All-new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric: Everything you need to know

With its eye on achieving global carbon-neutrality by 2050, Toyota continues to roll out electric vehicles all around the globe. The local market has also received the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric a couple of days back. The hybrid SUV was long-awaited in Malaysia and received a great response from auto-enthusiasts seeking a new era in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV). UMW Toyota grabbed more than 1,000 plus bookings of the SUV before the launch.

“The launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric marks a new milestone for UMW Toyota Motor as our very first locally-assembled hybrid vehicle with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. We believe that its launch will also pave the way for the energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) manufacturing industry in Malaysia,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.

From performance to pricing, here’s everything you need to know the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid - 

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Performance and handling

The Corolla Cross Hybrid SUV is powered by the fourth-gen Toyota Hybrid Electric System, which has been improved to offer impressive fuel efficiency, handling, stability, responsive acceleration, and quietness. 

The setup consists of a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The engine delivers a maximum power output of 98 PS at 5,200 rpm and a peak torque of 142 Nm at 3,600 rpm while the e-motor is good for making 72 PS and 163 Nm. The total system output is rated at 122 PS, which is sent to the front wheels of the SUV via E-CVT. The available drive modes are - Sport, Eco, Normal, and EV.

Toyota claims that the system provides greater controllability and instant torque, and is also easy on the wallet with fewer fuel costs. For better fuel efficiency and to keep emissions low at the time of starting and accelerating, the hybrid system uses the electric motor. This also offers a powerful acceleration. The system also shuts down the petrol engine to avoid wasting fuel when idling.  

The Corolla Cross Hybrid fuel consumption is rated at 23.3 kmpl. It also has better acceleration times; it can hit the 100 kmph mark 0.9 earlier than the petrol-only version, as per UMWT.

The TNGA platform underneath the new Corolla Cross Hybrid is meant for greater stability, agility, and better visibility. With a lower centre of gravity, the SUV has a highly rigid body that contributes to agility and ride comfort. The suspension has a fine-tuned balance of dynamic handling and stability with excellent ride comfort.

When it comes to quietness, the hybrid SUV is up to six decibels quieter than the standard Corolla Cross during full-throttle acceleration. At a constant 60 kmph speed, it is four and seven decibels quieter.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Exterior

The exterior design of the hybrid SUV is almost identical to the non-hybrid 1.8 Corolla Cross with a few unique placements like blue splashes on the logos and headlights. 

Key exterior features of the SUV are -

• Bi-LED Headlamps & LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with Light Curtain Design
• LED Rear Lamps with Light Curtain Design
• LED fog lights 
• 18-inch alloy rims
• Roof rails that can withstand up to 70 kg of loading weight
• Automatic rain sensors
• Kick-sensor Power Back Door

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Colours

UMW Toyota offers the Corolla Cross Hybrid in five colour options viz. Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Celestite Grey Metallic.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Interior

Complementing the hybrid performance and striking exterior is the hi-tech interior of the SUV. It gets a few extra bits from the standard model, which includes a dual-zone air conditioning system, a larger 7-inch multi-information display, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, and a drive mode selector.

Other key interior highlights are -

• 9-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start with a blue starter button 
• Interior illumination
• Wider central console with sliding armrest
• Rear AC vents
• Six speakers
• 8-way powered seat for the driver
• 6° Recline Angle for the rear seat
• 360-degree camera system 
• Qi wireless smartphone charger (optional)
• 440L boot space

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Safety & security

As mentioned the hybrid SUV is based on a high-strength TNGA platform, this strong structure reduces impact forces from all sides during an accident. The SUV has received a maximum 5-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP. It is fitted with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes the following advanced driver-assistance systems - 

• Pre-Collision System
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Automatic High Beam

The mentioned systems use radar and cameras and are complemented by other safety systems like blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, tyre pressure warning system, and seven SRS airbags.

Also part of the safety and security kit is a front Digital Video Recorder and a Vehicle Telematics System that tracks the vehicle’s position with the help of GSM/GPS signals.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Price

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is priced at RM 136,550 (on-the-road exclusive insurance and sales and service tax). The figure includes a five-year/unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty and an eight-year/unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, inverter, and Power Management Control Unit. One can also extend the battery warranty for additional two years by paying RM 2,950.

So, does this environmentally-conscious alternative of the Corolla Cross impress you or not? Let us know in the comments below.

Also read: 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 gets five stars in ANCAP testing