When you think of a Toyota Corolla, you're probably envisioning a small, fuel-efficient car with an affordable price tag. Most of that's also true if the Corolla you're thinking of is the 2027 Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Cross is a small SUV, and it bundles those same parsimonious Corolla traits into a more upright and slightly more practical package.
All Corolla Cross Hybrids are all-wheel drive and are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors that combine for 196 horsepower. Acceleration is adequate for keeping up with city traffic and, if you're willing to floor it, the Corolla Cross Hybrid can get up to highway speeds quickly enough to keep your heart rate from spiking while merging.
Expert Tip: If you're not into hybrids or you want to spend less money, the Corolla Cross is available as a nonhybrid, but its lower price comes with pokier performance.
View Price on AmazonLast year, the Corolla Cross Hybrid received a styling makeover that sharpened its exterior styling. We expect no additional changes for 2027.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s powertrain is comprised of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, making a combined 196 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard. Not only is it dramatically more fuel efficient than the standard Corolla Cross, but the hybrid version is also quicker.
The hybrid also features a slightly sportier suspension tune, but any dreams of GR Corolla levels of driving fun will be crushed as soon as you slip behind the wheel. When we drove the Corolla Cross Hybrid, we found that the driving experience doesn't change as a result of some recent updates.
In Comparison: The Corolla Cross Hybrid's main rival, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, was slightly slower in our testing, clocking in at 7.7 seconds to 60 mph.
All Corolla Cross models can tow up to 1500 pounds. That's enough for a small trailer, but if you plan to tow something larger, you may want to step up to the compact SUV segment, where towing capacities are higher.
The EPA rates the Corolla Cross Hybrid's fuel economy figures at 46 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined. In our hands, the Corolla Cross Hybrid recorded 36 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route versus 30 mpg for the nonhybrid model.
Fuel efficiency aside, the hybrid powertrain in the Corolla Cross Hybrid is notably more powerful and less gruff, a winning proposition for any car. For more information about the Corolla Cross hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
First Row: As is the case with the standard model, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s interior follows the template set by the Corolla four-door sedan. It’s basic and livable, but not overly stylish. Lower trims are plain, but the top-spec XSE model comes with nice-looking faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and ambient interior lighting.
Second Row: Rear passenger space is class-competitive, which is to say "adequate"—this is a small subcompact SUV, after all—but there's more space here than in the Corolla hatchback. Two adults should fit just fine, but three across on the back bench will be a squeeze.
Cargo Capacity: The primary benefit of the Cross version of the Corolla is the additional cargo room that the more upright SUV body delivers. The Corolla Cross Hybrid offers 22 cubic feet behind the second row compared to the sedan’s 13 cubic-foot trunk and the hatchback's 18 cubic feet. In our testing, we fit seven carry-on suitcases in the Corolla Cross's cargo bay; with the rear seats folded, we fit a total of 19.
Out of the Corolla Cross Hybrid's dashboard sprouts either an 8.0- or 10.5-inch infotainment display running Toyota's latest software interface; we suggest upgrading to the larger of the two screens.
Source: caranddriver.com
