d highly suggest reviewing current new car incentives and checking out the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, and Kia Niro.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Rear Exterior – Toyota.com | Shop 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross on Carsforsale.com
We’d love to see Toyota offer the Corolla Cross with a geared transmission and with more power. It could be good to add more style and personality to the cabin as well. Finally, those rear seats need just a bit more leg room so ditch a bit of the standard cargo space, keep the same footprint, and help out back seat passengers.
It’s Toyota’s replacement for the CH-R as the smallest crossover it makes.
It’s available with all-wheel drive so it’s up to the buyer.
No, it’s the one crossover in Toyota’s lineup that is smaller than the RAV4.