Toyota recently introduced the Corolla Cross subcompact SUV. The Corolla Cross is a crossover version of the popular plate Corolla. The Toyota Corolla has been in production since 1966. It has been around for over half a century. Is the subcompact SUV version of the popular nameplate competitive in its vehicle segment, or does it have a long way to go?
How much does the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross cost?
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $23,060 for the L trim. The Corolla Cross LE starts at $25,390. The final version of Toyota’s Corolla Cross, the XLE, starts at $27,165.
The Corolla Cross is reasonably affordable, but it’s far from the most affordable subcompact SUV on the market. That title belongs to the 2023 Hyundai Venue. The 2023 Hyundai Venue starts at just $19,500. Its final version, the 2023 Venue Limited, costs just $22,750.
Some of the most competitive subcompact SUVs on the market are also more affordable than the Corolla Cross. The popular Kia Soul starts at just $19,790. The Hyundai Kona starts at $21,990. Therefore, the price of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is not competitive because some of the most popular models in its segment are more affordable. What makes the Corolla Cross worth buying?
Is the Corolla Cross worth buying?
The SUV vehicle class is the most popular vehicle class in America due to its practicality, utility, and affordability. The Corolla Cross is more appealing to Corolla fans looking for a sedan alternative.
If you’ve owned a subcompact SUV before, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross may not be at the top of your wish list. If you’re considering buying your first subcompact SUV, the Corolla Cross is a much more attractive option, especially for Corolla owners.
Japanese automaker Toyota has an exceptional ability to expand its portfolio to suit a wide range of drivers. The brand produces rugged pickup trucks, fuel-efficient hybrids, and even some sport sedan trim levels. The Corolla Cross exists between the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota RAV4.
It’s an option for drivers who want the practicality of an SUV with the fuel economy and price of a smaller model. The Corolla Cross may not be a standout model in its segment, but it’s a welcome choice for consumers in the brand’s lineup. car and driver praises its standard security features and its price.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross costs $1,510 more than its predecessor, the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla Cross uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the Corolla to produce 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla gets 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The larger Corolla Cross gets 31 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Toyota’s compact Corolla measures 183 inches long, 70 inches wide and 57 inches tall. The Corolla Cross measures 176 inches in length, 72 inches in width and 65 inches in height. So the subcompact SUV is wider and taller than the Corolla.
Ultimately, the only reason to choose the Corolla Cross over the Corolla is for more cabin and cargo space. Toyota offers optional all-wheel drive for every Corolla Cross model, which can be helpful for many drivers. If you’re a Corolla fan and interested in a subcompact SUV, the Corolla Cross is a great option. If you want the best subcompact SUV on the market, the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, and Mazda CX-30 are better places to start.