Yahoo Autos 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Review | A small SUV that's exceedingly fine
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is the company's first entry in the growing midcompact SUV market. Although the name implies some sort of Subaru Crosstrek-like variant on the existing Corolla Hatchback, it's in fact just as distinctive a model as any number of small SUVs that only share their underlying vehicle platform with hatchbacks or sedans. Actually, there's another thing the Cross shares with other Corolla's: it's fine. It's exceedingly fine, even, checking all the boxes want might expect for its segment. It's reasonably spacious, it has the look, it has the added ground clearance and it has optional all-wheel drive.
But, aren't you looking for something more than just "fine?" Because the segment has so rapidly ballooned, the Corolla Cross faces loads of competition, and many of them offer more than just the box-checking basics. There are more fun, more stylish, more powerful and better equipped options in the space, and all frequently for the same amount of money. So the Corolla Cross is perfectly fine, and you won't be bothered by it, but you might be missing out on something that you would actually enjoy owning, driving or looking at every day. You know, emotional considerations. The Corolla Cross is just a bit too sensible shoes.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2022?
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a completely new model for 2022.
What are the Corolla Cross interior and in-car technology like?
While the Corolla Cross exterior looks nothing like a Corolla, the interior is a spitting image with a fairly minimalist dashboard and an infotainment screen popping up out of the middle. As is usually the case in the midcompact SUV segment, interior plastics are a mix. Some stitched soft plastic is front and center on the dash, but harder varieties are found in most other places. Everything is put together nicely with tight gaps, though.
We appreciate the dedicated physical buttons and knobs for the climate control, as well as the knobs for volume and tuning and the shortcut buttons for the infotainment. The touchscreen is responsive and clear, though the graphics are a little basic and uninteresting.
How big is the Corolla Cross?
Size-wise, the Corolla Cross is what we'd call a midcompact SUV segment, and as such, is sized similarly as the Mazda CX-30, VW Taos, Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. Notably, it has a fair amount of ground clearance at 8.1 inches, which is almost even with the all-wheel-drive Jeep Renegade and more than the Kia Seltos, though less than the Crosstrek or a Renegade Trailhawk.
In terms of passenger space, the Corolla Cross is somewhere in the middle of the segment, but represents a significant step up from its Corolla namesakes (again, they're just barely related). There's good room up front in all directions and a comfortable seating position, but like the midcompact segment and unlike the Corolla cars, the rear seats actually have space for full grown adults. Knees may brush the backs of the front seats, but that's better than being smashed into them like in a Corolla Hatchback. The front seats have thick cushions that are comfortable, though they don't have much shape or support. The rear seats are firm and flat, and the seatbacks are more upright than we'd like.
Cargo space is on the large side for midcompact crossovers at 24.3 cubic feet with all-wheel drive and 25.5 with front-wheel drive. Given those figures, it should be comparable to a Kia Seltos or AWD VW Taos.
