The all-new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is poised to become a best-seller.
I recently spent a day in Austin, Texas at the launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross and had the chance to drive several trim levels in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. After a day behind the wheel, I left convinced Toyota has a strong contender in the compact crossover segment. Here’s what stood out.
Name Recognition – Corolla Cross
Toyota made a smart decision by attaching the long-loved Corolla name to this small SUV: the Corolla Cross. The Corolla badge carries decades of goodwill and associations with durability, practicality and value.
Many drivers from Generation X remember a Corolla that soldiered on through years of hard use. Personal stories—like a friend inheriting an ’80s Corolla that kept going despite heavy use—aren’t rare, and Toyota understands the strength of that legacy. They don’t apply heritage names lightly.
Because the Corolla has been around since 1966, younger buyers—Millennials and Gen Z—may also have fond memories of the name. Those same buyers increasingly prefer SUVs and crossovers, so the Corolla Cross is well positioned to bridge nostalgia and current market demand.
Updated Technology
For younger buyers, features like a large touchscreen and smartphone integration often matter more than straight-line speed or towing capacity (the Corolla Cross can tow a respectable 1,500 pounds). Toyota answers with modern tech across the lineup.
The Corolla Cross offers either a 7- or 8-inch multimedia touchscreen depending on trim, and wireless charging is included on LE and XLE models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though they require a cable for connection on some trims.
Practical charging options are plentiful: a wireless pad up front, multiple USB ports in the front and two additional ports in the rear ensure passengers can keep phones and devices charged during longer trips.
Spacious Interior
Although the Corolla Cross is a compact crossover without a third row, its interior manages to feel roomy enough for five adults and their cargo. The cabin layout and finishes feel like those of a larger SUV, rather than a scaled-down model.
Behind the second row you’ll find roughly 25 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for six rolling carry-ons or gear for a weekend getaway. The dash and center console are uncluttered, and the touchscreen integrates cleanly with the interior design.
Safety: 9 Airbags and Toyota Safety Sense
Safety is a priority for Toyota: the Corolla Cross comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, in addition to the STAR Safety System. These systems include driver-assist features that enhance everyday safety.
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard on LE and XLE trims, while Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking come standard on the XLE. The vehicle is also equipped with nine airbags positioned throughout the cabin to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
All-Wheel Drive Availability
For drivers in wet or snowy climates or those who favor weekend adventures, the Corolla Cross is offered with all-wheel drive. This option places it in direct competition with vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek, a leading compact AWD crossover.
Fuel economy is close between drivetrains—approximately 32 mpg for FWD versus about 30 mpg for AWD—so choosing AWD for added confidence in poor conditions is a reasonable trade-off. Ground clearance sits around 8 inches, giving it more capability than the smaller C-HR and coming close to the RAV4’s clearance.
Driving Impressions
Don’t be put off by reviews focused on outright acceleration. The Corolla Cross isn’t a sports car, but in everyday driving it feels adequate. During a scenic drive into the Texas hill country I found the powertrain— a direct-drive CVT paired with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque—delivered sufficient responsiveness for merging and highway cruising.
With a heavier load the vehicle might feel less brisk, but for daily commuting and most errands it was easy to keep up with traffic. The car handled city streets with agility and was straightforward to park, even in a crowded lot.
Pricing
Toyota has priced the Corolla Cross competitively. The base L model starts at $22,195. A mid-level LE with AWD begins around $25,845, and the top XLE AWD trim is priced just under $28,000. That pricing puts a capable, well-equipped compact SUV within reach for many buyers.
In the low to mid-$20,000 range, the Corolla Cross hits a sweet spot in the market, offering Toyota’s reputation for reliability along with modern features and utility expected from today’s crossovers.
Toyota Corolla Cross Interior and Exterior Photos
