Driving Experience

Locally, the officially imported version of the Corolla Cross comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a hybrid setup, as opposed to the 1.8-litre engine featured on the parallel imported Japanese Domestic Model (JDM) variants. Power output stands at 196hp and 190Nm of torque, which is a significant chunk more than the 120hp and 142Nm you get on the JDM 1.8-litre version.

Performance is really in keeping with the character of the car, which is to say, average. The car hums along well, and while it’s not particularly fast, it doesn’t struggle to get up to speed either. Delivery is smooth mostly, although the CVT does drone a little bit under acceleration, but for the most part the Corolla Cross lives up to expectations as an urban-oriented family car.

It does translate into a rather middling driving experience, and there’s not much here with regards to excitement or entertainment. The steering feels light, woolly and somewhat devoid of feel, and handling can really only be described as okay, nothing more, nothing less.

The ride quality is a tad bumpy over bigger humps and rougher surfaces, as is expected for an SUV of its type, but contributing Top Gear editor David Khoo noted that the car seems to feel much more settled and planted when the car is fully loaded with passengers, so at least you’ll know that your family will enjoy a comfortable ride.

In any case, the main highlight of the Corolla Cross is the hybrid powertrain, and given Toyota’s expertise in this area, it’s no surprise to find that the system works superbly in this application. Toyota officially quotes a figure of 5.3L/100km, but over our three day test drive, we consistently got figures in the high 4s, even with lots of start-stop traffic and plenty of idling. It only goes to show that Toyota’s hybrid system in particular has now been refined to a state where one can achieve real world gains in fuel efficiency even with everyday driving.

Page 4: Pricing, Competitors and Conclusion

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CarBuyer's print editor went out to explore the Great Big World, including a stint working in China (despite his limited Mandarin). Now he's back, ready to foist upon you his takes on everything good and wonderful about the automotive world. Follow Ben on Instagram @carbuyer.ben

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2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Review: Law of Averages