2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE test drive review

When we tested the 2022 Corolla Cross XLE last year, we walked away impressed. Sure, it’s a little tight on interior space, but it was a competent (if a bit wheezy) daily driver that had plenty of charm. Now for 2023, Toyota has spoiled us with yet another excellent iteration of its hybrid power plant, this time in the revised Corolla Cross. 

Where we liked the Corolla Cross last year, we love this one — especially with its hybrid power. It takes all the best parts of the new, much lauded Prius and wraps them in a more usable, comfortable package. If an all-wheel drive, comfortable, affordable and efficient daily driver is what you need, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is here to serve. Shop all Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models on KSL Cars

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Price and value 

The MSRP range for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is $27,970-$31,065. It is available in six trim levels, three of those with the hybrid setup, with a suite of standard features that includes LED headlights, Toyota Safety Sense and all-wheel drive. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below. 

• Hybrid S: $27,970 See listings

Urethane steering wheel

Lane departure alert

Front automatic single-zone climate control

• Hybrid SE: $29,290 See listings

Leather-trimmed steering wheel

Wireless smartphone charging

Blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert

• Hybrid XSE: $31,065 See listings

Heated front seats

10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support

18-inch sport alloy wheel switch black painted machined finish

Our Hybrid XSE tester priced out at $36,659. It included a $1,250 Convenience Package, which included features such as:

• Moonroof

• Power liftgate

• Adaptive headlights package

• Two-tone paint

While we enjoyed all of these options, the as-tested price puts the Hybrid XSE within a few hundred dollars of the RAV4 Hybrid XSE, which has more power, space and standard features. Still, if you prefer the compact space of the Corolla Cross, we’d recommend the Hybrid XSE trim as it's the only trim available with heated seats, ambient lighting and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Shop all Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models on KSL Cars

Toyota’s warranties are fairly standard. It offers three years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage, five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage and two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Performance

The hybrid version of the Corolla Cross is the only way to go. It makes more power than the non-hybrid, gets much better fuel economy and is more fun to drive. It only produces 196 horsepower, but don’t write it off: This thing is pretty fun to drive, especially with the niceties the XSE trim provides.

Engine 

Every hybrid Corolla Cross is powered by the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with three electric motors. Combined, they produce 196 horsepower. That isn’t much, but the electric motors do a really good job of providing some instant oomph that makes it feel more powerful than it is. 

Fuel efficiency

Increased fuel efficiency is just one of the reasons you’ll want to spring for the hybrid. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 45 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg in combined driving. 

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Drivetrain 

All Corolla Cross models are all-wheel drive, which should make for an excellent year-round commuter. A continuously variable transmission is the only transmission option, and it works well with the hybrid powertrain. Shop all Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models

Acceleration and handling

The Corolla Cross Hybrid isn’t going to set any acceleration records, but it is quick enough to feel confident in. Car and Driver clocked it from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Handling is surprisingly light and agile, much thanks to the independent suspension and the XSE trim’s special sport tuning. 

Braking

While there is some squishiness at the top of the brake pedal, it does stop confidently and progressively, in part thanks to the regenerative braking. Automated emergency braking is standard. 

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Interior comfort and convenience 

The interior of the Corolla Cross is really where you start to notice the Corolla name tie-in. It’s compact and looks much the same as the regular Corolla — which isn’t a bad thing. It’s a clean design, and the front seats are supportive and comfortable. Just don’t expect a lot in terms of rear seat space and cabin storage.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Seats

Toyota is doing some of the best seats in the business right now, and that extends to the Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE. We loved the front seat design and materials, and we really enjoyed commuting in them for a few hundred miles. They’re soft and supportive and any body type should find them comfortable.

The heated functionality worked well, also. Unfortunately, no ventilated function is available, nor is a heated steering wheel. Interestingly, heated front seats are only available on the Hybrid XSE trim — lower trims are left out in the cold. Find available Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models on KSL Cars

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Climate control 

Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on the Hybrid XSE, and it warmed us up quickly on cold days. A bonus: All trims include rear seat air vents. 

