First Look: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
After launching the all-new subcompact Corolla Cross crossover for the 2022 model year, Toyota is expanding the range to include a hybrid model for 2023.
Canada Drives recently traveled to Toyota Motor North America headquarters in Plano, Texas for the reveal of the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid, and here’s what we learned.
Inside the Corolla Cross Hybrid SE & XSE
The Corolla Cross Hybrid will be available in two grades for Canada, SE and XSE. Both come with a long list of standard equipment that varies depending on grade.
For the SE, the following comes standard: black / grey fabric trimmed seating, heated front seats, 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, smart key access, paddle shifters and more.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE | Photo: Amee Reehal
The upper-level XSE receives all SE features, plus a few upgrades, including synthetic leatherette seating, known as SofTex, and a power driver’s seat.
Both models come standard with rear seat heating and air conditioning vents, while available options include a power moonroof and single or dual-zone automatic climate controls.
Small hybrid crossover with electronic AWD & 194 horsepower
Like its gas-powered sibling, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is built on the TNGA-C platform and is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Output is rated at 194 horsepower, and the engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid utilizes the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, with an electronic AWD set-up that is new to the Corolla family. Hybridization not only improves efficiency, but performance as well.
For comparison, the Corolla Cross uses the same four-cylinder engine, but as a non-hybrid it produces just 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. of torque.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE | Photo: Amee Reehal
Performance & efficiency: estimated fuel rating of 6.4 L / 100 km (combined)
On the performance and efficiency fronts, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is not exceptionally quick, with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds, but it does score well on the efficiency front with a manufacturer estimated rating of 6.4 L / 100 km (combined).
Styling differences compared to non-hybrid Corolla Cross
While the Corolla Cross Hybrid bears a strong resemblance to the Corolla Cross, it also sports some unique design features. Notable among these differences is a unique front fascia, with distinct grille and headlight designs.
Another big styling difference is the availability of two-tone paint schemes, which are offered on both grades in four colour combinations: Sonic Silver / black roof, Barcelona Red / black roof, Blue Crush / black roof, Acidic Blast (yellow metallic) / black roof (new colour).
Six solid colours are also available: Wind Chill Pearl (white), Sonic Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Barcelona Red Metallic, Celestite (grey metallic) and Blue Crush Metallic.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE | Photo: Amee Reehal
Like the interior, exterior styling differences also exist between SE and XSE grades, but both models feature blacked-out trim and badging. Standard kit for the SE includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, privacy glass, roof rails, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The XSE comes with all of that plus 18-inch alloy wheels and premium LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights.
2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid’s key features
New multimedia system
One of the most significant Corolla Cross Hybrid features is Toyota’s new multimedia system which is standard on both grades. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-C charge ports, and a host of connected car technologies.
These tech features include over-the-air software updates, touch and voice controls, and Drive Connect, which allows users to interact with Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. The Intelligent Assistant supports simple voice commands such as “hey Toyota”, which awakens the system and allows users to search for directions and points of interest (POIs), with the latter powered by Google data. Destination Assist provides 24/7 live agent support for direction assistance.
Standard safety features with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0
Another prominent feature is Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 which is standard on all 2023 Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid models.
This suite of safety technology includes a broad range of features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection which can also detect motorcyclists depending on conditions. Other TSS features include Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist, both of which benefit from improved lane recognition.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE | Photo: Amee Reehal
TSS 3.0 also comes with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which works in conjunction with Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and will send audible and visual alerts and slight steering force if the system detects the car leaving its lane without an engaged turn signal.
Other TSS 3.0 features include Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist and Rear Seat Reminder.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid goes on sale later this year. If you are considering purchasing a Toyota, we recommend getting pre-approved first! With a pre-approval, you can shop with confidence knowing exactly what you can afford. Get pre-approved online in under 3 minutes. Any credit accepted!
