2022 Toyota Corolla Cross treads familiar territory

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross appears common, like a new winter season jacket that in some way smells like Grandpa. Toyota’s most recent design doesn’t do something new, but it welcomes potential buyers coming from Toyota sedans or downsizing from more substantial autos with a warm but uninspired greeting.

More like a more compact RAV4 than an upsized Corolla hatch, the tiny crossover provides a appropriate-sized alternate to the funky Toyota C-HR hatchback that’s been paraded about as a crossover considering that 2018. The newest Toyota doesn’t really feel so new, with its out-of-date infotainment technique, buzzy powertrain, and analog gauge cluster. There is even a stick in the gauge cluster to reset the trip meter like the outdated days. But Toyota has demonstrated time and once more that its conservative introduction of new automobile systems appeals to customers who desire familiarity. That’s a single purpose it earns a good TCC Rating of 6.2 out of 10, which will most likely raise after crash-take a look at results are finalized. 

In my prolonged weekend on the road with the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE with AWD, I was amazed to not locate a CD player.

Hit: Appears like a smaller, calmer RAV4 

The 5-seat crossover shares styling attributes with Toyota’s bestselling RAV4, but without having the sharp angles front and back again. The break up upper and reduced grille distances by itself from the a lot more menacing scowl of the RAV4 with a smile that aims to be sure to. Black cladding operates over square wheel arches, and curved fenders give it some heft from the rear without having demanding to be taken seriously as an SUV. It is not, and Toyota has struck the stability concerning around-coming up with some of its most current versions with a much more unified streamlined look in the Corolla Cross. 

Miss out on: Dull, buzzy powertrain

There is significantly less to like below the hood, but it is correctly sufficient for most motorists. The Corolla Cross utilizes a 2.-liter inline-4 shared all through the family, from the Toyota C-HR to the Lexus UX. It can make 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, and paired with a repeatedly variable automated transmission it’s not going any place in a hurry. Which is great, but the sounds it would make would seem as if it is straining for aid around each and every bend. Extra than anything else, the noise reveals its economy auto roots. 

Hit: Cargo volume

It continues to be to be seen if the Corolla Cross will exchange the flagging C-HR, which however marketed 35,700 models in 2021. The squat C-HR retains only 19.1 cubic feet driving the rear seats, or 37 cubes with the seats folded down. The Corolla Cross AWD product I tested had 25.2 cubic ft of house with the rear seats up, and the cargo hold easily taken care of a Costco operate. Independently, it held my daughter’s significant hockey bag with fewer of a challenge than other little crossovers. In possibly design, there’s only about 32 inches of rear legroom but head and shoulder place is better in the Corolla Cross than the C-HR. 

Pass up: Out-of-date interface

Toyota has been rolling out its much-enhanced operating method and interface, but the entry-stage Corolla Cross doesn’t get it. The font and graphics will be familiar to any individual who’s pushed a Toyota in the earlier decade or two, which presents it a common simplicity lacking in other new cars. But it’s dated, like an 8-bit match in a digital metaverse.  

Hit: Available all-wheel travel

Major XLE versions occur with AWD, which you cannot get in a C-HR. This really should appeal to winter season temperature motorists who want the included traction of AWD devoid of the hassle of swapping out winter tires.

Miss out on: Need to be a hybrid

The loud but productive powertrain has an EPA-rated 29 mpg town, 32 highway, 30 blended. I came up small of that on generally freeway miles, but it’s good for an AWD crossover. It would be so substantially better—and quieter—as a hybrid. Possibly upcoming calendar year. 

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD

Foundation value: $28,640, including $1,215 place

Rate as tested: $33,550

Drivetrain: 169-hp 2.-liter inline-4 with a CVT and AWD

EPA gas economic system: 29/32/30 mpg

The hits: Tranquil styling, good cargo home, available AWD

The misses: Loud, out-of-date interface, would be superior as a hybrid