First Look – 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Click for more information.

The latest version of the Toyota Corolla sedan, a perennial global best seller, finally made its US debut this week – the 2023 Cross Hybrid adding choices, along with the gas model launched in 2021. Both will be assembled at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. (autoinformed.com on: Mazda Exporting US-made CX-50 to Mexico from Toyota JV)

Cross Hybrid debuts the Fifth Generation of the Toyota Hybrid System with increased performance and efficiency. In a bow to America’s large appetite for cross-overs and trucks, it comes only in all-wheel drive as a version of the so-called TNGA-C platform. It also a higher sight-lines, and higher prices ranging approximately from more than $30,000 to more than $35,000. The non-hybrid version starts at ~$25,000. 

Toyota rates the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid at 196 horsepower and an 8-second 0-60 acceleration time. Moreover, it’s rated at an  EPA-estimated 42 combined miles per gallon for all grades, S, SE and XSE. S and SE grades come standard with 17-inch Alloy wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, a sport-tuned suspension, LED head and tail lamps and smart key access. The SE grade adds privacy glass, roof rails and paddle shifters , standard Blind-Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The XSE grade, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s has the equipment of the SE and adds standard 18-inch alloy wheels, premium LED head lamps, taillamps and fog lamps, Softex-trimmed seats with the addition of heated front seats and a power driver’s seat.

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Click for more information.

There are, of course, competitively-dictated enhanced connectivity items, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Users can interact with the system through what Toyota describes as “intuitive touch and voice activation controls.” With the optional Connected Service Drive Connect trial or subscription, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist.

With Intelligent Assistant, phrases such as “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, and change the cabin temperatures. Cloud Navigation, the optional onboard navigation system uses the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the Corolla Cross has an available Wi-Fi Connect subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Corolla Cross into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing customers the ability to link their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.

For exterior color options for SE and XSE grades, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will be available in four two-tone combinations: Sonic Silver/ Black Roof, Barcelona Red/ Black Roof, Blue Crush Metallic/ Black Roof and Acidic Blast/ Black Roof (all-new color). Additionally, Corolla Cross Hybrid will be available in:

  • Wind Chill Pearl ($425 extra-color cost)
  • Sonic Silver Metallic
  • Jet Black Mica
  • Barcelona Red Metallic
  • Cypress
  • Blue Crush Metallic

Inside, the Corolla Cross mirrors its sedan and hatchback variants. In higher grades, the all-new model can be optioned with a power moonroof, as well as either single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, with all grades coming with standard heating and air conditioning vents for rear seat passengers.

For interior color options, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid is offered in:

  • S: Fabric-trimmed seats in Black/Gray
  • SE: Fabric-trimmed seats in Black/Gray or Black/Blue
  • XSE: SofTex®-trimmed seats in Black or Black/Blue

 The S and SE grades come standard with 17-inch Alloy wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, a sport-tuned suspension, LED head and tail lamps and smart key access. The SE grade adds privacy glass, roof rails and paddle shifters – not to mention standard Blind-Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). When moving up to the XSE grade, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s sportiest offering builds on the features of the SE and gains standard 18-inch Alloy wheels, premium LED head lamps, taillamps and fog lamps, Softex-trimmed seats with the addition of heated front seats and a power driver’s seat.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

All 2023 Corolla Cross models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 active safety systems, which includes enhancements made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is also capable of detecting motorcyclists in certain conditions. When making a turn or approaching an intersection, the system is designed to detect forward or laterally approaching oncoming vehicles and provides audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Improved lane recognition delivers refined performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.

Corolla Cross has Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to notify the driver via audible and visual alerts and slight steering force if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a turn signal. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist uses visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Automatic High Beams detect preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist is designed to recognize certain road sign information using a forward-facing camera and display it on the multi-information display (MID).

Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder comes standard on all grades. It disern whether a rear door was opened within 10 minutes of the vehicle being turned on, or at any time after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multitone chimes.

In addition to the TSS 3.0 system, other standard safety items include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard.

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new.

The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership. The 2023 Corolla Cross also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance, unlimited mileage.

This entry was posted in connected vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, marketing and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *