Is The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Worth It?

After the introduction of the subcompact Toyota Corolla Cross SUV, we were wondering when Toyota would come out with a hybrid version of the SUV. Well, the time has finally come, as Toyota has released the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The addition of the electrified powertrain for the Corolla Cross will certainly bring up questions of what Corolla to buy in Toyota’s lineup, including comparisons to the Corolla sedan. We think the comparisons are founded and will most likely be decided by the SUV’s price.

Toyota confirmed that the Corolla Cross Hybrid will be available in three trims: S, SE, and XSE. Pricing for the Corolla Cross Hybrid S starts at $29,305 (with destination), while the range-topping XSE will start at $32,400. All things considered, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s starting price tag isn’t bad for an electrified subcompact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. And, when you compare the Corolla Cross Hybrid to the regular Corolla Cross, it’s not a massive jump in pricing either.

The Corolla Cross’s MSRP starts at $24,395 for the L trim, but that’s for a model with front-wheel drive. With AWD, the Corolla Cross L jumps up to $25,695. So, for $3,610, you’re getting the Corolla Cross Hybrid that comes with a more powerful engine and improved fuel economy. These upgrades could be worth the extra money.

While the Corolla Cross comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with three electric motors. The hybrid produces a more substantial 196 hp. The extra power results in a pepperier SUV with better acceleration.

In addition to having more power, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is also more efficient. Toyota estimates that the electrified SUV will be able to get up to 45 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 42 mpg combined. Those figures are much better than the non-hybrid Corolla Cross that’s rated at up to 29/32/30 mpg (city/hwy/combined). While most people will look at the extra 27 hp as a worthwhile bonus, the real reason for upgrading to the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the substantial increase in fuel economy.

With the Corolla Cross Hybrid being rated at up to 42 mpg combined, we suspect that most people will cross-shop the electrified SUV against the Corolla sedan and its hybrid option. The base Corolla Hybrid LE starts at $23,895 for a model with FWD and $25,295 with AWD. So, it’s $ 4,010 cheaper than the Corolla Cross Hybrid when similarly equipped. It’s also far more efficient. The Corolla Hybrid has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with two electric motors for up to 50 mpg combined. Even with AWD, the Corolla Hybrid can still get up to 48 mpg combined.

If you’re after fuel economy on a budget, the Corolla Hybrid is still the hybrid to get in Toyota’s small car lineup. The new Corolla Cross Hybrid comes slightly behind on the fuel economy front and is noticeably more expensive. Comparing the Corolla Cross Hybrid against the regular Corolla Cross is a closer race. The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid is now the most affordable hybrid SUV on the market. With Toyota’s great track record with hybrids, the SUV’s estimated 42 mpg combined figure, and $3,610 separating the hybrid from the gas model, we expect the Corolla Cross Hybrid to do extremely well. We think that it could outsell the regular Corolla Cross.

Pictured: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

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