2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Review

If the venerable Toyota Corolla were an SUV, what would it be like? Thankfully, just like the smart, sensible and sporty Corolla Cross – which fills the gap between the teensie C-HR and the ever-larger RAV4. Roomy on the inside, easy to drive and peppy enough to keep up with traffic, the Cross is truly the working man’s CUV.

There’s nothing ostentatious about the Cross, and yet it is easy on the eyes – drawing style cues the RAV4 – and highly functional. Let’s count some of the ways it’s like the Corollas we’ve known over the years: Good on fuel? Check. Simple to operate? Check. Bit of a wallflower? Check. Mediocre power, but reliable performance? Check. Something you’ll learn to love over years of ownership? Check. 

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Pricing and Trims

For 2022, the Toyota Corolla Cross launched with a straightforward three-trim lineup in both Canada and the United States, offered in front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Expect the 2023 Corolla Cross to get an update, along with some changes to the newer 2026 models.

In Canada, 2023 pricing started at $24,890 CAD for the FWD L (plus freight), while the top AWD XLE reached just over $36,000 CAD all-in when new. In the U.S., the Corolla Cross opened at $22,195 USD for the base L (plus destination), climbing to roughly $27,625 USD for the AWD XLE before options.

Standard equipment was solid even on the base model, with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, heated front seats (Canada), and Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features across the board. Higher trims added push-button start, upgraded alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, larger infotainment displays, and premium touches like a power liftgate and JBL audio on XLE models.

Interior and Technology

The inside of the Cross is both inviting and comfortable. The two lower trim levels come with cloth seats, and the top-of-the-line XLE’s seats are covered in Toyota’s nicely done SofTex faux-leather (actually thermoplastic polyurethane), available in a calming two-tone beige-and-black theme. The comfortable front seats provide ample headroom.

Legroom is good in the front, but rear legroom is a trifle shy. The 60/40-split folding rear seat will accommodate three across. Controls are easy to find and simple to figure out. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard even on the base L’s seven-inch touchscreen. Higher trim levels have an eight-inch touchscreen, and the XLE also gets a wireless charge pad and four USB ports. The XLE has a partly digital gauge pod. Large glass area and heightened seating position provide great visibility. 

Related – 2022 Corolla Cross interior Review

Performance and Fuel Economy

There is just one powertrain for the Cross – the familiar 2.0-litre, 16-valve four-banger mated to a CVT. In Canada, fuel economy is rated at a respectable 8.1 L/100 km city and 7.4 highway for AWD, and 7.6/7.0 for FWD. In the United States, that translates to an EPA rating of 29 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (AWD) and 31 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (FWD). The 50-litre (13.2-gallon) fuel tank provides a range of roughly 450 kilometres (about 280 miles). Horsepower from this non-turbo engine is rated at 169 hp at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm – less than the 175 hp/195 lb-ft of torque found in the turbo Kia Seltos.

Towing capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds in both Canada and the U.S. – in other words, “don’t bother trying.” Although, as a car enthusiast, I hate the mushy feel of CVTs, Toyota has refined the Cross’s transmission and fitted a physical first gear to give a more direct feel when starting out. Even with the CVT’s annoyances, however, driving is a pleasure, with a light feel on the wheel and sure-footed cornering around town. Just be careful to give yourself lots of time to build up momentum when overtaking other vehicles.

Takeaway

There are two compelling reasons to consider the Corolla Cross if you are in the market for a compact SUV: 1) the Corolla’s mind-bending record of reliability, and 2) value for dollars spent. I’ll bet the Cross will still be going strong long after the bloom of new love is gone, because it’s about as close to indestructible as an affordable car can get. But you will not just be buying a reliable car. Here’s a look at Toyota’s entire small SUV lineup.

With its muted colours, simple interior, and ergonomically designed seats, the Cross is a pleasant car to sit in – whether just for a cross-town drive or for hours across Canada’s snowy prairies. And with AWD available at a price even a student (well, at least some) could afford, it provides a sure-footed experience that ensures you will get to where you want to go without a migraine. Now that’s value!