Corolla Cross goes boldly
Is the Corolla the most iconic Toyota of all? Very possibly.
Today the Corolla family has expanded considerably. Enter the all-new Corolla Cross. Ben Selby reports. 
Larger and with more ground clearance and interior space, it sits bang in the middle between the CH-R and RAV-4.
Four models make up the Corolla Cross range with prices starting at $41,990. Featured here is the GXL at $44,990. All models get a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine mated to Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid system and E-CVT transmission.
Inside it’s a nice place with a plethora of standard equipment available including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera, radar cruise control, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assist. My GLX had additional niceties like sat nav, a 10.5” touchscreen infotainment system, dual zone climate control, privacy rear glass and 2x USB-C rear charging points. Being the Corolla Cross, there is more head and legroom than the standard Corolla hatch.
On the move, it is a supple and good riding urban SUV. The 2.0L four pot doesn’t make the best noise at high rpm, but it’s great at see-sawing between EV silent running and a sedate cruise.
You sit higher up too, and visibility is good all around. All in all, the Cross boldly goes where no Corolla has gone before, and it’s outstanding. 
FACT FILE
2023 Toyota Corolla
Cross GXL
Price: $44,990 TDP
(Toyota Driveaway Price)
Engine: 2.0L Four Cylinder
Petrol/Hybrid system
Transmission: E-CVTomatic
Drivetrain: FWD
Power: 135kW
Torque: 190Nm
Fuel Consumption: 4.8L/100km (3P WLTP)
Wheels: 17-inch Alloy
Luggage Capacity: 428L
Weight: 1930kg
