Thinking of Buying a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross? Get the Hybrid - Here’s Why

Toyota’s Corolla Cross is a very popular compact crossover wagon. The Corolla Cross slots in under the RAV4 very nicely for those shoppers looking for a vehicle that is a bit less of an SUV and offers a slightly lower price point. We’ve tested both the standard and hybrid versions of this vehicle and feel strongly that shoppers should buy the hybrid. 

Review: Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD 

The Corolla Cross is a very nice vehicle in any configuration. However, the standard powertrain is so weak that we felt it ruined the experience of the vehicle. Don’t take our word alone for it. Motor Trend called the acceleration of the Corolla Cross “...agonizing…” and said that trying to push the car to feel responsive “...demands putting up with the engine's coarse mooing noises.” I’m a mature adult tester who drives sedately, yet the Corolla Cross still felt to me as if it was short on torque and power to the point where the vehicle was unenjoyable. 

By contrast, the Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD feels quite nice. It’s still not a sporty vehicle, and that is just fine. Not every vehicle needs to be a sports car. However, in normal driving, the Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD feels almost peppy. Certainly capable and comfortable with regard to its acceleration. Toyota says the vehicle will accelerate to 60 MPH in about 8 seconds. That is just one metric. What you really notice is the off-the-line torque from the added electric motors. The Corolla Cross also has a different transmission than the standard powertrain does (better) and it includes a sport mode. 

Instead of being a negative, the hybrid powertrain is a benefit to this vehicle. Fuel economy is remarkable. We have been observing 41 MPG in our limited winter-time driving, which has been mostly highway, and the EPA’s 42 MPG Combined seems spot on. According to the EPA, on average, a Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD owner will spend about $500 less per year on fuel than an owner of a standard Corolla Cross. Over ten years of ownership that equates to $5,000 in savings. 

There is only one downside of the Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD vs the standard Corolla Cross. There is no compact spare tire. Instead, you get a mobility kit. Be sure your AAA membership is up to date. 

There are no meaningful changes to the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross line. Prices range from about $25K to about $35K. All-wheel drive is optional on the conventionally powered versions but standard on the hybrid trims. The difference in price ends up being about $2K when you equip the standard vehicle similarly to the hybrid, but it is more than made up in fuel savings. 

If you are shopping for a Toyota Corolla Cross, do yourself a favor and be certain to test-drive a Hybrid AWD trim. The added power and torque and the better transmission is an important part of the vehicle’s overall appeal. 
 

Image of 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD by John Goreham.

John Goreham is an experienced New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can follow John on Twitter, and connect with him at Linkedin.