More than two years after it launched in Thailand and more than a year after it launched in Japan, the Corolla Cross has now arrived in local Toyota stores.
Larger than a Corolla Hatch, it provides a higher ride with more cargo space, a 750kg braked tow rating and, in the top model, an all-wheel drive system. In terms of size the Corolla Cross sits in between the smaller Toyota C-HR and the larger RAV4.
The Corolla Cross is fitted with a hybrid 2-litre petrol engine and CVT transmission.
Toyota New Zealand new vehicles general manager Steve Prangnell says he expects the Corolla Cross to become the top-selling model in the Corolla range.
“The Corolla Cross builds on Corolla’s reputation and offers even more versatility and creature comforts to make everything, from a daily commute to a weekend escape, more memorable,” he says.
The 2.0 litre hybrid with E-CVT transmission, produces a total of 135kW which is higher than the Corolla Hatch and Wagon.
The Limited AWD features Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drive system, adding a second motor on the rear axle for increased capability’.
“The E-Four all-wheel drive allows the Corolla Cross to achieve excellent performance, a satisfying ride, and spaciousness to accommodate life’s adventures with a surprisingly large cargo capacity,” Prangnell says.
The Corolla Cross also has low fuel consumption and CO2, 4.8L/100kms for the FWD grades and 4.9L/100kms for the AWD Limited grade. The CO2 emissions are 107gm/km for the FWD grades and 112gm/km for the AWD Limited grade, meaning the Corolla Cross is eligible for a rebate under the Clean Car Discount.
Three grades of Corolla Cross will be marketed in New Zealand: the front wheel drive GX and GXL grades; the Limited will be available in both FWD and AWD.
Interior and exterior design
The GX includes a fabric interior trim with an 8-inch colour touchscreen display, single-zone climate control and a six-speaker sound system. The GXL includes a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen display, satellite navigation, softer touch interior, dual zone climate control, and combination fabric and synthetic leather upholstery. The GXL also gets LED fog lights, sequential front indicators, and premium rear combination lights. Both the GX and GXL grades have a 7-inch colour Multi information display.
All models have wireless Apple Carplay, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto via USB as standard..
Being a premium model, the Limited has many more features, including leather accented seating, front seat heaters and steering wheel heater, a premium JBL sound system, Qi wireless charging, a 12.3” full digital meter, and a panoramic roof. The Limited also runs on larger wheels – 18-inch dark grey and machined alloys, compared to 17-inch silver alloys on the GX and GXL.
The new model is built on the TNGA – C platform, alongside the other models in the Corolla family. As for suspension, MacPherson struts are used for the front on all Corolla Cross variants while in the rear the front wheel drive grades feature a newly developed Torsion beam suspension, while the AWD Limited is fitted with a trailing arm double wishbone setup that allows the right and left rear wheels to move independently and provides advantages in handling stability and ride comfort.
Safety technology
The Corolla Cross features the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes Pre-Collision Safety system with AEB for vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles, Intersection Turn Assist and Emergency Steering Assist. The safety package also includes Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The GXL adds a Parking Support Brake with four front and four rear parking sensors, and for the Limited, the Toyota Teammate (Advanced Park) provides refined automatic parking.
The GXL grade also includes a Panoramic View Monitor system while the Limited grade adds an underfloor view to the system.
The Corolla Cross will be available in a range of colours: GX will come in Glacier White (GX only), Tensile Silver, Eclipse, Ruby, and Blue Crush. GXL and Limited will also be available in Frosted White, Cement Grey, and Safari Green.
Toyota Driveaway Pricing
The Toyota Drive-away pricing includes all on road costs: WOF, registration, a full tank of fuel, the Toyota Care Service Advantage fixed price servicing package, floor mats, and a three year or 100,000 km warranty.
The 2022 Corolla Cross is priced at:
Corolla Cross GX | 2.0P HEV FWD SUV CVT 5 Seats | $41,990 |
Corolla Cross GXL | 2.0P HEV FWD SUV CVT 5 Seats | $44,990 |
Corolla Cross Limited FWD | 2.0P HEV FWD SUV CVT 5 Seats | $48,990 |
Corolla Cross Limited AWD | 2.0P HEV AWD SUV CVT 5 Seats | $51,990 |
All Corolla Cross models are also eligible for a customer Clean Car Rebate ranging between $3,108.97 and $2851.21.