Have you heard the news? There’s a new road warrior in the Toyota lineup, and it’s ready to shake things up. The all-new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is the newest addition to the Corolla family that Toyota promises is the bold compact crossover that you never knew you needed, at least not until now. Does the Cross live up to the hype, or is it just a Corolla-like SUV?
Toyota’s all-new Cross is built on the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, and that means it has some pretty big shoes (or wheels) to fill. While the Cross may share a name with the Corolla, that’s as far as similarities go. The Cross is larger, more powerful, more capable, and sits higher than Toyota’s top-selling sedan, but those are only the obvious differences.
The real question is whether or not the Cross will offer the versatility and fun that Toyota envisions and if that versatility is enough for the Cross to take the lead ahead of major rivals like the Nissan Rogue Sport and the Jeep Compass. What does the Corolla Cross have to offer, and how does it continue Toyota’s legacy of delivering empowering and innovative technology? Here’s a closer look at everything you can expect from Toyota’s all-new crossover, the 2022 Corolla Cross.
#1 It’s Visually Stunning
First impressions are lasting impressions, and Toyota certainly knows it. The Cross is visually stunning from every angle; whether you’re taking in the distinctive black grille and LED lighting, admiring the SUV’s confident and athletic stance, or looking over the rear spoilers, rear LED taillights, and black body accents. The Cross’s first impression immediately brings words like stunning, sophisticated, elegant, and luxurious to mind.
You’ll find the interior makes a similar first impression with its high-quality materials that stretch across the spacious cabin. Toyota gives you plenty of options for customization with available upgrades like a power moonroof that gives you and your passengers a view of the sky above and circulates fresh air in the cabin. You’ll also enjoy plenty of comforts as the driver with a power-adjustable driver’s seat that adds lumbar support and heat.
#2 It’s Powerful
Crossovers might be smaller than full-size SUVs, but that shouldn’t discount their capability, at least not when it comes to models like the Cross. You’ll find a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine and a Direct Shift continuously variable transmission under the Cross’s hood. This pairing delivers 169 horsepower, which makes the Cross quick to accelerate and responsive to handle whether you’re cruising at highway speeds or taking it easy in busy city traffic.
#3 It’s Capable and Efficient
The Cross’s small size works in its favor when it comes to its mighty engine and quick acceleration; it also adds to its capability and efficiency. Even when pushed to its limits, the Cross is estimated to average 32 MPG combined on front-wheel drive models and 30 MPG combined on all-wheel drive models. When you opt for the AWD model, you’ll enjoy even greater capability from the Cross courtesy of Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control that automatically engages and disengages to deliver up to 50 percent more power to the rear wheels when it’s needed most. This means you’ll have more confidence behind the wheel even in potentially hazardous conditions like rain, sleet, snow, and ice.
#4 It’s Smart
Toyota is known for its early adoption of innovative automotive technology, and vehicles like the Cross embody that innovative spirit. Toyota believes that drivers should have all the tools they need to drive with confidence. On the Cross, these tools are centralized in the Toyota Safety Sense suite of active safety features that work as an extra set of eyes while you’re on the road.
The TSS suite includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that actively monitors the front of the Cross for traffic and pedestrians. If a potential collision is imminent, the system will alert you to take action and can enhance your braking to bring the Cross to a complete stop to minimize impact. The Lane Departure Alert system is a great feature that helps you keep the Cross centered in its lane on long drives while Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control eliminates the need for you to constantly set and reset your cruise control since it monitors the flow of traffic and adjusts the vehicle’s speed as needed. You can also add advanced tools like the Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking for added peace of mind.
#5 It’s Connected
Your schedule and life don’t stop when you’re in the driver’s seat, and that’s why Toyota equips the Cross with empowering technology that keeps you in the know at every turn. From the driver’s seat, you’ll have an immediate view of the 7.0-inch multi-information display with a digital instrument layout. The screen gives you a variety of information, from your speed, mileage, and fuel level to navigational cues and beyond.
The center stack is home to an 8.0-inch touchscreen display and Toyota’s infotainment system. You can use the system to sync your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which gives you immediate access to your favorite apps. Through the Audio Plus multimedia upgrade, you’ll have access to Remote Connect, SiriusXM All Access, and Amazon Alexa. Your trial subscription to SiriusXM All Access gives you access to over 300 channels, while Amazon Alexa allows you to add items to your shopping list, control your smart home devices, make phone calls, send text messages, and listen to your favorite music with a simple voice command.
#6 It’s Protected
While the Corolla Cross hasn’t yet made its debut, you can expect it will come with Toyota’s new vehicle coverage. Toyota’s warranty program is designed to give you confidence in your purchase and in the Toyota brand by knowing that you’re protected for miles down the road. This coverage starts with Toyota’s standard 36-month or 36,000-mile limited warranty.
Your new Cross will likely be protected by a 60-month or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty that covers components like the engine, transmission, front-wheel drive system, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts, airbags, and transmission, all of which can be costly to repair. Your Cross is also protected by corrosion coverage for 60 months, and all Toyota Genuine Parts or accessories are covered by a 12-month guarantee, which is one of the few guarantees of its kind in the industry.
What Do You Think?
Now that you know more about the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, what do you think? Does it live up to the hype? There’s no arguing that the Cross is much more than its namesake whether you’re looking at the engine under its hood, its distinct styling, or its expansive interior that offers plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The Cross is in a league of its own, but does this mean its price will skyrocket as well?
While Toyota has yet to release official pricing for the Cross, experts project the crossover to start somewhere around $24,000. This makes the Cross an exceptional value when you consider its premium interior, connectivity features, and advanced safety and driver-assist tools. Experts also anticipate Toyota will continue its commitment to an electric future by adding a hybrid powertrain to the lineup. This positions the Cross to lead an even bigger segment in the industry especially considering Toyota’s stellar reputation in the hybrid realm.
With this in mind, what does the Cross mean to you? Will you rush to your Toyota dealership for a test drive when the model officially debuts? If so, you’ll be in good company.
