The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE 4WD Is The Perfect Everyday Car

Summary

• The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid offers extreme utility and great mileage, making it a top pick for everyday transportation needs.
• The car’s reputation for reliability and affordable base price make it one of the most attractive options in the segment.
• While the Corolla Cross Hybrid may not offer thrilling performance or a visually inspiring interior, it excels at being transportation.

Going into the model’s second year of production, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has been hounded by critics since its introduction. “Boring” they say. “Uninspiring” they say. “Dull, lackluster and tedious” also figure prominently in reviews of Toyota’s latest cute ute. Well, from where I’m sitting, all of this unbridled animus leads me to wonder, is that really a bad thing?

After all, each of those criticisms can also be leveled at the Corolla sedan upon which the Corolla Cross is based and guess what? It’s one of the best-selling vehicles in the history of the automotive industry. Moreover, it’s one of the longest running nameplates any manufacturer has ever offered. This, in turn, raises the question; can more than 50 million buyers all be wrong?

In order to provide you with an honest and unbiased review, the vehicle reviewed in this article was driven on a daily basis throughout the course of daily life for a period of one week. For detailed insight into testing procedures and data collection, please review our methodology policy.

Boring Ain’t Necessarily Bad

Most people would agree that Ellen DeGeneres, Dwayne Johnson, George Takei, and Sofia Vergara are far from being boring people. However, can you envision any of them cleaning their own bathrooms? And yet, fundamental tasks of that nature must somehow be accomplished to live a comfortable life. And, this is exactly where the “boring” Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid shines—executing the fundamental tasks. No, it won’t set your hair on fire with incendiary acceleration and physics defying road holding. Further, many people will glance at its styling and say, “Yep that’s a Toyota” and go on about their business—even with the electric yellow paint job adorning the example I drove (pictured here). However, those factors matter not one whit to the vast majority of people who buy cars.

The simple fact here (as much as it pains enthusiasts to hear this) is the vast majority of people aren’t into driving that way. Most folks just want a car that starts every time, costs next to nothing to run and serves their practical needs adequately. Looks simply don’t matter all that much to those people. Need proof? Even the less aesthetically pleasing examples of the Corolla have sold well over the years.

Neither do astounding skidpad figures, sub four-second zero to 60 times, or incredible top speeds matter to most buyers. They just want to know they can count on the car to get them from Applebees to Zales without muss, fuss or any need to cuss. And, that’s exactly what 12 generations of Corollas have been doing for nearly six decades, garnering millions of satisfied customers along the way. Simply put, the Corolla sells largely because of its rep as good solid transportation upon which its owners can rely.

Exterior Dimensions

It’s a Logical Move

Okay, so let’s say your last name just happens to be Toyoda (no, that isn’t a typo, Akio Toyoda is the chairman of Toyota’s board of directors) and you have a car that has been finding loyal buyers for nearly 60 years. Meanwhile, you just had a gap identified in your lineup between the RAV4 and the C-HR. So you say, “Wait, people love the Corolla—so let’s do a small SUV based on that platform and put a Corolla badge on it!” That’s a logical move—right?

Performance Specifications

The Performance Specs That Really Matter Here

This brings us to the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE 4WD with which I just spent a week. The model’s all-wheel drive powertrain employs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a pair of electric motors and a continuously variable transmission. Combined output is 196 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The CVT is pre-programmed to provide 10 “speeds.”

A lithium-ion battery pack stores the electricity generated by the powertrain to operate the electric motors. Given its curb weight of 3,430 pounds, this is enough to motivate the Corolla Cross Hybrid competently—if not adroitly. Here again though, for most buyers, the figures that really matter here are 45 MPG in the city, 38 on the highway and 41.8 overall.

(Sourced from Toyota)

Comfort, Ease of Use, and Practicality

The Corolla Cross Is Very Easy To Use

Dominated by an eight-inch square infotainment screen, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s interior treatment is otherwise devoid of frills. While not exactly Spartan, it is perhaps best described as simplistic. This means there aren’t all sorts of confusing buttons, dials and switches. It’s simple, straightforward and honest. There’s no need to summit “Mount Learning Curve” to feel competent operating this car. Meanwhile, CarPlay and Android compatibility are standard, as is satellite radio. Key options include wireless smartphone charging, rear-seat USB ports and a JBL audio system. Standard driver’s assistance tech includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.