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Cargo space and cabin storage 

As far as cargo and storage space goes, it's merely OK. If you want more cabin storage and cargo space, consider the similarly priced RAV4 Hybrid. The center console is small, as is the cubby for your phone. As for the cargo area, there is 22 cubic feet of space behind the backseat and 40 cubic feet of space with the second row folded flat. 

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Infotainment system 

Standing tall on the dash is an 8.0-inch touchscreen. It’s easy to use and is responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and worked without a hitch. Our tester included an $800 optional JBL nine-speaker stereo and we’d definitely say it’s worth it, especially with its subwoofer and integrated amplifier.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Exterior appearance and functionality 

Toyota has slightly updated the Corolla Cross’s appearance for 2023, and it looks especially sharp with the XSE’s optional two-tone paint and 18-inch wheels. Our tester was finished in Acidic Blast and Jet Black paint which looked, well, acidic — but in a Mountain Dew kind of way. Other eye-catching colors include Barcelona Red, Blue Crush Metallic, Sonic Silver, Celestite, Wind Chill Pearl and Jet Black. Search Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models

Towing capacity and payload

The Corolla Cross Hybrid might be rated to tow 1,500 pounds, but whether that’s a good idea or not is up to you.

Wheels 

The XSE hybrid comes with 18-inch wheels with a black-painted finish and they look sharp. The Goodyear Assurance tires performed well in wet weather and produced little road noise.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Lights and turn signals 

The LED headlights provided a bright view of the road ahead. The XSE Hybrid also came with automatic high beams, LED taillights, LED fog lamps and an LED daytime running light strip. 

Cameras and side mirrors 

The backup camera worked well, and the dynamic gridlines helped us easily back into tight spaces. The side mirrors provided clear views down the sides and rear of the vehicle.

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Front and rear windshield 

Visibility is excellent in the Corolla Cross. This is in part due to the driving position, but also to the wide front windshield and side windows.

Safety 

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid are safe vehicles. The Cross Hybrid scored well overall, but it did not receive top marks in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s crash testing. It was, however, named as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Shop Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models on KSL Cars

The Corolla Cross Hybrid comes standard with several modern safety features. Some of these include:

• Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection

• Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control

• Lane departure alert with steering assist

• Lane tracing assist

• Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

Photo by Toyota Newsroom

Final impression 

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE is an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, economical and practical compact crossover. We genuinely enjoyed our week with it and would wholeheartedly recommend it. Be aware: It can be fairly bare bones in the lower trims, especially in non-hybrid form, so the Hybrid XSE is the trim we’d recommend. 

Highs:

• Efficient, enjoyable hybrid engine

• Comfortable and supportive front seats

• Well-tuned suspension and handling dynamics

Lows: 

• Tight backseat

• Not much cabin storage

• Almost the same price as larger, more powerful and better-equipped Toyota models

The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the perfect budget commuter and daily driver for people who don’t need a lot of space, and who aren’t regularly transporting other people. 

Shop Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid models on KSL Cars

FAQs 

Is the Hybrid worth it over the standard model? 

Absolutely. It’s only just over $2,000 more and you get a lot more power, much better fuel economy and a much more enjoyable driving experience. It’s a no-brainer. 

Is it fun to drive? 

We wouldn’t say it’s sports car levels of fun, but it’s enjoyable. And better yet, there’s always enough power to give you a feeling of confidence. Whether it’s merging, changing lanes or other unexpected situations, you always have enough oomph to get you through. 

Is it good for families? 

Overall, there are better options. The backseat is tight, especially if you have child seats. The cargo area, while decently accommodating, will fill up very quickly with gear, strollers and groceries. There’s also not much by way of cabin storage for your child’s snacks, diapers, etc. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com.