40+ MPG Small SUV Beginning Underneath $25,000
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, a five-passenger small SUV, is properly outfitted at a low beginning worth of $24,960. It’s arduous to discover a higher automobile for these busy with each day in-town errand and commute driving.
Clean Acceleration and Environment friendly Efficiency
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by Toyota’s fifth technology hybrid system of a 2.0-liter, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine mixed with the 2 electrical motors. The system brings 196 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, which is distributed to an electronically repeatedly variable computerized transmission (eCVT), which could be managed with paddle shifters. Driving all 4 wheels there are three driving modes of Eco, Energy and EV. If you’re not acquainted with a CVT it’s a substitute for a standard computerized transmission that has no gears. A CVT seamlessly adjustments by way of “gear ratios” based mostly on the demand placed on the engine. The consequence—a drive with easy acceleration and elevated gasoline effectivity.
Toyota’s hybrid robotically switches between the electrical drive mode, mixed electrical motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine energy. Gas economic system for the Corolla Cross Hybrid is EPA rated at 45 mpg metropolis/38 freeway/42 mixed. Working on common unleaded, the hybrid system together with the CVT are designed to err on the facet of gasoline effectivity and never efficiency.
In 212 miles driving by way of Orange and San Diego Counties in Southern California we averaged 42.2 mpg. On a 25-mile all-city metropolis route we exceed the EPA numbers and the Corolla Cross returned a really satisfying 46.1 mpg.
For Extra Efficiency
For extra spirited efficiency, resembling merging into freeway visitors, go for the driver-selectable Energy mode setting the place 0-60 occasions averaged 9.2 seconds, which feels sluggish, however is satisfactory for freeway merging. As soon as within the visitors stream, Eco mode was greater than succesful for cruising at-or-above freeway speeds. The engine was quiet at 65+ mph, however when beneath demanding acceleration it was buzzy and loud. It pulled nicely, particularly when utilizing the console-mounted gear selector or the steering wheel-mounted paddles to carry a “gear” that stored the rpm at a sure stage permitting for extra pulling energy.
The lithium-Ion battery is charged by the regenerative charging system when making use of the brakes or coasting, changing kinetic vitality into electrical vitality and storing it within the battery.
When driving the Corolla Cross Hybrid, choose the EV mode round city to pressure the automobile to run solely on electrical energy (assuming the battery has a cost to take action). The driving vary in pure electrical mode is brief, so it’s greatest to save lots of that battery juice for parking garages or sneaking in late at night time.
The three,385-pound Corolla Cross Hybrid SE Nightshade Version we drove was well-balanced and cozy, however shouldn’t be thought-about a sporty automobile. The steering responded nicely to enter and the trip was typically steady, however the suspension was gentle and tuned for consolation. Which means it absorbed most freeway bumps and dips, however cornering arduous must be left to the GR Corolla that’s designed to assault twisties and carve corners. If involved in towing a lightweight trailer, the utmost weight is 1,500 kilos.
Stopping comes from Toyota’s electronically managed brake system that includes regenerative management and power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and digital brake pressure distribution. The battery recharging course of could be considered on a splash gauge.
Distinct Exterior
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is available in three grades—S, SE and XSE. The SE can also be the bottom for the Nightshade trim we examined.
There’s a alternative of six strong colours: Jet Black, Wind Chill Pearl ($425 further price), Barcelona Crimson Metallic, Celeste, Blue Crush Metallic and Sonic Silver. Or you possibly can select 4 two-tones of Acidic Blast/Jet Black, Blue Crush Metallic/Jet Black, Sonic Silver/Jet Black, and Barcelona Crimson Metallic/Jet Black, which was the colour mixture of our Corolla Cross Hybrid.
With a extra rounded type than different Toyota SUVs, the entrance finish is dominated by a big black grille bordered by slim LED headlights. There are crescent formed particulars on the doorways, color-keyed door handles and energy exterior mirrors. The Black B-pillars (to match our Jet Black roof) and 18-inch black-painted machined alloy wheels labored nicely collectively.
The Nightshade Version exterior will get particular therapies of blacked-out badges, black outdoors door handles and mirrors and an built-in rear lip spoiler together with black accented head and rear lights. It additionally is provided with a roof rack, however be aware: When the sunroof is open, the non-adjustable entrance cross rail vibrates and hums from the wind at freeway speeds.
