Launched in July 2020, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has acquired its mid-cycle facelift globally. Very similar to the unique, the facelift premiered in Thailand and will attain world markets throughout the subsequent roll out section. A few yr (by our reckoning) earlier than the brand new Corolla Cross Hybrid arrives within the U.S., I noticed it in particular person on the 2024 Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present in March. Right here’s a round-up of my expertise with the restyled hybrid SUV.
Word that the mannequin proven and mentioned on this story is the Asian-spec new Corolla Cross Hybrid. The up to date U.S.-spec mannequin is prone to bear comparable adjustments, however there’s no official affirmation on the main points.
Design
The brand new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid will get minor design tweaks. On the entrance, it has a brand new honeycomb higher grille designed much like that of an EV, new headlamp graphics, a brand new bumper, vertical aspect air inlets with edgy C-shaped environment, and a brand new decrease air consumption. Opposite to appearances, the shimmery decor panel between the headlamps will not be a large gentle stripe. Just like the partially open higher grille, it tries to duplicate the styling that’s commonplace on trendy EVs.
Toyota has launched dynamic flip indicators (entrance) with the facelift, and I really feel it leaves a barely extra upmarket impression. Nonetheless, regardless of this characteristic, I nonetheless want the easier, sportier, and extra assertive entrance fascia of the present U.S.-built mannequin, which general is extra interesting general.
On the perimeters, Toyota has used new 18-inch alloy wheels on the up to date Corolla Cross Hybrid. I seen that the newest mannequin options the corporate’s new Past Zero badge together with a “HEV” inscription as a substitute of the same old Hybrid Synergy badge and “Hybrid” lettering on the entrance quarter panel. On the rear, the liftgate additionally shows these adjustments. The mix lamps has a tweaked design on the within however carry the identical form.
Inside
The inside of the brand new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is sufficiently trendy and avoids any pretentious styling. I just like the acquainted non-minimalist, no-frills design of the cabin. Though issues seem fairly near the outgoing mannequin, there are delicate visible and purposeful adjustments. For instance, there’s a ten.1-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system as a substitute of the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Moreover the larger and sharper show, the system positive factors wi-fi connectivity for each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Within the U.S., I anticipate Toyota to introduce a brand new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as an choice to the present 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the facelift. Like this Thai-spec automobile, the U.S. mannequin ought to acquire the brand new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, changing the acquainted 7-inch unit within the top-end configuration. Additionally new within the up to date Corolla Cross Hybrid is a 360-degree digicam system, a characteristic I’m sure will likely be out there within the U.S., too.
At 5’7”, I encountered no difficulties with both ingress or egress within the new Corolla Cross Hybrid, each within the entrance and the rear seats. I first sat within the driver’s seat and seen it provided good adjustability. I had six inches of headroom give or take, so tall drivers would even be snug right here. Nonetheless, whereas I had enough under-thigh help, I felt that the cushion was slightly quick for tall individuals. The aspect bolstering stored me properly tucked within the driver’s seat and the lumbar help was good, too.
Because of the correctly angled and sized pillars and the beneficiant glass space, I discovered the all-around visibility to be good. The steering wheel felt grippy and I really like Toyota for offering switches, knobs, and buttons for the essential features. I discovered the standard of the supplies and elements to be respectable. I used to be left pondering that the brand new Corolla Cross Hybrid could be an ideal selection for a brand new driver.
Within the again, I had solely about three inches of headroom, which means that taller passengers would possibly want to take a seat in a considerably crouched place. Nonetheless, I didn’t really feel any lack of legroom or knee room. The under-thigh and lumbar help have been passable, and the headrest was snug. I additionally appreciated the excessive degree of outdoor visibility. I need to point out, although, that I wouldn’t be snug for lengthy distances sitting within the center place of the bench seat. The headroom there was significantly tight, and the legroom was noticeably worse, though this wasn’t surprising or shockingly dangerous.
Specs
This explicit new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid employs the 2ZR-FXE 1.8-litre gasoline engine that produces 72 kW and 142 Nm of torque. The engine is married to an e-CVT and assisted by a everlasting magnet synchronous motor. The latter is presumably the identical 1NM unit, because it’s tuned to develop the equivalent 53 kW and 163 Nm. Equally, it attracts provide from a nickel-hydride battery pack. The hybrid system, like within the outgoing SUV, produces 90 kW of complete energy.
Within the U.S., the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid ought to proceed to make use of the extra highly effective, 196 hp powertrain following the facelift. This technique combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (150 hp/139 lb.-ft.) with a everlasting magnet synchronous motor that produces an undisclosed quantity of energy and 151.94 lb.-ft. of torque. Equally, the latter could proceed counting on a extra superior, lithium-ion battery pack. The EPA-estimated mixed gasoline financial system might enhance from the present 42 MPG to a barely increased determine of 43-44 MPG.
Worth & Launch Date
Whereas there’s no official replace, we anticipate the brand new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid to reach within the U.S. in Spring 2025. Costs ought to proceed to start at slightly below USD 30,000.
The manufacturing of the Corolla Cross started in September 2021 on the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama. This plant has an annual capability of 150,000 Toyota autos. Toyota started assembling the Corolla Cross Hybrid alongside the standard gasoline variant in Huntsville final yr. As soon as prepared, the up to date U.S.-spec Corolla Cross Hybrid will likely be produced on the identical facility.
Additionally See: 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade is exclusive however not extensively
TopElectricSUV says
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a cleverly thought compact SUV with respectable house, good consolation, easy inside controls, and an array of important connectivity and driver help applied sciences. With the inbound enhancements, I believe it makes for a greater city commuter for small households and younger prospects getting their fingers on their first automobile.
I bought my Grasp’s in Enterprise Administration & Administration and have been an Worldwide Automotive Information Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to world motor exhibits and automotive occasions, pushed varied sorts of autos, and targeted on hybrid and electrical automobiles within the final 4 years.
