Road Test: 2024 Corolla Cross

The Corolla has a longstanding history in our market, but lately Toyota has been expanding the variants available under the nameplate.

You have a hatchback, the sedan, the GR Corolla as well as the subcompact SUV Corolla Cross we test here.

With eight trims, including two hybrid variants, there’s no shortage of options when consumers are considering the Corolla Cross.

Our tester for the week was in the middle of the lineup, with the LE AWD trim costing $34,433.50 (the base Corolla Cross is in the $27,000 range).

The Premium LE AWD comes with added features like a power moonroof, roof rails, wireless device charging and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Powertrain: The Corolla Cross felt a little underwhelming to me when it comes to power.

The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine provides 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, all moved through a CVT.

Compared to some competitors on the market tested recently, this was the least impressive powerplant of the lot.

Fuel efficiency is rated at 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and my average was 8.9 L/100 km.

Exterior: The Corolla Cross isn’t exactly an example of styling prowess. It’s by no means unattractive, but it is rather ordinary.

That means the Corolla Cross will appeal to a pretty wide audience, which is what the Japanese automaker is often looking for in its designs.

Mass appeal means more sales, which means more profit – as the logic goes.

The subcompact SUV we tested did have a nice set of 18-inch wheels, but plastic bits abound on the exterior cladding, which is seen more and more these days.

Interior: The cabin is more spacious than I would have imagined, but I pity anyone who needs to do long trips in the back seat. Legroom is extremely limited, so beware.

Otherwise, the front seats are comfortable, and the overall design and layout of the cabin is straightforward and functional. All controls are compactly laid out in the centre stack, maintaining a more traditional use of buttons and knobs.

Infotainment: At 8 inches, the screen that powers the infotainment system may seem small, but it delivers the functionality you expect with ease. It is responsive and easy to navigate the various menus.

It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is simple to set up and makes the system even more functional.

Drive: The Corolla Cross is a very good everyday driver, but do not expect a dynamic drive experience from the engine or setup. It does provide a a competent vehicle with good road handling dynamics.

Overall comfort in the Corolla Cross is good, with occupants being relatively well isolated from outside noise. The CVT can get a bit drone-y at times, but that’s to be expected.

Conclusion: It is nothing too dazzling, but the Corolla Cross will certainly appeal to a certain segment who are loyal to Toyota and the Corolla name but seeking a bit more space and functionality.

2024 Corolla Cross LE Premium AWD
Price as tested: $34,433.50
Freight: $1,930.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder/ CVT
Power/torque: 169 horsepower/ 151 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (50 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 7.8 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 8.9 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos
Website: Toyota Canada