The Corolla Cross is a smaller alternative to Toyota’s RAV4 and a more practical choice than the C-HR—and the base version is less expensive than both. This pseudo-wagon is fuel efficient and functional, and has easy-to-use controls, but it feels underpowered and it becomes too noisy inside the cheap-looking cabin when the driver is looking for a burst of acceleration. The Subaru Crosstrek offers a more pleasant driving experience for about the same money.
Still, there are enough positives here to potentially sway some buyers toward the Corolla Cross. For example, our all-wheel-drive test model (front-wheel drive comes standard) managed a respectable 28 mpg overall on regular fuel, just 1 mpg shy of the class-leading Crosstrek and Honda HR-V. It’s also easy to get in and out of, thanks to near-hip-height seats and wide doors. The elevated seating position and large windows make for airy outward visibility for the driver, and there’s plenty of headroom in both the front and rear seating positions.
Unfortunately, Toyota’s latest infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as past versions—some audio and phone tasks require extra steps on the touchscreen. But overall, most controls are relatively user-friendly, including the physical climate knobs and buttons (rather than touch-capacitive icons on a panel), and we appreciate that the Corolla Cross comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Although the Corolla Cross delivered a competitive 0 to 60 mph time of 9.3 seconds at our test track (one of the quicker vehicles in a not-so-speedy class), during regular driving out on the road it often feels (and sounds) like the 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is struggling. Meanwhile, the continuously variable transmission’s (CVT) artificial “shifts” are often felt with a bump more than with some regular automatic transmissions. Yet, when pushed it exhibits the high-revving “rubberbanding” sensation that plagues many CVTs.
The suspension absorbs smaller road imperfections well, but large potholes strike through to the cabin in a noticeable way. Handling feels a bit clumsy and uninspiring during regular driving, though it performed well in our avoidance maneuver, with an impressive speed and a high level of driver confidence. The test is designed to show how well a car can avoid a vehicle or obstacle on the road, with a quick left-right-left steering sequence.
The driver’s seat has limited adjustments (adjustable lumbar support is only available on the top-line XLE), and it loses support and comfort during longer drives. Plus, both the door- and center armrest are woefully under-padded, and the plastic center console infringes on the driver’s right-knee space. And although the rear seat has ample headroom, the bottom cushion is sorely short on leg support. The drab interior has lots of hard-plastic surfaces with a few rough edges here and there. Cargo capacity is modest compared to most small SUVs, though the vehicle’s upright shape gives it good practicality and usefulness considering its small footprint.
The list of standard active safety and driver assist features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane centering assistance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning come standard on the mid-level LE and top XLE.