Toyota allows for some variety with four trims: S, SE, Nightshade, and XSE. The 2.0-liter gasoline engine works with three electric motors to create 196 combined horsepower, while the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is responsible for routing that energy to the all-wheel drivetrain. It’s also possible to tow up to 1,500 pounds of equipment behind the SUV.
The EPA-estimated city rating for the Corolla Cross Hybrid is 45 mpg, while it returns 38 mpg on the highway. For perspective on the model’s efficiency, not that both of those ratings exceed the non-hybrid Corolla Cross’s ratings by at least 10 mpg.
The entry-level S has the Smart Key system with push-button start, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, two USB ports, automatic air conditioning, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, a 60/40 split fold-flat back seat, LED headlights, and 17-inch silver sport-alloy wheels. There are two additional USB ports in the SE, along with wireless device charging, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and black roof rails. The available Moonroof Package will add a cargo area tonneau cover and a moonroof. The Nightshade offers a unique look with special dark-accented taillights, dark-accented LED headlights, and 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels. It’s eligible for the same Moonroof Package as the SE.
The XSE is improved with synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a rear folding armrest, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, a leather-trimmed shift knob, an auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror, ambient interior lighting, LED taillights and fog lights, a cargo-area tonneau cover, and 18-inch black machined-alloy wheels. The available Convenience Package adds a moonroof and power liftgate.
Every Corolla Cross Hybrid includes the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) system of driver-assist aids for these driver-assist technologies: lane departure alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlights, a rearview camera, proactive driving assist, lane tracing assist, and rear seat reminder. Rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit assist are found on all but the base trim. The XSE receives automatic braking with front and rear parking assist.
Every trim gets an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and six speakers. The Nightshade and XSE are eligible for an upgrade to a top-quality JBL sound system with nine speakers, an amplifier, and a subwoofer.