First Look: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
It promises to be a fast seller that will serve to build on the Corolla’s solid reputation
Since its introduction in 1966, the Toyota Corolla nameplate has sold more units than any other car on the planet — it is quickly closing in on 50-million sales! With the addition of the 2022 Corolla Cross, you get the sense it is about to become even more popular.
The all-new Corolla Cross is based on the Toyota TNGA-C platform it shares with the current Corolla, but arrives with a very different style. It’s a punchy package that mirrors the look of the larger RAV4, which is not such a bad thing — it says rugged and versatile albeit in a scaled down sub-compact package.
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When it lands, the Corolla Cross will be offered in L, LE and the top XLE models. The latter arrives with a seven-inch digital instrumentation cluster and an eight-inch, free-standing infotainment touchscreen that works with a nine-speaker JBL sound system — the lower models get a seven-inch infotainment screen. You’ll also find a 10-way power driver’s seat for good measure, although the SofTex-trimmed seating did not do it for me.
The really welcome news, however, is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and heated front seats are standard on all models. Select options will include a power moonroof, power liftgate, wireless charging, and a choice of accessories designed to carry bikes and the like.
As for space and utility, the Corolla Cross fairs well. While the wheelbase is 50-millimetres shorter than the RAV4, there’s still 812-mm of rear seat legroom and ample headroom, so a pair of six-footers will not be grumbling too loudly. Of course, practicality is a key. The Corolla Cross has around 720-litres with the seats up in the front-drive model and 690L in the all-wheel-drive unit. Toyota does not give the cargo capacity with the 60/40-split/folding seats down, but visually it looks to double.
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety aids is standard on all models. If Cross’s package mirrors that of the Corolla hatch, this means a pre-Collision system with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane departure warning with keep assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering and auto high beams. Blind spot monitoring is expected to be standard on the LE and XLE models.
The Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that makes 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. It works with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to drive the front or all-four wheels.
One of the plusses is the Direct Shift transmission. It uses a proper mechanical first gear before switching over to operate like a regular CVT once moving. This simple change allows more power to be fed to the wheels, which improves the initial pickup and overall performance. It also gives the Corolla Cross the wherewithal to tow a 680-kilogram trailer.
If you’re in the market, the Corolla Cross’s Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel-drive system is a smart addition — it is a safe bet around 80 per cent of customers will take the option. Under normal circumstances it drives the front wheels, but it can send up to 50 per cent of power to the rear wheels whenever it’s needed. It also helps get the Corolla Cross through a corner and when it’s pulling away by distributing the drive torque to the right wheels.
The plus is found in the fuel economy. With an expected average of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres, it sips just 0.4 L/100 km more than the front-drive model, so there really is no meaningful penalty for the added traction.
The other advantage of going with the all-wheel-drive model is the fact it ditches the front-wheel-drive’s torsion beam rear suspension and goes with a better multi-link design. This should bring crisper handling and better highway comfort. While it does ride higher than the Corolla hatchback, hopefully the handling does not stray too far — light and tight would work well.
The Corolla Cross is an intriguing addition to the line-up. It cashes in on the RAV4’s popularity and style, while carving out a niche for itself at the same time. It promises to be a fast seller that will serve to build on the Corolla’s solid reputation — it also comes as a welcome alternative to the CH-R.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross will launch this fall. Full specifications and pricing will be announced closer to that time.