2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Review: It's All About the Base Model, Baby!

      Caleb Jacobs

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      If someone were to ask me, “Hey, Caleb. Which company makes a great small car?” I would respond, “Toyota, obviously.” While this may not be the only right answer, Toyota certainly has a solid reputation in this area. And if you’re in the market for an economical crossover? The RAV4 definitely fits the bill. But what about the Corolla Cross? What’s its standing? After a week with it, I'm still on the fence.

      The Corolla Cross is smaller, less powerful, and less fuel-efficient compared to a RAV4. Additionally, I found it to be quite noisy and not particularly comfortable. These issues might not be a significant concern for the base model priced at $26,450, but with the XLE AWD variant I tested, the MSRP climbs over $35,000. At that price point, it simply doesn’t make sense to me.

      So, what does it excel at? And what doesn’t it do so well? Let’s break it down so you can determine whether I’m completely off base or if you’d prefer a RAV4 (or perhaps a Chevy Trax, Mazda CX-30, or another option entirely).

      Caleb Jacobs

      The Basics

      The Corolla Cross is Toyota’s smallest gasoline crossover (the CH-R is even smaller, but it’s an EV). It’s also the most affordable, with only the Corolla sedan and hatchback priced lower. Regardless of how you look at it, it’s designed as an entry-level daily driver focused on practicality and economy.

      In terms of design, it’s clearly linked to the other Corolla variants, albeit a bit more bulbous. The prominent grille dominates the front end, but that’s typical these days. I don't mind the rear either—the sizeable muffler beneath resembles a unique design feature. Notably, the Corolla Cross doesn’t pretend to be more upscale than it actually is.

      Caleb Jacobs

      The straightforward theme is especially evident inside the vehicle. Even in the top XLE trim, it feels like a more economical model. The Corolla Cross still includes all the essentials, such as a 10.5-inch infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate at the back. In summary, while the features are present, the overall impression is budget-friendly—though mostly positive.

      While Toyota offers a Corolla Cross hybrid, the model I drove was a gas-only variant with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. This engine combination produces a modest 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is optional, which my press vehicle had.

      Driving the Toyota Corolla Cross

      At 6'5" and 290 pounds, I didn’t expect to fit particularly well in this Toyota. My anticipations were largely correct. I had no problems stretching my legs; rather, it was the width that was a concern. Perhaps I’m more bow-legged than I realized, but both my knees constantly pressed against the plastic panels. This becomes tiresome quickly, although not everyone shares my size.

      The engine of the Corolla Cross is unremarkable, which should be fine for most prospective buyers. It performs adequately: reaching highway speeds, overtaking slower vehicles, and transporting you without issues. In all-wheel drive configuration, it remains reasonably efficient, but compared to Toyota's hybrid options, its 30 mpg combined rating feels less impressive.

      This 2.0-liter engine utilizes the Atkinson cycle instead of the more commonly used Otto cycle, meaning it focuses more on fuel efficiency than on performance. Toyota employs this strategy in its hybrids as well, but those models benefit from an electric motor that helps compensate for any performance shortcomings. This one lacks that, so patience is required when you accelerate aggressively—it tends to rev up considerably.

      Caleb Jacobs

      If you’re looking to navigate easily around a city or suburb, you’ll appreciate how compact the Corolla Cross is. It steers like a small crossover, which means limited feedback and effort. Visibility is also commendable.

      However, if you need to accommodate a rear-facing car seat, you might find it cramped. It’s workable if no one sits in front of it, but my wife and I struggled to fit comfortably in the car with our three children (ages seven, three, and one). Toyota offers plenty of other crossovers and SUVs that can accommodate a family of five, but the Corolla Cross isn’t one of them.

      Ultimately, the driving experience aligns with most other vehicles of similar size, shape, power, and features. This segment lacks character, and while a little uniqueness could help the Corolla Cross stand out, it doesn't have it. It seems as if Toyota relies heavily on its established brand reputation,