Review - Toyota Corolla Cross

It offers buyers the comfort and practicality of the iconic Corolla hatch and sedan on a taller and more spacious platform, sitting atop the popular Yaris Cross and below the midsize RAV4 SUV, meaning there’s a Toyota SUV package in pretty much every shape and size. 

Just how good is Toyota’s latest addition to the compact SUV segment, though, and how does it stack up against its key rivals? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $33,000

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Toyota Corolla Cross (MXGH10R) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Toyota Corolla Cross car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The entry-level Corolla Cross GX is priced at $33,000, while stepping up to the GX Hybrid brings the price to $35,000. 

Opting for the GXL brings the price to $36,750, while the GXL Hybrid in 2WD and AWD form is priced at $39,250 and $42,250 respectively. 

The range-topping Corolla Cross Atmos is priced at $43,550, while the Atmos 2WD Hybrid is priced at $46,050 and the flagship Corolla Cross Atmos AWD Hybrid is priced at $49,050. 

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

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What Features Does the Toyota Corolla Cross Have?

Toyota’s entry-level Corolla Cross GX comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and receives LED headlights and daytime running lamps, cloth upholstery, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, 8.0-inch infotainment system with DAB+, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and a subscription to Toyota’s Connected Services.  

Stepping up to the Corolla Cross GXL adds a set of premium LED headlights, fog lights, roof rails, dual-zone climate control, an upgraded 10.5-inch infotainment system, a surround-view camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather accents in the interior. 

Finally, the range-topping Corolla Cross Atmos comes riding on 18-inch alloys and gains a panoramic sunroof, hands-free boot lift, leather upholstery with heated seats, a wireless smartphone charger, parking assistance, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Range Features: 

• 17-inch alloys 

• LED headlights & daytime running lamps 

• Cloth upholstery 

• Keyless entry & start 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Reversing camera 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & wired Android Auto

• Premium LED headlights with fog lights (GXL)

• Roof rails (GXL)

• 10.5-inch infotainment system (GXL)

• Surround-view camera (GXL)

• Leather interior accents (GXL)

• 18-inch alloys (Atmos)

• Panoramic sunroof (Atmos)

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (Atmos)

Toyota Corolla Cross Colours 

The Corolla Cross range is available in a choice of eight colours, including Glacier White, Eclipse Black, Frosted White, Atomic Rush, Lunar Blue, Stunning Silver, Moondust Grey and Jungle Khaki. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

While it might ride higher than the standard Corolla, this doesn’t make the Corolla Cross any less impressive on the road, and remains a strong performer on a mix of town and country driving here in Australia. 

The Corolla Cross range offers buyers a choice of a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a hybrid engine option, both of which offer a healthy amount of power for town driving and long-distance road trips. 

Both engine variants transfer power to the wheels via a CVT automatic transmission that might lack engagement but ensures the Corolla Cross is well-behaved on the road and even helps to cut down on your fuel use. 

It features all the important hallmarks of a user-friendly passenger car thanks to its lightweight steering rack that makes urban driving a simple task, and a comfortable suspension package that handles its weight and soaks up the bumps of Australian roads that makes for a strong performer. 

Thanks to its relatively compact proportions, the Corolla Cross is an easy vehicle to park and navigate tight environments in, which lends itself perfectly to the urban jungle, while the added ride height offers a great amount of forward visibility. 

All up, the Corolla Cross is an extremely impressive addition to the compact SUV market, and while it’s gained some weight in the process of becoming an SUV, the platform remains outstanding on a mix of Australian road conditions. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

Improving upon the Corolla’s already impressive space and practicality credentials was arguably one of the most important parts of the Corolla Cross’ design brief, and we’re happy to report that the changes have made it an even stronger performer. 

Inside, the driver and front passenger are treated to a familiar cockpit design that is understated in its design, but outstanding when it comes to space and practicality. 

The driving position is fully adjustable and offers a great view over the road, with some improvements on offer when it comes to interior headroom that makes for a spacious front cabin. 

The Corolla Cross’ practicality is also a strong point of the package, with a heap of storage options for loose items behind the gear lever, in the large door bins either side of the cabin, and inside the folding arm rest, with a pair of cupholders also on offer. 

While a lack of second-row comfort and space is a common gripe for compact SUVs, the Corolla Cross offers a comfortable and relatively spacious platform that can accommodate taller adults without much of a problem. 

In terms of boot space, the Corolla Cross offers between 380L - 425L of cargo storage in the boot, depending on the variant, rounding out an impressive practicality package for growing Australian families. 

Is it Safe? 

The Toyota Corolla Cross has received ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 85 per cent for adult protection, 88 per cent for child protection, 87 per cent for pedestrian protection and 83 per cent for its safety assist technologies. 

As standard, the Corolla Cross gains autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, a reversing camera, rear cross-traffic alerts and eight airbags. 

Upgrading to Atmos Hybrid adds a surround-view camera and a parking assistant. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel economy figures for the Toyota Corolla Cross range kick off from an impressive 6.0L per 100km on a combined cycle in the base petrol model, and drop to just 4.3L/100km for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. 

This makes the Corolla Cross one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs you’ll find in the segment thanks to the company’s expertise with frugal four-cylinders and an accessible hybrid engine range. 

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota Corolla Cross Worth it?

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, rear legroom or overall practicality, the Corolla Cross is well worth a spot on your compact SUV shortlist. 

Toyota has taken its already impressive recipe with the standard Corolla and added some more space and practicality that widen its appeal and make for one of the most competitive small SUVs on the road. 

Don’t forget that if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car here, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty 
2. 12-month/15,000km service intervals
3. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 
4. Hybrid engine options available across the range 
5. Fuel economy figures between 4.3 - 6.0L/100km 

Pros 

• Space and practicality improvements over standard Corolla package
• Hybrid engines available for all variants 
• Smooth powertrain and transmission combination 
• User-friendly and comfortable package in a mix of conditions 

Cons

• Connected Services membership expires after 12-months 
• Pricey top-end variants 

OnlineAuto Rating: 9/10

Toyota Corolla Cross Competition