A Closer Look at the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

From the corporate camp of Toyota, the 2022 Corolla Cross has promised to push the boundaries of people’s comfort zones as drivers and passengers of a vehicle model that has been the Japanese automobile manufacturer’s answer to meet with today’s challenging times. This vehicle comes as an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option or as a front-wheel-drive (FWD). It seems the 2022 Corolla Cross is the vehicular answer to Tom Cochrane’s infamous song, “Life is a Highway.” Starting at the base price of $22,195 USD ($24,890 CDN), these automobiles come in the color options of Barcelona Red Metallic, Blue Crush Metallic, Celeste Blue, Cypress, Jet Black Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, and Wind Chill Pearl. Thanks to the success of Toyota’s RAV4 and C-HR SUV models, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has jumped in as the latest edition to the lineup. The Corolla has been a solid fixture in the Toyota roster of vehicles since 1966 and is among the most popular models of all time. With over fifty million Corollas sold as award-winning sedans, the bold venture to become a compact sport utility vehicle has been turning the heads of critics and consumers everywhere. Is this a good move on Toyota’s part, or is it a mistake?

Toyota Tradition

The design of the 2022 Corolla Cross is a dynamic one, which isn’t uncommon for Toyota. It is the reason why they continue to win one award after another and not just for Corolla. The AWD option promises to offer comfort, versatility, and a highly performant powertrain that can only be delivered by the latest bells and whistles today’s technology can offer. This modernized take on the Corolla, now as an SUV, sees a refined exterior that’s sported with a sleek front end, swoop-like sides, and unique body lines. The design of this SUV has minimized potential blindspots, as well as provided wider rear doors, and a better noise dampening effect. The height of this SUV makes it easier for drivers and passengers to get in and out of the vehicle and the driving experience is designed to be as stylishly comfortable as possible. At the measurement of 14.63 feet by 5.99 feet (4,460 millimeters by 1,825 millimeters), the size of the Corolla Cross is between the larger RAV4 and the smaller C-HR. The cockpit of the 2022 Corolla Cross is still the same that’s been featured in the modernized Corolla sedan models, as is the vehicle’s interior. The only key difference between the sedans and the SUVs is the spacing. Now with expansive cabin space and a storage space capacity starting at 96.7 gallons (440 liters) and stretching as large as 133.7 gallons (608 liters), this offers passengers the opportunity to pack everything they need for their trip. It is also designed to meet the various climate conditions so that the driver doesn’t have to worry about environmental issues that will impact the performance level and comfort of the SUV.

The versatility behind the 2022 Corolla Cross relies on the strength of the powertrain and the Dynamic Torque Control AWD. The two-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine is powered by 164 hp and allows an AWD model feature a gas mileage of 2.06 gallons (7.8 liters) of consumption for every sixty miles (one hundred kilometers) traveled. The FWD models are at 1.95 gallons (7.4 liters) for every sixty miles(one hundred kilometers) traveled. For both models, this compact SUV also has a towing capacity of 1499 pounds (860 kilograms) and the ground clearance is 8.1 inches. With these models, there is the option to add crossbars and mounts to enhance the adventurous experience for travelers who wish to kick the base model of the Corolla Cross up a notch.

Corolla’s technological upgrades include eight-inch display audio with JBL speakers and allow cordless connectivity to the smartphone’s Android Auto or Apple CarPlay features. There is also Destination Assist, Remote Connect, and Safety Connect made available for the Corolla Cross models that enable all the safety features possible to keep the driver in the know about the vehicle they’re driving. If it needs servicing, Service Connect will inform the driver with health reports and warning light notifications. This is an app featured on the smartphone, as is Destination Assist and Remote Connect. In addition to the mentioned features, Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 is their signature technological feature that features a pre-collision system, a pre-crash safety system, adaptive and dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic beam lighting, and lane tracing assist. This technology allows the vehicle to observe the movement of other elements such as people, objects, and vehicles. The exterior lights of the vehicle will adjust according to the environment, shifting from low beams to high according to the need. This enables safer driving at night. The cruise control features and the lane assistance features enable the car to remain centered while driving on the road. This also includes detecting the vehicle in front of you. Once it senses the vehicle in front of you is moving slower than you are it will reduce your driving speed in order to avoid a potential collision.

Critical Review

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross did not receive a perfect ten score but it wasn’t deemed as a failure either. It does, however, point out all the positives this model has going for it, as well as the negatives. The positives make mention of the value pricing, the cargo space, and the driver-assist features. The criticism fell on the lack of oomph this SUV has in its acceleration capabilities as other models of its year and class are known for. As with Edmunds, the pros pointed out also shared Car and Driver’s review about its cargo capacity and safety features but also pointed out it has a superior off-road capability than rivals of the same class. As for the cons, it also shared the same views, as well as the onboard navigational system. Does this mean the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a failure as an SUV model? Overall, the answer is no. For the money, this is a quality vehicle designed for people who want a safe traveling experience that relies more on comfort and safety than it does on the speed performance. For families, the SUV-style Corolla serves as a roomier equivalent to their sedan counterparts.