2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD: The Brand’s All-New Crossover

Highlight: Now we see how the Corolla has evolved to a crossover/SUV.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $32,993 (Base MSRP: $29,210)

Seating Capacity: 5  

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; automatic high beams; back up camera; traction control; electronic brake force distribution; a pre-collision system; a lane trace assist system; a hill start system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (L): 17-inch wheel covers; black grille; black heated power outside mirrors; color keyed outside door handles; intermittent windshield wipers; rear spoiler; a manual a/c; cloth front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and dual sun visor vanity mirror

Standard Equipment (XLE): 18-inch alloy wheels; black grille with metallic paint surround; color-keyed heated outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning; color keyed outside door handles with a keyless entry system; push button ignition system; remote keyless entry system; variable windshield wipers; privacy glass windows; black rood rails; a dual zone automatic climate control system; wireless phone charging; a backup camera with guidelines; leather-like seats; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated front seats; a leather trimmed steering wheel; lane departure alert system; a lane trace assist system; an automatic rearview mirror; dual sun visors with sliding extensions, illuminated vanity mirrors; 6 cup holders; tonneau cover; front and rear parking assist with auto braking

Options: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen; a 9-speaker JBL audio system; Android and Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa; SiriusXM subscription; a power moonroof; and auto leveling adaptive front lighting system; activity mount; carpeted floor mat/cargo mat; and a frameless home link mirror

Other Trim Levels:

LE

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/SiriusXM  

Android/Apple CarPlay: Available

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/169-hp

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 29-city/32-hwy

What’s New: The Corolla Cross is the latest crossover to join the brand’s portfolio. In fact, its Toyota’s entry-level crossover.

Why:

A base price under $30,000

Roomy interior

Higher ride height than the Corolla sedan

Great visibility

AWD available

SiriusXM available

Wireless charging available

Heated front seats

A high level of safety driving aids

A stop-and-go radar activated cruise control system

A traditional size power sunroof is available

A power liftgate with an all-door lock feature

But:

No panoramic sunroof available

No navigation system available

Daytime running lights only available on higher end XLE trim

Verdict: With the popularity of crossovers, Toyota has finally reimagined what the popular Corolla sedan would be like if it ever transitioned to a utility vehicle. The all-new entry level compact crossover takes everything we like about the sedan and wraps it in a package that provides a higher seating height, roof rails, towing capabilities and loads of utility space.

The Corolla Cross, which is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration, is approximately $1,500 more than the traditional sedan.

The Corolla Cross is available in a variety of trims and has a starting price just a hare under $30,000. Depending upon the trim one can option out the vehicle with features ranging from an automatic climate control system to AWD to a host of safety driving aids. For those who have been waiting for the Corolla to transition to a crossover, Toyota has finally answered the call.

Competition: Mazda CX-30; Kia Seltos; Honda HR-V; and Hyundai Kona