2026 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD: Relying On An Iconic Name, While Dressed Up As A Subcompact Crossover

 

Highlight: The vehicle is also available as a hybrid.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $35,404 (Base MSRP): $26,085

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment: a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (XLE AWD): 18-inch alloy wheels; a push button start system; black roof rails; heated power outside mirrors; 10-inch infotainment screen; a dual zone automatic climate control system; wireless smartphone charger; ambient lighting; pseudo leather seats; heated front seats; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; and a heated leather trimmed steering wheel

Options: power sunroof; 9-speaker JBL premium audio; premium paint; alloy wheel locks; and carpet floor mat/cargo mat

Other Trim Levels:

Hybrid model

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

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin-power turbo engine/150-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 29-city/31-hwy (test model)

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs

What’s New: After the Corolla Cross hybrid powertrain joined the line up in 2025, this year’s non hybrid model receives a new fascia coupled with a larger infotainment screen on select trims.

Why:

Easy-to-maneuver

Stylish design

Outfitted with the latest safety driving aids

Power sunroof with sunshade

AWD and front wheel drive available

Hybrid powertrain is available

Comfortable seating

A manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Cloth and leather-like seats

Heated front seats

Power driver’s seat

Wireless smart charger

SiriusXM available

Car-like ride

A high-level of safety driving aids

A co-pilot assist radar-activated steering system

A power sunroof

A JBL 9-speaker audio system

But:

Has a higher starting price than some of its competitors

Toyota’s fuzzy voice activated system is used to operate the infotainment system (doesn’t always understand voice controls)

No navigation system

Verdict: At a starting price of $26,000, the Corolla Cross, the Corolla’s first crossover, is one of the most economical vehicles available in the market. The subcompact crossover, with is car-like driving characteristics, is available in a variety of trims in either a front wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.

Depending upon the trim, the Corolla Cross can be outfitted with such features as leather-like seats, heated front seats, a power sunroof, a wireless charger and a high end JBL audio system.

Moreover, just like every Toyota, the cozy vehicle is outfitted with a high-level of safety driving aids, including a co-pilot assist steering system. Yet, based upon the trim and options selected, the Corolla Cross pricing could overlap with some of the larger base level midsize crossovers.

Furthermore, the Corolla Cross, which arrived on the scene during the 2025 model year, is also one of a handful of vehicles in this segment offering a hybrid powertrain.

Overall, the Corolla Cross, which is in a highly competitive segment is leaning on the iconic Corolla nameplate to win over a new legion of customers who might lean to some of the competitors offering a lower price point and more techie features.

Competition: Chevy Trax; Chevy Trailblazer; Honda HR-V; Hyundai Kona; Hyundai Venue; Kia Seltos; Mazda CX-30; and VW Taos