2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights

Building on the success of the Corolla, the world’s best-selling automobile, Toyota introduced an all-new small crossover to its lineup. The 2022 model year marked the debut of the Toyota Corolla Cross, positioned below the ultra-popular RAV4.

Key Details

• Subcompact crossover SUV
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 169 horsepower
• Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Benefits

• Toyota’s least-expensive crossover with available AWD
• Spacious and practical interior with ample cargo space
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver-assist features
• Efficient powertrain with competitive fuel economy

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Overview

Performance

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth and efficient power delivery. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims.

While the Corolla Cross may not be the quickest vehicle in its class, it offers adequate performance for daily driving and highway merging. The CVT helps maximize fuel efficiency, which results in little behind-the-wheel excitement and a tendency for the Corolla Cross to hesitate slightly when pressed for more power.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not evaluated the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. It is common for the first year of a new model or generation not to be tested. However, this Toyota gets the highest marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), scoring a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

All 2022 Corolla Cross editions have Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a group of advanced driver aids that includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane tracing assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams
• Road sign assist

Additionally, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the trim range.

Driving

Drivers will find the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross well-mannered and offering a comfortable behind-the-wheel experience with no surprises. Those wanting a sportier and more engaging suspension may want to look elsewhere, but the typical crossover buyer will find this Toyota more than suitable for everyday driving. While not luxury-car smooth, the suspension does calm modestly rough pavement. In keeping with its mild-mannered approach, the Corolla Cross trades responsive steering for easy maneuverability, which matters most in parking lots and tight spaces.

In short, there’s nothing remarkable about how the Corolla Cross behaves on the road, which isn’t a bad thing. This characteristic is in keeping with the Corolla name, even though the Corolla Cross shares little with its namesake.

Interior

The Corolla Cross interior is spacious and well-designed, focusing on practicality and comfort. The front row offers agreeable legroom and headroom, while the seats are comfortable for long journeys. However, the Corolla Cross’s biggest shortcoming lies in the second row. Its 32.0 inches of rear legroom are much less than the competition. This isn’t a problem for children or less-tall adults, but long-legged passengers will find the back seats confining, especially for road trips. To put this space in context, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 has almost 38 inches of rear legroom.

In contrast, cargo capacity is generous for a subcompact crossover, with 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 66.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The low cargo floor and wide opening make loading and unloading easier, and the available power liftgate adds convenience.

Higher trims introduce premium features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The cabin is well-insulated, with minimal wind and road noise, contributing to a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Technology

The base Corolla Cross L has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The higher trims have an 8-inch system, which can be upgraded with JBL premium audio.

Other notable tech touches include:

• 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster
• USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging (XLE)
• 7-inch digital gauge cluster (XLE)

Fuel Economy

Corolla Cross buyers who are looking to maximize every gallon of gas will find the 32 combined mpg of the front-wheel drive edition to their liking. At the same time, four-wheel-drive editions only incur a 1-2 mpg penalty, which is a reasonable trade-off for all-weather capability.

Here is the EPA-rated fuel economy for each drivetrain (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive) in the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross.

2.0-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 31 city / 33 highway / 32 combined
• AWD (mpg): 29 city / 32 highway / 30 combined

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Reviews

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has received generally positive reviews from consumers on Kelley Blue Book, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on a limited number of user reviews as of August 2023. Owners praise the Corolla Cross's reliability and comfort—however, scores for quality, value, and performance dip towards more neutral territory.

Reasons to Buy It

• Affordable and well-equipped subcompact crossover
• Spacious front row and ample cargo space
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver-assist features
• Efficient powertrain with competitive fuel economy
• Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and confidence

Problems

• Engine performance may feel underpowered for some drivers
• CVT may cause the engine to drone under hard acceleration
• Cramped second row
• Some rivals offer more engaging driving dynamics

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CoPilot's Take

Most car buyers looking at mainstream brands will at least consider Toyota. So, those exploring a smaller crossover SUV will want to put the Corolla Cross on their shopping lists. In traditional Toyota style, this subcompact brings together affordability, practicality, safety, and efficiency but may not deliver in the looks department. It’s a winning combination that’s enabled Toyota to become the world’s largest automaker.

One of the Corolla Cross's standout features is its spacious and welcoming front row. Another is the ample cargo area, making the Corolla Cross ideal for weekend adventures or trips to the home improvement store. However, the modest backseat legroom could be a deal-breaker for those who regularly transport more than two adults.

The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver-assist technologies further enhances the Corolla Cross's appeal, providing added peace of mind and convenience on the road. Toyota’s inclusion of blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment is a notable advantage over some competitors.

While the Corolla Cross's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT deliver adequate performance and competitive fuel economy, some buyers may crave more power or a more engaging driving experience.

Despite some drawbacks, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross remains a strong contender in its segment, offering a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of value-focused buyers.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross FAQs

How many miles will a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross last?

Long-term durability data are not yet available for the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, as it is a new model. Consumer Reports gives this edition a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, but this is just a forecast. Given the Corolla Cross is built on the company’s proven TNGA-C platform, which underpins more-recent Prius models and the Lexus UX, it’s reasonable to assume a lifespan of 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. Regular servicing, timely repairs, and good driving habits can help extend the life of a Corolla Cross even further.

Are Toyota Corolla Cross good cars?

Yes, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a good car for those seeking an affordable and practical subcompact crossover. It offers a spacious front row, a comfortable ride, and competitive fuel economy. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver-assist features and the available all-wheel drive system add to its appeal. While it may not be the most exciting vehicle to drive, the Corolla Cross provides a stress-free ownership experience, backed by Toyota's reputation for quality and low long-term costs.

Is the Toyota Corolla Cross bigger than the Toyota RAV4?

No, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is smaller than the RAV4. The Corolla Cross is classified as a subcompact crossover, while the RAV4 is a compact crossover. The Corolla Cross measures 175.6 inches in length, 71.9 inches in width, and 64.8 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 103.9 inches. In comparison, the RAV4 is 180.9 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 67.0 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. The RAV4 also offers more second-row room, cargo space, and a more powerful engine. The Corolla Cross is positioned as a more affordable and efficient alternative to the larger RAV4.

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