2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a winning formula that pays dividends for smart shoppers. To quickly bring you up to speed on the equation, the Corolla Cross debuted recently as a subcompact SUV based on Toyota’s popular Corolla sedan. The Corolla Cross Hybrid arrived just last year and packs more power, 42 mpg fuel economy, and standard all-wheel drive, all at a price starting under $28,000. What’s not to like?

The winning ways don’t end there. Being a Toyota, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is imbued with the brand’s reputation for quality and an impressive standard feature set with plenty of active safety functions. It’s a wonder there aren’t more direct competitors in this segment. About the closest thing is the Kia Niro hybrid, but that doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The standard, non-hybrid Toyota Corolla Cross is reviewed separately.

After arriving just last year as an all-new model, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid adds a Nightshade edition for 2024. The Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade is based on the mid-trim SE model and brings blacked-out aesthetics, a roof rack, and an available two-tone color scheme. Also, the wireless phone charger in SE and XSE grades has been updated.

While there is now a litany of subcompact SUVs, including the standard Corolla Cross (starting at $23,610), there aren’t many hybrid rivals in this segment. The Kia Niro hybrid ($26,840) could be one in theory, but it only comes in front-wheel drive. Otherwise, you’re moving up a segment to something like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ($31,475). With Toyota’s long expertise in making excellent hybrids across a range of classes, this isn’t surprising, and for now, the Corolla Cross Hybrid can enjoy having this slice of pie to itself.

Before buying, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid’s resale value is expected to hold up pretty well in the years ahead.

We love the fact that the Corolla Cross Hybrid isn’t just significantly more efficient than the standard Corolla Cross, but that it’s more powerful, too. Thanks to its gas-electric powertrain, this hybrid variant has a total of 196 horsepower, compared to 169 horsepower in the standard Corolla Cross. That added power, along with the instant torque of its electric motor, makes the Corolla Cross Hybrid feel more lively off the line and gives it more oomph for higher-speed passing maneuvers. Overall ride quality is what you would expect of any vehicle wearing the Corolla name – comfortable, easy, and relatively quiet. And thanks to its tidy size, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a cinch to park even in tight spaces.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of hybrid SUVs, including this Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Fuel economy

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid gets stellar fuel economy of 42 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. That’s 12 mpg better than a standard Corolla Cross with all-wheel drive, which the Corolla Cross Hybrid has as standard. More fuel economy information can be found on the EPA’s website.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid’s 2-row/5-passenger interior is simple but effective, just like its Corolla sedan kin. Of course, unlike the Corolla sedan, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is an SUV, so it has that raised seating position that allows a better view in traffic, in addition to enhanced cargo space. To that end, there is a respectable 21.5 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats up and a very respectable 61.8 with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom is tight at only 32 inches, but the front seats are roomy. We think the SE grade is a better place to start versus the base model, as it brings a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging pad, and four USB-C outlets in all, compared to two in the base model. All Corolla Cross Hybrid models have an 8-inch touchscreen with the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you want a power-adjustable driver’s seat, you’ll want to step up to the top XSE trim, which also brings niceties like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster.

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid doesn’t look like a Corolla or a conspicuous hybrid. Rather, it looks like a handsome little small SUV. It has pleasant proportions and useful ground clearance of 8.0 inches. Two-tone paint schemes with a black roof and contrasting body color can jazz things up. And the new Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade Edition further emboldens this efficient little mover with 18-inch gloss black wheels, darkened headlights and taillights, and blacked-out badges.

Hybrid power
It makes so much sense to enhance a gasoline engine with an electric motor. It provides more thrust while maximizing fuel economy. A win-win situation. Toyota has been a pioneer and then a master of hybrid systems.

All-wheel drive
Even in this electronic form, all-wheel drive is a useful asset in rough weather. Every Corolla Cross Hybrid is fitted with it.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
The ability to integrate a smartphone into the infotainment system and use apps like Waze is made even better by not having to get said phone out of a pocket or purse. This is standard across the range.

Warranties
Hybrid components are covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the hybrid battery has a transferable 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. As usual, the limit is whatever occurs first.

Nightshade edition
The new Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade adds a lot of visual flair with its moody exterior aesthetics and interior accentuated with red trim, all for not a lot of extra dough.

Rear-seat reminder
If a pet or child has been mistakenly left in the back seat while the driver is just about to lock up and walk away, this handy and standard feature will provide the necessary alert.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for its gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Although there’s a hybrid version of the Corolla compact sedan, it doesn’t have the same drivetrain as this Corolla Cross Hybrid compact SUV. The differences are more power in the Corolla Cross — 196 horsepower, as opposed to the sedan’s 138 — and the Corolla Cross has all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. Power is routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is rated to tow 1,500 pounds. That isn’t much, but it should be enough for a small personal watercraft or the like.

3-year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Toyota’s new-vehicle warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are typical among mainstream manufacturers. Hybrid batteries have their own warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. Toyota also provides free maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the combustion-only Corolla Cross a Top Safety Pick rating, so this hybrid variant should be just as safe. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to give an overall rating.