The Most Affordable Hybrid Crossover From Toyota In 2024

Toyota is no stranger to hybrid. With over 15 ‘electrified’ cars in its lineup, the automaker sells hybrid cars ranging from low $20,000s to high $70,000s. The cheapest hybrid crossover Toyota currently sells in the U.S. is based on the sedan version of a popular vehicle that’s been in the company’s lineup for the longest time.

In its crossover avatar, it is a relatively new moniker for the brand and serves as a great alternative to its sedan and hatchback counterparts. This introduction of this hybrid crossover is a direct response to the drastic increase in demand for affordable crossover and SUV options in the country. It features a new drivetrain in a bid, while maintaining a low starting price.

Internationally, Toyota offers cheaper and smaller hybrid crossovers, some of which are rebadged Maruti Suzukis. There’s also the hybrid Yaris Cross, but Toyota has expressed it has no intention of introducing any of these cars into the North American market anytime soon. Thus, this hybrid crossover, which is none other than the Corolla Cross Hybrid, is likely to remain the most affordable hybrid option in the U.S. for quite some time.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, the EPA, the NHTSA, the IIHS, and J.D. Power.

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Starts At $28,220

The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid range starts at $28,220 for the entry-level S derivative. Next in line is the SE at $29,540, followed by the $30,465 Nightshade and $31,405 XSE. All four derivatives feature Toyota’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson engine and three electric motor configuration, also found in the RAV4 Hybrid. A direct-drive eCVT transfers a combined 196 horsepower and 152 pound-feet to all four wheels, resulting in a claimed 0-60 MPH time of 7.3 seconds.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Performance And Specs

(Data sourced from Toyota)

The Atkinson cycle engine has a longer expansion stroke compared to conventional Otto ICE engines. This allows for a more complete combustion of the fuel-air mixture, resulting in higher thermal efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

This leads to improved fuel efficiency and lower heat rejection, which is why it is such an ideal choice of engine for hybrid cars. The Corolla Cross Hybrid also features some mild towing capabilities with its 1,500-pound towing and 1,170-pound payload capacities. You can only make use of this by specifying the $399 Activity Mount.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid Has Plenty Of Interior Space And Features

The Corolla Cross’s SUV configuration means it benefits from some class-leading interior dimensions on the front and rear sections. This is primarily thanks to the TNGA platform’s innovative design, which maximizes interior space while accommodating the bulky electric drive system and comprehensive safety equipment.

The most expensive XSE features a wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver. You also get SofTex upholstery, privacy-tinted windows, blind spot monitoring, an upgraded JBL audio system, and paddle shifters to control the eCVT via 10 synthetic steps.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Toyota)

Interior options include black and gray fabric seats for the S trim, black, gray, and blue fabric seats for the SE trim, and black or black and blue Softex seats for the premium XSE trim. The trunk accommodates an impressive 21.5 cubic-feet of cargo space, which expands to 61.8 cubic-feet by folding the rear seats down. An optional power liftgate is also available. This comes with adjustable height settings if you park somewhere with a lower ceiling.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid Is Designed To Look Tough

The Corolla Cross Hybrid adopts a unique design language that borrows some elements from existing model lines. Toyota says the robust but friendly exterior theme is called “Urban Toughness”, and appeals to users who frequent dense urban settings, but occasionally like to traverse less traveled roads.

Key design elements include a pair of striking headlights, a distinctive A-shaped grille, and sleek front and rear bumpers. A set of black trims accentuates the profile, while a stylish silver shield creates a robust appearance at the rear. A hatch-mounted roof spoiler adds an element of sportiness to the overall appearance.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Toyota)

You can have the Corolla Cross Hybrid in a choice of six metallic colors, ranging from Barcelona Red, Blue Crush, Celestite Gray, Sonic Silver, and Jet Black. You have to pay $425 for the Wind Chill Pearl finish. Only the red, blue, and silver shades are available with the optional black dual-tone roof for $500. Acid Blast Yellow is only available with the Jet Black roof for the same price. Toyota offers a plethora of interior and exterior accessories, such as body panel protectors, all-weather mats, and cargo solutions.

The Toyota Corolla Cross Consumes 42 MPG

The efficient and modern hybrid powertrain means that the Corolla Cross benefits from some of the best EPA fuel consumption estimates in its segment. All derivatives sport a 45/38/42 MPG consumption estimate on the EPA’s city/highway/combined cycle.

The EPA also estimates that you’ll save $3,000 in gas over a five-year period, spend $1,200 on fuel every year, and pay $2,01 to drive 25 miles. The 10.6-gallon tank holds enough fuel to carry you for 380 miles, with the help of a 0.9 kWh battery.

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy Figures

(Data sourced from Toyota)

The Corolla Cross Hybrid features Toyota’s fourth-generation electric system, which consists of three motors, similar to what you’d find in the current RAV4 Hybrid. Despite this comprehensive layout, the model features limited EV driving capabilities.

An EV button, located close to the transmission selector, accesses the three electric motors for very limited ICE-free driving events at low speeds. The two electric motors at the front produce a combined 110 horsepower and 152 pound-feet, while the rear motor generates 40 horsepower and 62 pound-feet.

The Corolla Cross Comes Standard With Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Toyota ensures a high safety level for all Corolla Cross trims, as it fits every derivative with its comprehensive Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes a host of vital passive and active safety features. These include a pre-collision system with active pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure alert with steering assist. You also get lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and nine airbags covering the driver and front passenger, knees, sides, and curtains.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Key Features

• Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams
• Lane Departure Alert With Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Nine Standard Airbags

The NHTSA and IIHS have not crash-tested the Corolla Cross Hybrid, but the non-hybrid model has achieved some impressive results. The NHTSA grants it a four-star overall rating for the frontal crash and five stars for the side. This model has not been subject to a rollover crash test. The IIHS grants the entire Corolla Cross range its coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award in the small SUV category. This is for the 2022 model year, which is structurally identical to the 2024 model.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid Comes With A 10-Year Hybrid Warranty

All 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid units include Toyota’s comprehensive warranty plan, which includes a 36-month or 36,000-mile basic bumper-to-bumper warranty, as well as a 60-month or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty plan. Corrosion defects are also covered for 60 months, but with an unlimited mileage cap. The battery and electric drive system benefit from the brand’s class-leading 120-month or 150,000-mile protection plan.

Corolla Cross Hybrid Warranty Plan

(Warranty plan details sourced from Toyota)

The warranty also includes the ToyotaCare roadside assistance service for two years with unlimited miles and two scheduled maintenance over 24 months or 25,000 miles. The NHTSA does not list any recalls for the 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid, but there are three airbag-related recalls for the 2023 model. This should not be an issue for any new models produced. J.D. Power grants the entire Corolla Cross range an Average 77/100 score for Quality and Reliability.