2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid breaks cover in the US

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly a year after introducing the non-hybrid Corolla Cross, Toyota has expanded the SUV’s lineup in the US by adding a new hybrid trim. Equipped with Toyota’s fifth-gen hybrid system, the US-spec 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will be exclusively available with all-wheel-drive. It will hit the US roads later this year.

Let’s know the US-spec 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid in detail.

The US-spec 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid runs on a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated four-popper gasoline mill coupled with two electric motors and a 4.08-Ah lithium-ion battery pack. Combinedly, the setup produces a maximum power of 194 hp, which is sent to the wheels via an e-CVT. In terms of performance, it can complete the century sprint in 8.0 seconds (1.0 seconds quicker than the standard model).

When it comes to fuel consumption, the hybrid SUV can run for 15.73 kilometres with one litre of fuel. This makes it more efficient than the non-hybrid version that travels 12.75 kilometres with the same fuel.

If we look at the Corolla Cross Hybrid available in Malaysia, it runs on a 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder mill, two e-motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery, combinedly delivering 122 PS. The fuel consumption is rated at 23.3 kmpl.

In terms of design also, the US-spec SUV is different from our model as it borrowed the front fascia from the Japanese version. It features a slimmer grille positioned above a protruding hexagonal section edged by restyled headlights. There is also a distinctive front bumper, a larger lower grille, and a restyled rear area. Inside, things remain identical to the non-hybrid SUV with a different instrument cluster display featuring hybrid-specific features.

Included in the standard equipment kit -

• LED headlamps and taillights 
• 17-inch alloy wheels 
• 8.0-inch infotainment unit
• Fabric seats
• Smart key access
• New Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, subscription connected services, over-the-air (OTA) updates, a digital assistant, and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity
• A sport-tuned suspension 
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite with several advanced systems like Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and more.

With the higher trims, the customers will also get premium LED headlamps, tail lights and fog lamps, 18-inch alloys, roof rails, Softex upholstery, privacy glass, paddle shifters, a blind spot monitor, a powered driver’s seat, and more.

Toyota US will assemble the new Corolla Cross Hybrid at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. The new facility can produce 150,000 Corolla Cross cars annually.

Also read: Toyota Fortuner with all-new diesel hybrid engine for 2023