Corolla Cross XLE Review: The Great Alternative
There’s good reason why the Corolla Cross is flying off the shelf. Most compelling, even at the XLE’s luxury premium, it’s hard to beat.
Just about everything we have said and written about the new Toyota Corolla Cross since its launch last year, has been about the Hybrid. Which is all well and good. But what about the common garden petrol versions like this Corolla Cross XLE?
Gas Models Are Still Best Sellers
While the Hybrid is only due for US launch as a ’23 model, it’s been on the South African market for a year already. This gas XR model, which is pretty much the US XLE, is the biggest seller in the range. Supply constraints however see strong back-order demand for the Hybrid.
Which means that you will likely you will wait for your Hybrid. And that this ‘common garden’ gas model is the big seller.
After a week with it, we can also now tell you with confidence, that even the gas Corolla Cross sells well for very good reason. On the face of it, the gas-only models have lived under the shadow of the Hybrid. Which is to be expected in our bunny green world.
But down Africa way, not much has changed on the ground. Look no further than that sales breakdown for proof of gas cars’ lingering popularity in other markets.
Nothing ‘Common Garden’ About XLE
Anyway, what about this ‘common garden’ Corolla Cross XLE? Well first off, there’s nothing ‘common garden’ about it at all. Except perhaps for that bargain price. It’s a proper car. The new Cross carries the geneses of the Corolla and RAV4 badges into the Cross, which is claiming its fair share of the motoring landscape for itself. As we say, for good reason, too.
Cross has shifted the world’s best-selling car badge Corolla badge squarely into crossover territory. It’s bold too. Morph a Corolla Hatch into a RAV4, Corolla Cross would sit in the middle frame of that clip. Handsome. Stylish too.
Neither too flashy, nor too basic, some say headlights are too big. Others find them attractive. Smart Key access reveals a leather-trimmed dual zone climate-controlled cabin packing all the Hybrid XLE’s bells and whistles. It’s a typically Corolla ergonomic and roomy space. Visibility out improves thanks to that extra height.
Gas XLE Has More Grunt Than the Hybrid
The gas-only Corolla Cross XLE has a 169 HP 151 lb.-ft 2-liter 4-cylinder engine turning the front wheels via a constantly variable automatic transmission. Take note that’s a fair whack more power than the Hybrid. And once again, it shows.
Over a second quicker to 60 mph, it also pulls a second and a half stronger than the Hybrid between 50 and 75 mph. Zesty, in step mode it even tends toward racy. There’s surprisingly not much difference in weight to the Hybrid, which is why it feels much the same. Also makes us wonder why not a bigger hybrid battery in the petrol-electric version?
The only real shortcoming by comparison to the Hybrid is at the fuel pump. It uses about half-more gas than the Hybrid. Its 32 per hundred claim and a closer to 26 in the real world. Pending final US pricing, the Hybrid should make its price difference back in fuel in around two years if you drive enough. It already does so in other markets
Corolla Cross is Refined, Comfy
On the road, Corolla Cross is easy to drive, refined and comfortable. A bit rowdier than the Hybrid, it makes up in poise with precise and inspiring handling and little body roll from the McPherson front and Torsion beam rear suspension. It’s engaging to drive.
Driver feedback could be sharper, and you may want to feel better connected, but then it’s a SUV, after all. Corolla Cross is also not quite the fastest car on the block. Let’s just call its drag strip performance middle of the road in class.
Corolla Cross of course has ABS brakes with EBD, there’s Hill Assist, all the airbags, ISOFIX, anti-theft and auto locking. Toyota Safety Sense includes Cruise Control, Blind Spot, Lane Trace, Rear Cross-Traffic and Pre-Collision systems.
Corolla Cross XLE is Sensible, Practical, Easy to Drive
Sensible, practical, easy to drive and live with, aside, the biggest Corolla Cross plus must be price. There’s good reason why the Corolla Cross is flying off the shelf. Most compelling, even at the XLE’s luxury premium, it’s hard to beat.
And it’s available now while you must still wait for the Hybrid, and who knows how long that waiting list will be once it lands, too? Which makes for an interesting little conundrum for your dealer to solve if you must wait for a Hybrid. Get him to put you in one of these until that’s available. If anything, this Corolla Cross XLE really is a great alternative.
ROAD TESTED: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 LE Engine: 169 HP 151 lb.-ft 2-liter gas Drive: CVT FWD TESTED: 0-40 mph 4.61 sec 0-60 mph: 9.25 sec 0-80 mph 12.98 sec 400m: 17.0 sec @ 86 mph 50-75 mph: 6.19 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 118 mph Fuel Average: 32 mpg Warranty 36 months/36,000 miles LIST PRICE: $26,575 RATED: 8
Photos: Giordano Lupini
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