Andy Nurman
May 20, 2023
- The Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers significantly better fuel economy than its petrol counterpart but is not as quick
- This Toyota employs a well-designed interior with high quality materials
- Starting from RM142,000, its competitively priced
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a recent addition to the Corolla lineup, and offers a number of advantages over its petrol-powered counterpart. The most obvious advantage is fuel economy. Starting at RM142,000, the Corolla Cross Hybrid gets 23.3 km/litre which is significantly better than that of the regular Corolla Cross.
While the Cross’s front end is a little busy around the front bumper section with lines and edges going every which way, the mid-sized SUV’s chunky exterior employs a bold, mesh grille with sleek upslanting headlights and 18-inch alloys. At the rear end, it incorporates integrated LED tail lights and neat roof spoiler and bumper details.
Inside, this Toyota employs an ergonomic, driver-oriented cabin fitted with premium materials and finish. The smart layout of the cockpit makes sure every control is intuitively accessible to the driver. It also gets a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone connectivity.
Another advantage of the Corolla Cross Hybrid is its quietness. The hybrid system is very smooth and efficient, and it doesn’t produce any of the noise and vibration that you might associate with a traditional petrol engine. This makes the Corolla a great choice for people who want to spend less time at the petrol station.
In terms of performance, the 121-hp 1.8L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder hybrid is not as quick as the petrol-powered model, but it still provides enough power for overtaking and merging onto highways, and handles and rides well for its size.
As you’d expect this hybrid comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a suite of advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features can help keep you out of sticky situations, and can also make driving more relaxing and stress-free.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.8L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder hybrid
- Horsepower: 121 hp
- Torque: 105 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel economy: 23.3km/L
- 0-100 km/h: 10.2 seconds
- Top speed: 180 km/h
Our Thoughts
Overall, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a great choice for motorists who are looking for a fuel-efficient, spacious, comfortable, and safe SUV. It offers a number of advantages over its petrol-powered counterpart, including class-leading safety and it’s good value starting from RM142,000.
