We are back with another expert review, and this time we are reviewing Toyota Corolla Cross. In the last two years, Pakistan got a number of crossover SUVs, and this is Toyota’s reply. The most significant aspect of this car is that it is a hybrid. Toyota has introduced two hybrid cars before this: Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius.
Like these two, Corolla Cross is also a CBU unit. Although Consumers have never complained about the quality of Toyota’s product; however, the price of these cars is a concern for the buyer.
Exterior of Corolla Cross
The car’s front has two noticeable features: bulging out grille and headlights. These bi-projection front lamps have curtain LEDs which also work as DRLs. You can see blue colour in the emblem and a blue line in the headlights, which shows that the car is hybrid. The car’s bumper is in diffuser style with front parking sensors. Also, you can see a lot of curves on the bumper as well as on the whole car to increase its bulkiness.
On the side, you will see Corolla Cross emblem on the headlights. Then you will see curves on the front and rear doors. The crossover comes with 17-inch Alloy Wheel with Bridgestone tyres on it. The design of the alloy rim seems outdated compared to alloy wheels in the international models of the car.
The side-view mirrors have LED indicators, while the door handles are body-colored. The roof rail of the car is in grey. And let us tell you that the vehicle comes in three trims, i.e., Basic, Mid and Top, and this one is the top of the line.
The backlights of the car are very pronounced, making the rear more beautiful than the front. Then there is a spoiler, rear wiper, and high-mount brake lamp and badging on the back; however, the badging looks forced in that specific place. The rear bumper is also diffuser style with integrated parking sensors and reflectors. The exhaust looks a bit oversized and can be styled more stylishly.
The trunk is powered and can be opened with a Kick sensor and autoboot button. The trunk capacity of the car is maybe the amplest compared to its competitors. You can extend the boot capacity by folding rear seats with a 60:40 ratio. You will also find a spare wheel with an alloy rim in the trunk.
Interior
The exit and entry in the back seat are easy, with perfect leg and headspace. Also, the cushioning and positioning of the seat are excellent; however, two adults and a child can sit here with ease, especially for the long journey.
You will find an armrest, three seatbelts, ISOFIX anchors, rear AC vents, and two USB ports, making the experience very comfortable for the passengers.
The car has both smart and keyless entry options, and like the rear, the front seats have very convenient entry/exit and considerable leg and headroom. The driving seat is 6-way auto adjustable to adjust the seat as per your comfort.
The look of the interior is very executive as you will find Bruno leather, chrome, and piano black combination throughout the car. You will find a side-view mirror controller, power window buttons, and lock/unlock in the driver-side door. However, there is only one light in these buttons, making them difficult to use at night.
Under steering you will find a manual button to adjust the headlight and auto trunk switch. The car’s steering is based on Toyota’s new design philosophy and is quite stylish. You will find buttons for cruise control, voice command function, and audio unit controller on the steering. Furthermore, the steering is telescopic, and you can adjust it at your convenience.
MID Display
After switching on the car, you will see a welcome note on the MID display, and then you will see its analog speedometer. The analog meter will show your car’s fuel gauge and water temperature on the right side. While on the left side, you will see the battery status.
In the center, you will see the speedometer, headlights status, time, trip meter, fuel status, fuel average, trip average, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and vehicle settings. The MID display also shows three driving modes, i.e., Eco, Sports, and Normal.
Head Unit
The head unit of the car is very well placed, and Toyota has given it a very class and conventional look as you can control it with buttons as well as touch. The unit comes with all new latest features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The screen’s touch is very responsive and tells you about trip information and energy figures, among others.
The quality of the music system and speakers is excellent, and you will enjoy it while driving the car.
Climate Control
Toyota offers dual digital climate control in the car, meaning both passenger and driver can adjust the temperature as per their comfort. The performance of this AC is excellent, and it doesn’t cause any issues for the owner.
Central Console of Corolla Cross
The car comes with a CVT transmission, and you will find buttons of drive mode, traction control, and EV mode beside it. You will also see ‘B’ on the gear settings for downhill assist, and very helpful while driving mountains. Then you will find an armrest which also has storage space in it.
The color of the car’s roof is black, and there are switches for the panoramic sunroof and reading lights. The rearview mirror is auto-dim, a great feature for driving at night. And the front and rear wipers are rain-sensing.
Drive Experience
The reverse camera in the car is dynamic, which is very helpful in parking and reversing the car. An important piece of information about the vehicle is that its parking brake is along with its brake pedal; usually, the new cars have them in the central console.
The first thing you will notice is the soundless engine of the car, whether it is on an electric battery or petrol engine. The driving position and visibility of the vehicle are perfect. In Pakistan, Toyota has launched it with a 1.8L 4th generation hybrid engine. The engine produces 169hp and 142Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the electric motor produces 71hp and 143Nm of torque. It means the car is quite powerful.
We have driven the car around 2000km on the highway and within the city. The built quality of the vehicle is appreciable, and you can understand it from its cabin soundproofing.
Suspension and Ground Clearance
Although it is a CBU unit, its ground clearance is still very suitable for the local roads. Meanwhile, the car’s suspension is very smooth and doesn’t have any issues over potholes.
The tyres also play a major role in its smooth drive. The car never shows any lag in power as it has an instant pick.
Safety Features in Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross has 6 airbags, maybe the maximum in its category. It also has other safety features, including ABS + EBD brakes and hill start, making it a very reliable car.
Fuel Average
This is maybe the biggest positive of this car, mainly because it is a hybrid vehicle. As per our experience, the within city average of this car is 18-21km/liter, while its average is 22-25km/liter on the long route.
This fuel average is almost double its competitors and its Unique Selling Point (USP).
0-100 of Corolla Cross
The car goes from 0 to 100 in 10:15 seconds.
It seems that Toyota is quite serious about hybrid technology, and we think it will launch its next models with hybrid engines. And when Toyota launches locally assembled Corolla Cross, its price will reduce, making it a fascinating addition in the local market.
Watch Video
Something wrong with the fuel consumption, since Corolla cross is an Hybrid it is in the city the mileage should be better and not on long route.
@PakWheels, you will lose your credibility if paid content like this keep pooping up in your blogs. This article is trying to portray Corolla Cross everything that it is not. For example fuel average; No hybrid vehicle performs better in terms of fuel average on highway, its always better in city. My experience of over 7 years with both Toyota and Honda hybrid JDMs says this. Pakwheels is a good platform and our indigenous one also; please don’t do this