Ep 40. Toyota Corolla Cross

As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards a more sustainability-focused future, the compact crossover segment has emerged as one of the most competitive and rapidly growing niches. In this week's episode of MotorWeek, we take a closer look at Toyota's latest offering in this category: the Toyota Corolla Cross.

The Toyota Corolla has been a staple in the brand's lineup since 1966, and as the company's best-selling model worldwide, it's no surprise that Toyota has decided to expand the Corolla family with the new Corolla Cross. Based on the same TNGA-C platform as the Toyota C-HR, the Corolla Cross is similar in size to the popular RAV4, but with a sleeker, sportier look.

On the exterior, the Toyota Corolla Cross features a bold front grille, sharp LED headlights, and a sculpted hood. The rear end is equally eye-catching, with a unique taillight design and a sporty, wraparound rear spoiler. Overall, the Corolla Cross exudes modern, youthful energy that's likely to appeal to younger buyers looking for a more affordable alternative to the RAV4.

Inside, the Corolla Cross offers a well-appointed cabin with a mix of high-quality materials and user-friendly technology. The dashboard is dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen that houses the infotainment system, which includes standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trim levels also offer additional amenities, such as wireless charging, a JBL premium audio system, and a 9-inch touchscreen display.

Under the hood, the Corolla Cross comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with Toyota's Direct Shift CVT, which provides smooth acceleration and efficient power delivery. The Corolla Cross is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the latter providing added traction and stability in inclement weather.

In terms of safety, the Corolla Cross comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a host of advanced driver assistance features such as pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels also offer additional safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

During the episode, the MotorWeek team takes the Toyota Corolla Cross out on the road to put it through its paces. They start by testing the crossover's acceleration and handling, noting its smooth ride and responsive steering. They also take the Corolla Cross to a winding scenic road, where they push it hard through some tight corners and find that the vehicle's lower center of gravity helps it feel more stable and planted.

Next, the team takes a closer look at the interior, checking out the ample legroom and headroom, and examining the abundance of thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. They also test out the infotainment system, evaluating the ease of use and responsive touchscreen.

Finally, the team wraps up their review by highlighting the Corolla Cross's impressive fuel economy, noting that the front-wheel-drive model has an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 32 mpg, while the all-wheel-drive version has a rating of 30 mpg.

Overall, MotorWeek's review of the Toyota Corolla Cross paints a picture of an attractive, well-rounded crossover that offers good fuel economy, a comfortable and user-friendly interior, and a fun, engaging driving experience. As the compact crossover segment continues to grow, the Corolla Cross is sure to be a serious contender for budget-conscious buyers in search of a versatile, affordable vehicle that doesn't skimp on style and performance.