What were the two best-selling subcompact SUVs on the market last year? The Hyundai Kona and the Kia Seltos. Two products perfectly suited to the needs of Canadian buyers, as modern as they are attractive, and offered in a multitude of versions to reach a wide clientele. Since the start of this year, the Seltos has dominated, while the Kona is changing. Not far behind follows the popular Subaru Crosstrek, also very serious, then with a comparable number, the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen Taos.
For Toyota, breaking into this market is essential. Particularly since the failure of the C-HR, which was initially to be sold under the Scion emblem and which was awkwardly repatriated to the Toyota catalog. Let’s also not forget that for the past ten years, the manufacturer has deprived Canadian buyers of a car they loved, the Matrix. A model derived from the Corolla sedan with plenty of cargo space and the offer of all-wheel drive. Certainly, the Japanese manufacturer also tried to seduce these buyers with the Scion iM/Corolla iM, but here again, customers did not take the bait.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
Today, we can say that the Corolla Cross has what it takes to hold its own in the segment. This one takes us back to the era of the Matrix but in a slightly elevated formula, necessary to receive the “SUV” label. In this way, the Americans will not be able to ignore it as was the case with the Matrix, explaining its disappearance.
That said, the Corolla Cross hasn’t done anything better than the competition so far. On a technical level, I mean, since we already know that it offers reliability and construction quality that meets the expectations of the brand’s buyers, who are generally much more capricious than average in this area.
Presentation that lacks punch
It’s true that the Corolla Cross hits the nail on the head. However, we can wonder about its sales which are until now 50% lower than those of the Kia Seltos. A vehicle which, unlike the Hyundai Kona, cannot defend its title due to the existence of electrified versions. Undoubtedly, part of the answer lies in its generic presentation and its less modern interior than that of its Korean rivals.
A style which does not displease, which does not put off anyone, but which does not arouse any passion. This is why Toyota is launching versions called Nightshade in the United States this year, sporting a sporty look which will therefore attract buyers looking for an aesthetically more dynamic product. Canada will unfortunately be deprived of it, just like for the basic S version of the hybrid version, the one that interests us today.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
Expected for months, it was only towards the end of summer that the 2023 Corolla Cross hybrid finally touched Canadian soil. Toyota has obviously prioritized the American market where it is assembled, in a joint factory with Mazda which manufactures the CX-50 there. For Toyota, the offer of a hybrid engine is frankly the ace up the Corolla Cross’s sleeve.
A formula that is certainly already well known and is now used on all Toyota SUVs, with the exception of the aging 4Runner. That said, Toyota is currently the only manufacturer to offer a hybrid engine in the segment. Curious, isn’t it? Especially since when it comes to compact SUVs, there are many hybrids. Think of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, without forgetting the Toyota RAV4.
Under the hood, Toyota uses a 150-horsepower 2-liter engine, accompanied by two small electric motors and a 4.1 kWh battery, to obtain a maximum combined power of 196 horsepower. Figures comparable to the most powerful versions of the Hyundai Kona, Kia Sportage and Subaru Crosstrek, but with the advantage of lower fuel consumption of up to 3.1 L/100 km (35% less). In fact, only Mazda, with the CX-30 Turbo, offers 54 horsepower more power, provided you use premium gasoline. And again, even the CX-30 with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, generating 187 horsepower, consumes 2.6 L/100 km more than the Corolla Cross hybrid.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
Do your math!
Saving 35% on fuel means that for a motorist traveling 20,000 km per year, the fuel cost will be $1,085 lower, on an annual basis. This, considering a liter of regular gasoline costs $1.75. Over time, you can therefore imagine that the financial gap would only grow, thereby contributing to reducing the rate of depreciation of your vehicle, compared to those who consume more.
Now, comparing a Corolla Cross LE AWD with the Corolla Cross Hybrid SE tested (two vehicles with comparable equipment), we immediately notice a price difference of $3,800. An additional outlay which would roughly be amortized after five years of use, always taking into account an annual journey of 20,000 km with a liter of gasoline sold for $1.75. Some buyers who drive little may therefore see no point in it, but you should know that every extra dollar spent on a hybrid will be recovered on resale, once again due to lower depreciation.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
The Corolla Cross also offers greater power, a quieter ride and initial torque as high as it is instantaneous – which greatly contributes to the pleasure of driving in an urban environment. In addition, the hybrid has an all-wheel drive system distinct from that of the classic version with a 2-liter engine (169 hp), due to the fact that it does not have any transmission shaft. Rather, it is the electric motors housed on each of the axles which are electronically responsible for redistributing the torque, without delay and more efficiently. So here you have a more efficient all-wheel drive system than with traditional versions, although it is not yet up to par with what Mazda and Subaru offer, because it lacks lateral torque distribution.
Comfortable and quiet, the Corolla Cross Hybrid nevertheless offers a driving experience that alone is worth the extra cost compared to the usual version. The vehicle is solid, responds quickly and offers an ideal balance for a majority of buyers. Is it as fun, or even adventurous, as the Mazda CX-30 or Subaru Crosstrek? No. And we can also blame it for the sometimes annoying operation of the continuously variable ratio automatic transmission (CVT), although this only occurs when the accelerator is seriously applied. On this subject, note that this engine allows you to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, which is more than honest for a vehicle of this caliber.
Dark, but cozy
As with the RAV4, Toyota wanted to give a slightly distinctive style to its hybrids. This translates into packaging that eliminates the traditional grille, unique rims and colors that, in some cases, are unique to it. The SE version tested was also equipped with an optional two-tone paint ($540) which looked great. Unfortunately, the hybrid’s interior is only black, wall to wall, unlike an L, LE or XLE model. A very dark environment, especially in the SE version, lacking a sunroof and therefore a skylight.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
Fortunately, the comfort is remarkable. The seats are well designed and the clearance is ample, allowing the installation of child booster seats in the rear seats without any problem. Then, with 609 liters of loading volume, the Corolla Cross is very practical. However, Toyota is criticized for being very conservative with the dashboard, ergonomic but rather dated visually, especially when compared to Korean rivals. There is therefore a small central screen whose graphic quality leaves something to be desired, and outdated analog instrumentation.
Photo: Antoine Joubert
Nothing serious, rest assured, because all the features are there, particularly in the XSE version. A model to which are added wireless charging, power tailgate, reverse guidance, synthetic leather, electrically adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunroof, LED lights and headlights and much more, for a supplement of $2,770. The price/equipment ratio therefore seems more attractive with the XSE version, which is why Toyota has chosen not to import the base S version, which is less lucrative and which would undoubtedly have had little success.
It’s true, the Corolla Cross hybrid isn’t cheap. Including all fees (including the damn $899 dealer fees authorized by Toyota Canada…), the entry price is $36,937 for the SE version, and $39,707 for the XSE. An amount that brings us back to the price of a RAV4 hybrid a few years ago, confirming that today’s subcompacts are…at the price of the compacts that were sold during the pandemic. That said, in the face of competition, Toyota remains in the game. Especially when you once again consider the fuel economy and the lower depreciation that comes with it.
There is the problematic question of availability… You could wait more than a year to get your hands on a Corolla Cross hybrid, depending on the dealer. A wait that is worth it if you are able to wait. Please note that for 2024, no changes are expected, although at the time of writing, Toyota Canada did not have any details to share.