Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0 Hybrid is more fuel-efficient than ever. This SUV surprises with fuel consumption
Toyota's image as a pragmatic manufacturer is one thing, but it is also known that the Japanese do not shy away from cars that make their hearts beat faster. Not long ago we could buy Supra and GT86, the excellent GR Yaris is in production, and the amazing GR GT will appear soon. On the other hand, we remember the Avensis, a car that was not very exciting, but which was very willingly bought and appreciated for its reliability. To this day, thousands of Avensis cars are on our roads. In cities, on the other hand, we see Priuses and other hybrid Toyotas as taxis everywhere. This also shows that the Japanese brand's drive is one of the least reliable. And which group of Toyota cars does the Corolla Cross belong to? Certainly not the one in which we find the GR Yaris. The Corolla Cross is definitely closer to the Avensis. It is a car with a subdued silhouette, but it is practical, economical and reasonably priced.
I still remember the old RAV4. It is now much larger than those early generations. It's hard to call it a compact SUV. That's probably why Toyota's offer includes the Corolla Cross, which perfectly fits the niche between the impressive C-HR and the RAV4, which is growing with each generation.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
However, this is not a model that will attract attention with its styling. It is far from the bold silhouette of the C-HR, and it does not have interesting features like the new RAV-4. It's just a neatly drawn SUV. However, in the tested version with the “GR Sport” logo, it gains some beauty compared to more modest variants. The more aggressive grille, black roof and 19-inch black rims attract attention. This does not make the Corolla Cross a dynamic and sporty car, but it adds a few points for beauty.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Inside, regardless of the selected equipment, we have the familiar Corolla cockpit. Very friendly to those who don't like large screens and controlling everything via touch screens. There is a multimedia system on board (with a 10.5-inch screen), but there is also room for buttons activating basic functions, and there is also a panel for controlling the air conditioning. Generally, the interior of Toyota is designed in such a way that anyone can easily operate the car. A big plus for Toyota designers.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
The on-board electronics can also connect to a smartphone wirelessly. Both Android phones and iPhones. No problem. Of course, a cable connection will be more stable. We also have a digital instrument cluster that allows you to change its appearance, but only to a small extent. This is not a system like the Volkswagen “virtual cockpit”. But again: do we really need such fireworks in the car? It is important that the most important data is shown in a clear way.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
What is it like to travel in a Toyota? We won't complain about the amount of space. There is plenty of space at the back and front: both for legs and heads. Especially if we compare the “Cross” with the Corolla Kombi. The seats in the tested GR Sport version are special: covered with ecological suede and leather. They cover the torso with clearly marked sides on the backrest and seat. The upholstery itself is pleasant to the touch, unlike the fabric found on cheaper variants of the Corolla Cross.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
And the trunk? It depends. In the tested version with a 2-liter engine, it has a volume of 425 liters, which is not an impressive value for a car of this class. However, in a car with a weaker drive and a 1.8 engine, the trunk size increases to over 470 liters, which is an acceptable size for an SUV of this size. However, it is far from records in this class.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Toyota Corolla Cross – a super-economical drive
However, the drive is record-breaking. Record savings. Under the hood of the tested car we have a 2.0 petrol engine, but it is supported by an additional electric motor. In total, we have 180 HP at our disposal. The sprint to 100 km/h is quite fast and takes only 7.7 seconds. The car moves eagerly from the lights, and since we start using an electric engine, the start is smooth and immediate. The e-CVT transmission operates smoothly and without any jerks. The only drawback, known to owners of hybrid Toyotas for decades, is the noisy operation of the engine if we press the gas pedal all the way. However, when driving slowly in the city, this is not a problem.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
However, the icing on the cake is combustion. Even in this 2-liter car in the city we can easily achieve a result of 4 to 4.5 l/100 km. In an SUV with 180 HP! On suburban roads where the speed limit is 90 km/h, it may even be possible to achieve a result below 4 l/100 km – however, this requires some practice and is more of an achievement than an everyday occurrence. On the highway, of course, fuel consumption increases, but this is nothing unusual in hybrids. At about 120 km/h it will be about 6-6.5 l/100 km, and at 140 km/h – over 7.5 l/100 km. In this case, the disadvantage is only a 43-liter fuel tank, which means that on the highway we have to accept a range of about 500 km.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Toyota Corolla Cross – is it worth buying?
The competition in the compact SUV segment is huge, and if someone appreciates the attractive appearance of the car and modern technologies in the cabin, they will probably not be tempted to buy the Corolla Cross. It is a pragmatic model that stands out not for its appearance, but for low fuel consumption and a subdued, wisely designed interior. And the price? It depends. The tested Corolla Cross 2.0 GR Sport costs PLN 173,000. PLN, but in the case of the tested car you have to add PLN 7,000. PLN for the VIP package (panoramic roof, JBL audio system, better multimedia system). For 180 thousand PLN we can buy many equally good SUVs, but one thing is certain: none of them has an equally economical and reliable drive. This is Toyota's advantage. Besides, you don't necessarily have to buy “GR”. You can settle for the generously equipped Style version, and then you will pay less than PLN 165,000 for the 2-liter Cross. PLN, and for the weaker version 1.8 – PLN 155,000. zloty. And these are very good prices for today's times.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0 Hybrid, technical data:
R4 petrol engine, 2.0, 130 HP, 190 Nm (combustion), 112 HP, 206 Nm (electric), 180 HP (total). Automatic gearbox, e-CVT. Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. Maximum speed – 180 km/h. Average fuel consumption: 5 l/100 km (WLTP). Price: from PLN 152,600.
The car was loaned by the brand's importer and returned after the test