My top-of-the line XSE-trimmed tester included wireless smartphone compatibility and heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver. Simulated leather upholstery for all seating positions along with tinted windows, blind spot monitoring, the upgraded stereo system and paddle shifters were also included. A sunroof and ambient interior lighting completed the package. While all of this can be had on the top tier Corolla Hybrid too, cargo volume is where the Corolla Cross Hybrid surpasses its sibling. The compact ute’s 21.5 cubic feet of carrying capacity far exceeds the sedan’s 13.1 cubes of trunk space.

Interior Dimensions

Simple, Easy, Solid Transportation

Smooth and proficient on the road, the Corolla Cross Hybrid demands no undue attention from its driver. And yes, here again is where driving enthusiasts would decry the lack of engagement required of the pilot. But that doesn’t really matter to busy parents with 975 things to juggle in order to ensure their families are cared for. What does matter is the Corolla Cross Hybrid goes, stops and turns without drama. It also seats five people comfortably. What’s more, it offers three additional inches of ground clearance when compared to its sedan counterpart. This means it can handle dirt roads with minimal concern about ripping out its undercarriage.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Vs. Its Competitors

The closest competitors to the Corolla Cross include the Kia Niro Hybrid, Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos. Each of these has its own character and fan base. What’s more, all are practical, relatively affordable (in these days and times) and capable at their missions. With that said, going by the numbers, the most direct comparison can be drawn between the Toyota and the Kia Niro.

How The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Compares To The Kia Niro Hybrid

• 	2024 Kia Niro PHEV	2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
  Model	Kia Niro PHEV	Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE 4WD
  Engine:	1.6-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor	2.0L DOHC Hybrid I-4
  Torque	195 LB-FT	151 LB-FT @ 5,400 rpm
  Transmission	Six-speed automatic transmission	CVT
  Driveline	Front-wheel drive	Front Engine/Triple Motor, AWD
  MSRP	$34,290	$27,970
  Towing Capacity	N/A	1,500 Pounds
  0-60 MPH	9.1 seconds	7.3 Deconds
  Fuel Economy	108 MPGe	42 MPG Combined

The Kia Niro demonstrates style practicality and affordability can all be had in the same vehicle. Kia has made its name over the years giving buyers more than they expect at a given price point and Niro falls right into line in that regard. The thoroughly contemporary interior design is just as stylish as the exterior, and Kia has crafted the interior using sustainable materials wherever possible to sweeten the offering. Power is sourced from a 139 horsepower, 1.6-liter four, supplemented by an electric motor. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive complete the powertrain. The EPA says you can expect 53 MPG in the city, 45 on the highway and 49 combined. Pricing starts at $26,840.

The Best of The Rest

The Mazda CX-30 proves cute utes can be fun to drive and utilitarian as well. Based on the compact Mazda3 hatchback, the CX-30 can be had with a 256 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which adds even more verve to its swerve. Front-drive and a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter inline four are standard, as is all-wheel drive. The EPA says you can expect to see 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway with the base engine. Go for the turbo, you can anticipate 22 in the city and 30 on the highway. You can also kit a CX-30 out with near luxury accommodations to make it even nicer. Pricing starts at $24,995.

Volkswagen Taos, based upon VW’s venerable Golf platform, runs a 158 horsepower turbocharged inline four, displacing 1.5 liters. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic with front-drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with al-wheel drive. Notable for its good looks, practicality and Teutonic interior treatment, the Taos isn’t particularly fast, but it handles admirably. The subcompact VW crossover also delivers comfortable seating for four. While its starting price is reasonable, one can push the price beyond $30k quite easily by checking off too many boxes on the options list. Fuel economy is an EPA rated 28 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway, with front-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $23,995.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid Is Great Basic Transportation

As with so many things in life, beauty can truly be said to be in the eye of the beholder. One person’s beloved Porsche Boxster is another person’s impractical indulgence. By the same token, someone who lusts after the performance of that admittedly brilliant sports car will probably turn their nose up at the idea of living with the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid as their only means of transportation. And you know what? That’s okay; after all, everything ain’t for everybody. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid pricing starts at $27,970.

All specifications via Toyota.

FAQ

Q: 1. How long will a Toyota Corolla Cross last?

According to Toyota, following the recommended maintenance schedule could give your car a minimum life expectancy of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles.

Q: 2. How long is the Toyota Corolla hybrid battery’s warranty?

For Toyota hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and battery electric vehicles beginning model year 2020, the hybrid (HV) battery is covered for 10 years from date of first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Q: 3. Are Toyota cars expensive to insure?

The average cost of full-coverage car insurance for a 2022 Toyota is approximately $164 per month according to Marketwatch. This amount is based on a 35-year-old married driver with a clean driving history and good credit score.