The rear encompasses a quick visor sitting above a frivolously raked sloping rear window, then onto the LED tail and brakelights.
Snug Inside
The Corolla Cross Hybrid inside is clear and primary. It’s well-equipped with options resembling push button begin/cease and one-touch energy home windows. The gauges, set within the 4.2-inch colour multi-information show, are massive and have white numbers on a black background for straightforward viewing. Visibility from all angles is sweet, however made higher by reducing the rear seats so the headrests will not be seen. On the Nightshade Version, the driving force seat is 10-way energy adjustable and the passenger will get a 4-way guide changes, however each have been lined in SofTex. The rear seat, with a folding heart armrest, splits 60:40 and folds almost flat.
The Nightshade Version will get a black and crimson cloth inside with crimson accent stitching, Qi wi-fi charging, a frameless HomeLink rearview mirror and normal carpet flooring mats.
The lean and telescopic, leather-trimmed, three-spoke steering wheel has controls for audio, hands-free Bluetooth phone operation, voice recognition to regulate audio and different techniques, and cruise management.
The centerpiece of the bottom Corolla Cross Hybrid is the 8-inch touchscreen that homes a 6-speaker normal sound system on all three trims. For the Nightshade Version the tunes are upgraded to a 9-speaker JBL premium system that features a subwoofer and an amplifier. Each sound techniques play AM/FM/Sirius/XM HD radio with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There are USB-C ports and a 120V/150A AC energy outlet within the cargo space. There may be an obtainable Wi-Fi Join subscription that gives 4G connectivity for as much as 5 gadgets—turning the Corolla Cross into an AT&T Hotspot.
Security
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is provided with superior driver help techniques (ADAS), resembling pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and a blind spot monitor with rear cross visitors alert. Further energetic and passive security options embody air luggage, a tire stress monitoring system, collapsible steering column, anti-theft alarm and an engine immobilizer.
Pricing
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is available in three grades with these base costs, which embody the $1,350 supply, processing and dealing with charge.
- S $29,320
- SE $30,640
- XSE $32,505
The Corolla Cross SE Nightshade Version we drove, together with the supply, processing and dealing with charge had a base worth of $30,465. Including-in the extra gear of $2,972, the overall got here to $34,787.
Warranties
- Hybrid Battery – 10 years/150,000 miles
- Hybrid Parts – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain – 5 years/60,000 miles
- Primary – Three years/36,000 miles
- Upkeep Plan – Two years/25,000 miles
- Roadside Help – Two years/limitless miles
Observations: 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla is likely one of the best-selling autos on the planet, and Toyota is the biggest vendor of hybrid autos on the planet. The previous was achieved with a Corolla sedan, so with SUVs being so well-liked it made sense for Toyota to supply the Corolla Cross as a hybrid small SUV.
Inbuilt Huntsville, Alabama, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a cheap car to purchase and drive. Primary driving wants, whether or not commuting, in-town errands and even day journeys, will likely be simply dealt with. Driving dynamics will not be why you purchase the Corolla Cross, however the practicality the SUV physique presents over the sedan in addition to the next trip top and all-wheel drive.
The competitors contains, amongst others, the Volkswagen Taos (all-new for 2025), Chevrolet Trailblazer (refreshed for 2024), Mazda CX-30 (additionally all-new for 2025), Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, Buick Encore GX, Ford Bronco Sport, Chevrolet Trax and Fiat 500X, however none of them are hybrids. One potential competitor, the Hyundai Kona, does provide and all-electric model. (Our opinions are linked.) Toyota’s vaunted construct high quality, reliability and resale worth are added sights to the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
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Story and pictures by John Faulkner.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at autos from automakers to judge, sometimes for per week at a time. Our highway checks are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new car. Due to this we don’t deal with points resembling long-term reliability or complete price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new autos or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of autos and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on autos that provide one of the best gasoline economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally function these environment friendly gas-powered autos which can be among the many high mpg autos of their class. As well as, we goal to supply opinions and information on superior expertise and the choice gasoline car market. We welcome any suggestions from car house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at [email protected].
