The 2022 Corolla Cross: Even More to Love

The Toyota Corolla has been a best-selling sedan for decades, with Toyota stepping up its game with each model year to provide drivers with exactly the vehicle they’re looking for when they visit their favorite Joliet car dealer. In terms of technology, design, power, and safety features, it seems the Toyota Corolla isn’t giving up its best-seller crown any time soon. So what could possibly be better than the Toyota Corolla? Even more Corolla!

The Toyota Corolla Cross has been available on global markets for a while but is making its US debut with the 2022 model year. It’s bigger and taller than the Corolla hatchback, officially making it into the compact crossover SUV class, but the Corolla Cross will stay true to its older, smaller sibling.

“Our loyal customers love the quality, durability, and reliability that has helped make Corolla the best-selling nameplate in history,” stated group vice president of Toyota Marketing, Lisa Materazzo, in the manufacturer’s official June 2, 2021 press release. “With the all-new Corolla Cross we are building upon that foundation and offering more versatility and fun to adapt to their evolving lifestyles,” she continued.

Let’s take a look at what the 2022 Corolla Cross has in store for drivers who love their sedans but who need a little more when they hit the roads.

The Power Behind the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

As you can imagine, the 2022 Corolla Cross isn’t your typical compact crossover SUV. Taking a nudge from the Corolla hatchback, it’s engineered to be more flexible and carry more than your average car.

Drivers have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, allowing them to enjoy a safe, comfortable ride in a variety of weather and road conditions. Those who select front-wheel drive will enjoy a specially-tuned suspension system, thanks to a torsion beam system in the rear. All-wheel drive versions include fully independent suspension and Dynamic Torque Control, which automatically provides support to the rear wheels when needed. The result is a smooth, comfortable, responsive ride regardless of the preference.

The Corolla Cross borrows its engine from the more powerful Corolla SE and XSE trims: a 2.0L Dynamic Force engine with a Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This combo produces 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, which is enough power to tow loads up to 1,500 pounds. Even better, the Corolla Cross retains the remarkable fuel economy of its namesake, getting an estimated 32 MPG combined.

While SUVs are often maligned for having poor fuel mileage and expensive upkeep, the Corolla Cross looks to keep the same level of high reliability and easy caretaking as its namesake. Though prices haven’t been announced as of yet, it appears that the 2022 Corolla Cross will be budget-friendly in every way, from a reasonable starting MSRP to low long-term costs of ownership, much like the original Corolla.

Standard Features of the 2022 Corolla Cross

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is offered in three trims: the L, LE, and XLE. While each trim includes its own set of customizable features, one of the perks of driving a Corolla Cross is the fantastic array of standard features.

The Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety technologies comes standard in all trims, including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Those looking for more active safety features can look to the LE and XLE trims, which add Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert at no extra cost.

An infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is also standard, paired with a standard 7-inch screen or optional 8-inch screen. Amazon Alexa access is also included for convenient voice commands and smart home integration. The L trim includes a standard USB port for charging, while the LE and XLE add rear-seat USB ports and a wireless charging pad.

Best of all, drivers can look forward to enjoying plenty of cargo space. The front-wheel drive version has the greatest amount of space, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row of seats. The all-wheel drive models drop slightly to 24.3 cubic feet, but there’s great news for those who need lots of flexible space: the Corolla Cross features 60/40 split folding rear seats to create more room for all the stuff that you need to bring along.

Regardless of which trim you choose, you’ll find a comprehensive daily driver and a ready-to-go adventure partner all in one with the 2022 Corolla Cross.

Choosing the Right 2022 Corolla Cross

While the L trim of the 2022 Corolla Cross comes well-equipped with all of the standard necessities, those who crave just a little bit more can explore the LE and XLE trims, as well as some of the optional features Toyota plans to make available. The two higher trims get quite a few standard additions, including a larger 8-inch infotainment system. Also standard on these trims is a wireless charging pad for mobile devices, in addition to those two extra rear-seat USB ports.

One area in which the Corolla Cross takes a step up from the competition is in climate control. While some smaller SUVs don’t offer standard heating and cooling vents for the rear seat passengers, the Corolla Cross ensures all trims have comfortable passengers. Furthermore, the higher trims will include single-zone or dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead without dealing with constantly adjusting the climate settings as the temperature fluctuates. Or, if you prefer to feel the wind in your hair, opt for the available power moonroof.

Other options that will be available across the lineup are a roof rack with crossbars, an activity mount for bicycles, all-weather floor mats, and a premium audio system. In fact, the only options that seem to be absent are a manual transmission and a hybrid powertrain. While the Corolla Cross is offered as a hybrid in other world markets, the US version will be gasoline-only, at least for the time being.

The XLE trim has a few specific perks, including SofTex leatherette seating, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, front and rear parking assistance, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. While this top trim will surely have a price tag to match, it may be worth it for those who plan on taking their 2022 Corolla Cross on long trips or find themselves in charge of driving the carpool frequently. Of course, in a vehicle as comfortable and economical as the Corolla Cross promises to be, perhaps driving more frequently won’t be so much a chore as a privilege.

For years, the driving public has wondered what Toyota could do to match the success of the Corolla. The model itself has been around since the late 1960s, making it one of the longest-running sedans to grace American streets. Furthermore, the Corolla has been at the top of the best-sellers list since the late 1990s. While the public may gravitate more towards SUVs in this day and age, the perpetual popularity of the Corolla sedan makes a compact crossover version the logical next step for Toyota. Larger than the C-HR and smaller than the RAV4, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is designed to fit a need the American public couldn’t quite put their finger on… until now.