10 major differences between Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid

The SUV version of the highly-popular Toyota Corolla, the Corolla Cross was introduced in July 2022 and has been well received by customers, especially for its right size, upmarket cabin, responsive engine, and extensive safety equipment list. 

In Malaysia, the Corolla Cross entered in March last year with two variants - G and V, powered by the same 1.8-litre petrol engine. While the early batch of the SUV was imported from Thailand, the locally-assembled iteration went on sale in October along with the introduction of the hybrid variant. After much teasing, UMW Toyota launched the Corolla Cross Hybrid in the country earlier this month. 

Here we are going to find 10 major differences between Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid, but before that, let's check out their prices.

Variants	Price
Corolla Cross 1.8G	RM 123,000
Corolla Cross 1.8V	RM 129,000
Corolla Cross Hybrid	RM 136,550

Engine 

As the name implies, the first and foremost difference between the two models is the powertrain. The standard version is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering a maximum power output of 139 PS and a peak torque output of 172 Nm. 

The Corolla Cross Hybrid, on the other hand, gets its energy from a hybrid mill combining a 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Combinedly, the system produces 122 PS.

Transmission

The two SUVs have different gearbox systems. The petrol-only variant comes mated to a 7-speed CVT with a Sequential Shiftmatic gearbox while hybrid trim transfers power to the wheels via E-CVT. 

Drive modes

With the hybrid model, the driver gets four exciting drive modes viz. Sport, Eco, Normal, and EV. However, the standard model does not have any of these.

Fuel consumption

When it comes to fuel consumption, it is pretty much clear that the hybrid model is more fuel-efficient with 23.3 kmpl mileage thanks to the highly efficient powertrain setup. “As the system works in tandem, it produces significantly better fuel efficiency than any petrol engine vehicle in the same class,” says Toyota. Also, it automatically shuts down the petrol engine to avoid wasting fuel when idling.

Colours

With the standard model, you get three colour choices - Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, and Silver Metallic. On the other hand, Toyota offers the hybrid model in five shades, including the Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Celestite Grey Metallic. 

Blue accents inside and out 

While the exterior of the Corolla Cross V and Hybrid are practically identical, a few exclusive touches on the latter make it look different from the former. These include unique badging, blue Toyota logos, and blue accents on the headlights. Inside, a blue starter button, and blue edging for the floor mats differentiate the greener SUV from the standard one.

Quietness in the cabin

As compared to the non-hybrid model, the electrified version is quieter inside the cabin. During full-throttle acceleration, it sounds up to six decibels less while at a constant 60 kmph speed, it is four and seven decibels quieter.

Instrument panel

Toyota offers a 4.2-inch coloured multi-information display with the Corolla Cross, which is purposefully designed to showcase all significant vehicle information to the rider. However, the hybrid model gets a bigger 7.0-inch display for the same. It expresses different colours for Sport and Eco modes, Red when Sport mode is on and Green when Eco mode activates.

Air conditioning system 

The non-hybrid Corolla Cross comes with a single-zone air conditioning system that adjusts the airflow and turns the compressors on and off to maintain the desired temperature. However, the hybrid guise has dual-zone auto air-conditioning on board, which allows the driver and front passenger to set independent temperatures as per their own comfort levels. 

Rear view mirror

Another point of difference between the two SUVs is an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, which is available on the hybrid version.

So, these were the differences between the two SUVs. Which of them would you like to pick? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Toyota Corolla Altis gets the GR Sport treatment in Thailand