It’s no secret that Toyota produces some of the best hybrid vehicles on the market. Toyota hybrids, such as the RAV4 Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid, provide excellent value for money. The Corolla Cross is a new subcompact SUV from the Japanese automaker based on the Corolla. A hybrid version is coming. Here’s why we need a Corolla Cross Prime, too.
A Toyota Corolla Cross Prime Would Get Incredible Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid gets an estimated 37 mpg combined. It has a tank size of 13.2 gallons. So the Corolla Cross Hybrid can travel approximately 488 miles on a full tank of gas.
A Corolla Cross Prime with at least 20 miles of electric-only driving range would bring the subcompact SUV’s total range to over 500 miles, which is impressive for its size.
The Corolla Cross is naturally fuel efficient. The hybrid version takes things a step further. A plug-in hybrid Corolla Cross would be the most fuel-efficient version of the subcompact SUV. Longer range would mean fewer trips to the service station and savings in cost of ownership.
If Toyota does eventually produce a Corolla Cross Prime, it would be a great way for consumers to experience electrification without fully compromising. A PHEV version of the Corolla Cross is the perfect opportunity to maximize the potential of this quirky new sedan alternative.
A Corolla Cross Prime would change the driving dynamics of the vehicle
Imagine a Corolla Cross with some oomph to its acceleration. Drivers will prove that with the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid with all-wheel drive makes 194 horsepower. Ideally, a Corolla Cross Prime would be more powerful than the big Toyota RAV4 (203 horsepower). While this may seem like a tall order, the RAV4 Prime is a perfect example of how Toyota packs a lot of power into a small SUV.
More horsepower and torque would ultimately make the Corolla Cross faster. So a Corolla Cross Prime would be the most exciting iteration of the subcompact SUV yet, from a performance perspective. Corollas aren’t particularly fast, but the Japanese brand produces a performance-oriented GR Corolla. A Corolla Cross Prime could be the performance equivalent of a GR Corolla for the subcompact segment.
A Toyota Corolla Cross Prime should be affordable
car and driver estimates the Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid should start at $36,000. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $42,340. A Corolla Cross Prime would probably cost around $38,000. While this is much more expensive than a gasoline-based Corolla Cross, a PHEV powertrain system would provide incredible value for drivers.
If Toyota is producing a Corolla Cross Prime, it will likely be much more refined than the Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming more common across all vehicle segments. Toyota has shown that many of the models in its portfolio can be equipped with a hybrid powertrain system, or PHEV. The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid and the 2023 Toyota Sequoia are perfect examples. Is the Corolla Cross Prime Toyota’s Next New Plug-in Hybrid SUV?