Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Auto

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 03 Feb, 2023
  • 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

New entry-level family hauler

Toyota knows a thing or two about building compact crossovers, launching the first RAV4 in the mid-1990s during the nascent days of the segment. Since then, however, the model has gotten larger over subsequent generations and something fresh with a familiar name is filling the void left behind: the Corolla Cross. 

“For more than five decades, Corolla has moved Canadians like no other vehicle ever has – and the newest member of the Corolla family continues that tradition,” says Cyril Dimitris, Toyota Canada vice president, in a media release. “The Corolla Cross brings that reputation to the hot compact SUV market – appealing to Canadians who love the footprint of a smaller vehicle, but who also seek impressive versatility and the all-weather confidence of all-wheel-drive.”

Though built on the same TNGA-C platform as its sedan/hatchback namesake, the small SUV, which debuted last year, looks unique resembling a baby RAV4.

The mesh grille, black bumper and body cladding and rear window spoiler lends an air of sportiness, and Darpan’s top-of-the-line XLE-grade press loaner adds extra goodies like 18-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels, premium LED lighting, roof rails and moonroof. The Cypress green exterior paint and Macadamia brown SofTex faux-leather interior is a gorgeous combo as well. 

The interior shares a lot of similarities with the five-door variant though affords 53 millimetres of additional legroom and 63.5 headroom thanks to a slightly larger form factor. Similarly, cargo capacity is much improved offering 440 litres of space when the split 60/40 folding bench is laid flat. 

The 10-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive and for 2023 a next-generation Toyota Multimedia infotainment system is standard showcasing an eight-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. While an improvement over the outgoing technology it’s not the most intuitive offering on the market. 

All trims run a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force (what the brand calls the family of powertrains utilizing high-speed combustion to achieve great thermal efficiency) engine producing 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque mated to a CVT transmission. The familiar setup is peppy even when installed under the hood of the crossover, and coupled with the all-wheel-wheel-drive-equipped version’s fully independent suspension provides an unexpectedly enjoyable experience behind the wheel perfect for urban commuting.

For quick trips out of town or to and from the hardware store, the 1,500-pound maximum tow rating should be sufficient for light hauling needs. Also new for the current year is the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 on all models boasting enhanced sensors improving detection capability — the collision-avoidance function recognizes motorcyclists in certain situations, and when making a turn or approaching an intersection forward and laterally-approaching are detected triggering alerts and/or emergency braking if necessary. 

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is at dealerships now and is built at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Highlights (as tested): 

MSRP: $34,550

Motor: 2.0-litre inline-four cylinder

Horsepower: 169 @ 6,600 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 150 @ 4,400 rpm

Gearbox: CVT    

Layout: all-wheel drive   

Fuel economy:  11.2 L/100 km

MORE Auto ARTICLES

Major makeover: 2022 Lexus IS 300

Major makeover: 2022 Lexus IS 300

The already-excellent Lexus Safety System+ suite of technologies benefits from a few additions such as enhanced camera and radar equipment to help the pre-collision detection spot not just oncoming vehicles but preceding cyclists and pedestrians as well.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge still setting EV benchmark

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge still setting EV benchmark

Formerly offering an already healthy range of 335 kilometres on a single charge of the 78 kilowatt-hour high-voltage battery, minor digital tweaks to energy and thermal management ups the number by 24 to a total of 359 kilometres. Owners of 2021 vehicles are also eligible for the upgrade.

2022 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe

2022 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe

Though the fifth generation E-Class is now getting a little long in the tooth, a replacement is coming soon. To tide enthusiasts over, however, Mercedes-AMG revealed a face-lifted E 53 last year highlighting fresh styling, a revised cabin and the introduction of the company’s high tech Mercdes-Benz User eXperience (MBUX) infotainment system.

Mazda3 Sedan GT

Mazda3 Sedan GT

Though the Sport hatchback variant is arguably the better looking of the pair, the four door is a sleekly-shaped vehicle showcasing swoopy, fluid bodylines that are a product of the Hiroshima automaker’s Kodo “Soul of Motion” Design language. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2022

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2022

Even the interior is quite Lexus-like, as the grade-topping XSE comes with all the bells and whistles like the much-improved Toyota Audio Plus infotainment system utilizing a nine-inch display, beautiful heated leather steering wheel and wireless charging.

2022 Genesis GV70

2022 Genesis GV70

Those who prefer maximum performance aesthetics may choose the available Sport Package that bundles dark chrome accents, painted diffusers, up-to 21-inch special alloy wheels, circular instead of vertical dual exhaust tips, exclusive steering wheel and optional carbon fibre overlays.