see prices, versions and first impressions

From the entry version XR there are seven airbags, reversing camera, air conditioning, multimedia center with integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, traction and stability controls, and start and ramp assistant.

Other elements are the rear parking sensor, the automatic lighting of the headlights with height adjustment and LED fog lamps, as well as the fixing of the seats with the Isofix system in the rear seat. There is an on-board computer with a 4.2-inch TFT screen and electric mirrors, as well as a Sport function (only for combustion versions).

Starting with the XRE version, it adds automatic windshield wipers, rain sensors and dynamic lines that appear in the multimedia center when maneuvering the car in reverse. It also has a face-to-face key with a start on the button. The XRE is the only one that has flaps for changing gears behind the wheel.

Hybrid versions have a front parking sensor, blind spot alert with audible and visual alert and rear cross traffic alert: it is the system that signals if there are cars coming when leaving a parking lot, for example, from a shopping center . Here, the additional function in driving mode is Power, which is activated in the center console.

Also in the hybrid versions is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package. Includes autonomous emergency braking with forward collision alert and pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Complete the lane departure warning package with steering wheel correction, automatic high beam (identifies another car ahead or oncoming and automatically reduces the light) and adaptive cruise control, which maintains the set distance to the car in front, braking or accelerating the vehicle alone.

Exclusive to the top version, XRX Hybrid, is the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, two-zone automatic air conditioning with outlet for rear seat occupants, and the sunroof with anti-crush function.

Finally, there is also the virtual instrument panel with a 7 “screen, which at the ends has analog displays, the hybrid system on the left and the temperature and fuel on the right of the screen.

Refinement

There are differences in finish between versions. XR uses 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R17 tires, while the rest use 18-inch wheels with 225/50 R18 tires.

In the case of the XRE and XRV Hybrid versions, it has a diamond finish with dark gray details. For the top, XRX Hybrid, it’s black and diamond.

Inside, the XR brings a black cloth trim to the seats. The intermediate XRE and XRV Hybrid have black leather and synthetic material, while the top variant, XRX Hybrid, relies on beige leather to cover the seats.

Dimensions and changes

The Corolla Cross, despite using the same platform as the Corolla sedan, has differences in measurements. They are 4.46 meters long, 1.62 m high, 1.82 m wide and 2.64 m between axes. The boot is 440 liters, 40 less than the version offered in Asia due to the temporary spare tire; the Asian model uses a quick repair system.

It is longer, wider and taller than the sedan, but it has a 6 cm shorter wheelbase and the boot also loses by 30 liters. That’s because, despite the fact that everything was produced on the basis of TNGA, the SUV came from the Corolla hatch, which was never officially sold in Brazil.

There are also structural changes. While the sedan relies on a multi-link independent rear suspension, the SUV features the more traditional and economical torsion axle construction. It is the system used in most of the vehicles for sale in the country, since it reduces the cost of the project and also of production.

To improve visibility and consequently safety, Toyota managed to narrow the A-columns (front), reducing the thickness by 7 mm without compromising safety, thanks to the types of steel used in the construction.

In addition, the brand says that this change helped reduce wind noise in the cabin. The rear-view mirrors have been attached to the doors in a position that also increases the driver’s field of vision, especially for pedestrians.

First impressions at the wheel

In general terms, it would be possible to “copy and paste” the impressions of the Corolla sedan to the SUV, despite having a very high driving position and that, even in the lowest configuration, keeps the driver in a high point. When you enter the top version and have a view of the interior, it feels like you’re in a sedan.

The position of the instruments, the finish and the steering wheel itself facilitate the mental confusion to understand that you are in the SUV and not the big brother. This is good, the finish is good, the controls are easy to find, and the ergonomics are suitable for drivers of any stature.

Driving brings the same benefits that were added to the sedan in the current generation. It has a better suspension calibration and electric steering assist system. This means that the car passes a better response by the contact of the tires with the tread.

In brief contact, on the Toyota test track inside, it could be seen that the balance found in the sedan, with a firmer but still comfortable suspension, is still present in the SUV. This means that, in corners and holes, the suspension does not rock as much, but it also does not mistreat the occupants with excessively firm dampers.

For the XR and XRE trims, Toyota brings the dynamic and flexible 2.0-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine, which produces up to 177 hp and 21.4 mkgf when fueled with ethanol. On the XRV and XRX hybrids, the combination is the flexible 1.8 up to 101 hp and 14.5 mkgf with two 72-hp 16.6 mkgf trams. Combined, they deliver 122 hp.

In general terms, they account for a weight in running order that can reach 1,450 kg. But for this, the engine “screams” and the high speed invades the cabin, even with good sound insulation. The extra gear in the transmission to ensure a more nimble start works and this is the best moment of dynamics for the SUV.