At first blush, the Corolla Cross – for all that it’s a Corolla with all that implies – appeared to be a solution looking for a problem, but Toyota seldom produces vehicles on a whim, so what’s the go?
The unofficial theory surrounding the Corolla Cross is that Corolla buyers like their Corollas, but some are finding the current models a little challenging to get in and out of by virtue of their lower ride height and seating positions.
An immediate option Is obvious: if you like Corolla, you’ll love the easier to get into Rav4, but you’ll be stepping out of the Corolla’s extremely competitive price band, and you might find the Rav4 waiting list is still a lengthy one.
Enter the Corolla Cross; slightly smaller than the Rav4, but easier to access/egress than a Corolla hatch, and a little taller, giving it a higher level of visibility.
Corolla Cross’ four-model (for the moment; Toyota is fond of adding GR spec to just about everything these days) range bridges Corolla and Rav4 products very neatly at either end of each vehicle’s line-up.
The odd one out is the AWD Corolla Cross, which is at the very top of the tree, but then there is a lot of expensive tech, which goes into the make up of an AWD hybrid, so a north of $50k price is not unexpected.
We are looking at the second model on the list, the GXL grade, which we requested specifically, given that GXL grades are typically the Toyota of choice for Company Vehicle readers.
GXLs tend to have the best ride, they have a high level of spec’, and they tend to be the best performers, based on our experience with Corollas, Highlanders, Rav4s and Camrys.
Having only driven the GXL Corolla Cross, it’s a little presumptuous of us to assume the drive is better in the GXL than the GX or the Limited so we’re not going to.
What we are going to say is that the GXL is Toyota through and through – comfortable, quiet and near seamless in its ICE to hybrid transition.
Oh, yes, you can hear it when the petrol comes in and the CVT can get a little raucous, but this is not the sort of vehicle you go street racing in, it’s not even really designed to do long distance, though it can.
No, the Corolla Cross is a city slick CUV. It gives excellent all round vision, is an absolute miser when it comes to refuelling when driven intelligently – that’s not Nana-driving, its using the regenerative braking to its maximum potential and making the most of EV-only driving – and is all-day comfortable, in seat positioning and quietness.
You do feel good in the Corolla Cross.Better than you would in a regular Corolla hatch? Depends on where you sit on that particular fence.
As far as being fleet-friendly is concerned however, we pick the Corolla Cross, and we like the hatchback…
The Cross takes line honours however for its cabin accessibility, almost double the luggage space (previously a Corolla weak spot) and therefore practicality. The high ride position also inspires thoughts of being safer.
Common to the Corolla hatchbacks and the Corolla Cross is the practical and functional interior design.
If you want mega-sized screens and different tactile surfaces or a bit of bling in this regard, look to other product (maybe the still edgy CH-R) but the Corolla Cross gives you all the info you need without data overload.
In short, the Corolla Cross lives up to the Corolla’s essence of simply a damn good drive – with a little more height than normal. As a fleet consideration, that’s a very respectable and sensible package.
