Do we need SUVs that straddle the line? If you look at the new Toyota Corolla Cross SUV, you know that Toyota thinks so.
This little SUV fits right on top of the line that sits between the subcompact crossover and compact crossover segments of the market. We will see this little model compete with some of the newest and most popular models in the market, giving us a vehicle that could be the right SUV to drive.
The Name Tells a Story
You can surmise from the name of this little SUV that it shares a platform with the Corolla sedan. This little SUV also brings you the benefits of the same engine that’s one of the optional models for the sedan to give you the power needed. You can have the benefits of AWD, extra ride height, and added cargo capacity when you select the SUV version.
Three Trim Levels and Lots of Great Features
When shopping for the new Toyota Corolla Cross SUV, you can find three trims offered for your driving pleasure. These trims are L, LE, and XLE. You’ll also find out that every single model of this SUV comes with Toyota Safety Sense which is the suite of active safety features needed to keep you out of trouble on the road.
The items you’ll find for every model in the Toyota Safety Sense package include:
• Forward-collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition
The LE and XLE models add:
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Wireless device charging
• Larger infotainment screen
Those final two items aren’t part of the safety package, but they are added to the mix to give you more features when you simply step up one trim in this SUV.
Checking Out the Pros and Cons o the Toyota Corolla Cross SUV
As with any vehicle, there are pros and cons to making it the one you want to drive. The Corolla Cross is no exception to that. Let’s look at this list for a minute.
Pros
• Budget-friendly
• Available AWD on all trims
• Excellent package of standard safety features
• Solid fuel mileage
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
Cons
• Initially only one engine offered
• Basic look and feel to the L trim
• Conservative exterior design
• Competes in a highly competitive segment
Are the pros going to make this SUV the one for you, or will the cons be enough to scare you away from the Toyota Corolla Cross SUV?
This SUV is Confident On the Road
You’re not going to blow the doors off any other drivers, but you will find a practical and confident drive when you’re behind the wheel of the Corolla Cross. Steering is good, and the suspension feels right when you’re out on the road. You can pass on the highway without much effort and know that you’ve got a vehicle that can take you where you want to go.
A Largely Practical Design in the Cabin
When you’re driving a Toyota, you expect to have a practical application of features and style. That’s exactly what you find in the Corolla Cross SUV. You’ll have ample cargo room, comfortable cloth-covered seats, and an infotainment system that looks right. You can easily use this SUV to go where you want when it’s time for an adventure.
Moving Up for More Features
The base, L trim, has the basics that you expect, but you may want to consider the LE or XLE for your drive. Each one brings more to the mix, including:
LE
• Alloy wheels
• Automatic climate controls
• Smart-key access
• Larger touchscreen
XLE
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear center armrests with two cupholders
• Seven-inch digital gauge cluster
• Ten-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Font and rear parking sensors
Add the Audi Plus package to your SUV, and you’ll have a nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio.
The One Engine Offered for Now
Every model of the Toyota Corolla Cross SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT. This setup gives you 169 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque to give you either FWD or AWD for your drive. Fuel mileage maxes out at 33 mpg on the highway to give you the efficiency you’re looking for.
Will you take this SUV home and let it be the right one for you? Visit your nearby Toyota dealer and see this new and interesting SUV that might be the perfect alternative to the Corolla sedan.
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