Toyota has a long tradition of providing buyers with affordable, efficient, and safe transportation. The Toyota Corolla nameplate was first launched in 1966 and became known as one of the automotive industry’s most reliable and affordable subcompact sedans. The Corolla spawned different variants over the years and in 1997 the Corolla became the best-selling car of all time, eclipsing the Volkswagen Beetle.
For the 2022 model year, Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross, a compact SUV designed to bring even more versatility and creature comforts to the Corolla lineup. Built on the same platform as the conventional Corolla, the Corolla Cross added a higher ride height, more passenger room, and more cargo space, thanks to its SUV body style.
Toyota Corolla Cross Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Toyota Corolla Cross Pros and Cons
- Toyota Corolla Cross Generations
- First Generation (2022-Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota Corolla Cross years are the best?
The 2023 model year offers the best value. The first model year, in 2022, came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and an infotainment system with only wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This was upgraded in 2023, with all trims getting Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and an updated infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB-C charging ports.
What are the worst Toyota Corolla Cross years?
With very few changes over its production run, the 2022 model year can be considered the worst. The safety systems and interior tech were quickly updated for 2023, so first model year trims seem dated by comparison. However, 2022 models may also provide a better value compared to later years.
Is a used Toyota Corolla Cross a good deal?
Yes, the Toyota Corolla Cross can be a good deal. Like many modern Toyotas, used car values remain strong, especially for well-equipped trims. Deals can be found for front-wheel-drive examples in base Corolla Cross L trim, especially for the first 2022 model year.
Toyota Corolla Cross Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Impressive standard safety equipment
Cons:
- Underpowered
- Stiff ride
- Interior rattles
Toyota Corolla Cross Generations
First Generation (2022-Present)
From the outside, the Corolla Cross distinguishes itself with a black grille, chiseled front fascia complete with LED headlights, and prominent fender flares. Three trim levels were available at launch: L, LE, and XLE, and, other than the wheels, there was little to distinguish them from the outside. The base Corolla Cross L got steel 17-inch wheels, while the Corolla Cross LE came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Corolla Cross XLE got larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
A 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and paired with a CVT transmission was the only available powertrain. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) was available with all trim levels. Equipped with Toyota Dynamic Torque Control, this AWD system can send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when it’s needed, and can disengage when it’s not, improving fuel efficiency. Fuel economy was impressive for both drivetrains, rated by the EPA at 32 mpg for the FWD and 30 mpg for the AWD.
Inside was a familiar affair, largely carried over from the Corolla hatchback and sedan. Thanks to its crossover body style, all occupants gained more head and leg room. Another difference between the sedan and the SUV was the addition of rear-seat vents. Cargo space was an impressive 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats and there was a power liftgate with the LE and XLE trim levels.
Fabric upholstery was standard in light gray for the base L trim and Toyota added black upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for the Corolla Cross LE. The Corolla Cross XLE interior was available with Softex upholstery, complete with standard heated front seats. A moonroof was optional with both the Corolla Cross LE and XLE trim levels.
A seven-inch infotainment system was standard with the L trim, while the LE and XLE received an eight-inch system. All models came with wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard spec. LE and XLE models also got a wireless charging pad and rear-seat USB charging ports, while a JBL nine-speaker sound system was optional.
Like all modern Toyotas, the Corolla Cross was equipped with a full suite of ADAS systems with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and Toyota’s signature STAR safety system as standard equipment. These included radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure, and automatic high beams. Corolla Cross LE and XLE trim levels also came standard with a blind spot monitoring system, front and rear parking assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Important safety information is shown on the multi-information display, found in the digital gauge cluster.
The biggest change came for the 2023 model year and the introduction of the Hybrid model. Available in S, SE, or XSE trim levels, exterior changes were minor outside of unique wheels and badging. As with the gas-only version, the S trim made do with 17-inch steel wheels, while the Hybrid SE and Hybrid XSE got 18-inch alloy wheels. Under the hood was Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system with e-CVT and standard e-AWD, which added an electric motor to the rear axle, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid was rated at an impressive 42 mpg combined. While pricing for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid wasn’t too far from a RAV4, the impressive fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive made it a worthy alternative.
All 2023 model year Corolla Cross came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which added an improved steering assist system for the dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking.
Inside, all Corolla Cross models received an updated infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and all models were now fitted with the larger eight-inch and updated USB-C ports as standard. Otherwise, changes were minimal, with updates to available exterior colors in 2024 and 2025. The Nightshade trim became an option for the Hybrid model in 2024, adding black accents and a black roof.
For the 2026 model year, the Corolla Cross received a mild refresh, the biggest change being a new front-end design and a new Cavalry Blue paint color. With the updated front ends, the two powertrains are further differentiated: the Hybrid models received a color-matched front fascia and the gas-powered models a more rugged, black contrasting look. Inside, all models received an updated center console, and the top trims were updated with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display.
The Toyota Corolla Cross has proven reliable, with no major problems or issues to report. With a platform and powertrain shared with the Corolla sedan, Toyota’s legendary reliability can be expected here. Owners have reported problems with the roof rails, poor panel gaps around the car and a stiff ride.
Prices for the Corolla Cross average between $24,000 and $28,000 based on age, mileage, trim level, and options. The first 2022 model year can provide some additional value, with base model L examples coming in under $20,000. All-wheel-drive examples carry a premium, as do the better equipped LE and XLE trims. Finding a model from 2023 or later can be worth the premium, due to the improved infotainment and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Meanwhile, well-equipped XLE AWD from 2025 and 2026 are still averaging around $30,000 depending on mileage and will likely be found at franchised dealerships.
As of this writing, the starting MSRP for a new Toyota Corolla Cross was $24,635 for the L trim, while the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at $28,995.
