The strategy of Toyota with the Corolla Cross proved to be a success. The SUV arrived on the market sharing several parts and even the name with the Corolla sedan, the Japanese brand’s main model worldwide, and since 2021, it has never been below the top 10 best-selling SUVs in Brazil, despite not having a turbo engine, something common in the segment.
Taking advantage of the carnival days, I traveled from Rio de Janeiro to Porto Seguro (BA) to find out more about the SUV in its XRE version, one of the most affordable of the model, offered for R$ 177,390, which with the Granada Red color in the images, rises to R$ 179,410.
As standard, this version comes with digital air conditioning, manually adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, electric power steering, USB-C inputs, electrically adjustable mirrors, rain sensor, push-button start, 9-inch multimedia center with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mirroring, 7 airbags, frontal pre-collision assistant with automatic braking and lane departure warning.
40 hours on the road
The Corolla Cross proved to be a good car in road use. Taking corners and overtaking with the SUV won’t be exciting, but everything works very well, and buyers of the model will be able to make their journeys with comfort and peace of mind. The mirrors are a good size and the electric adjustments make them easy to see.
On a two-way mountain road at dawn, we were able to use the adaptive high beam system, which works very well, as does the lane departure warning. These are safeguards that make road use easier.
The front suspension is of the McPherson type and is very soft when driving on asphalt. On bumpier roads, the impact is well absorbed by the set. At the rear, the system has torsion axle suspension, which is notably a little stiffer, but nothing that bothers too much. The Bridgestone Alenza 225/50 R18 tires offer good grip and a very acceptable noise level.
It remains to be seen whether the GR-Sport version, named after Toyota’s racing division, brings firmer adjustments to the suspension system.
Incomfortable during the journey
The journey with the Corolla Cross only became “complicated” when overtaking. The 2.0 flex engine generates 177 hp of power at 6,600 rpm and 21.4 kgfm of torque at 4,400 revolutions (ethanol), and added to a simulated 10-speed CVT-type automatic transmission makes a lot of noise when overtaking, which can result in complaints from some passengers.
You need to get used to the set-up until you have the confidence to overtake vehicles, especially long trucks.The transmission’s PWR button turns the dashboard red and holds the revs at higher levels, precisely where the engine delivers more power and can make overtaking easier, as well as the manual gearshift via the butterflies behind the steering wheel.
Before I got used to the car, overtaking was only done with the PWR key activated and after manually reducing a gear. Overtaking is done safely, but the noise of the engine invades the cabin with a certain violence, which is quite annoying. It’s worth noting that the model tested didn’t have an acoustic blanket on the bonnet.
The engine is where the Corolla Cross could make a breakthrough. Its segment rivals (Tracker, Compass, Creta, Taos) all come with at least one turbo engine option for a similar price, as well as earlier torque, in the case of the Taos and Compass.
Running at 100 km/h, the engine was revving at around 2,000 revolutions, precisely where, in turbo cars, most of the torque is delivered, which makes overtaking easier. No wonder it was possible to see several Jeep Compass turbo cars overtaking (even too boldly) during the trip.
Toyota offers versions with hybrid engine, which brings 31.1 kgfm of torque when the torques of the combustion and electric engines are added, however, this value is not the combined torque of the set, which is not disclosed by the manufacturer.
Another factor that caused discomfort during the trip was the lack of sound insulation under the car. Part of the road was undergoing construction work and there were several pebbles along the way that hit the floor of the vehicle, causing a disturbing noise.
On arriving at the destination, I immediately checked to see if there was protection on the wheel housings of the Corolla Cross XRE and yes, there is, so there can only be a lack of acoustic insulation under the interior carpet. A cost saving that makes no sense in a car costing more than R$ 170,000.
Consumption
According to Inmetro, the consumption of the Toyota Corolla Cross with ethanol is 8.2 km/l in the city and 9 km/l on the highway and with gasoline the averages are 11.7 km/l and 13 km/l in the same cycles. Only ethanol was used during the trip and the averages were 9.2 km/l with moments of 9.4 km/l according to the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Interior space
Four adults can travel comfortably inside the Corolla Cross, but taller people may suffer in the rear seats, which have two levels of tilt adjustment. The wheelbase is 2.64 meters, 6 cm shorter than that of the Corolla sedan, which also beats the SUV in the trunk, with 470 liters, compared to 440 in the SUV.
However, a family of four can travel without too many problems in both models, but if you need more space and slightly better fuel consumption, the sedan may suit you better.
I didn’t feel any discomfort in the driver’s seat, but those who sat in the passenger seat complained of lower back discomfort.
The materials used in the cabin are of good quality, but the design could be a bit bolder, being exactly what is presented by the sedan.
Many people complain about the parking brake pedal on the Corolla Cross, something that should be changed when the model’s facelift arrives in the country, I wouldn’t say it bothered me, but an electronic handbrake would fit in a car of this price.
Conclusion
The Corolla Cross is a good car. The Toyota logo can be a great facilitator when it comes to sales, after all, the brand is recognized for the durability of its vehicles and the tendency is for the model to maintain a good market value.
However, those looking for a SUV that delivers a smarter drive should look for a model with a turbo engine. The Corolla Cross has everything it takes to be a great car for those who intend to keep the car for a long time and are looking for an extremely rational purchase.
The high engine noise won’t be a problem for those who do a lot of city driving, and fuel consumption is satisfactory in this environment.
What can weigh it down is the uninspiring interior and even the parking brake pedal, but this is a feature that you can get used to over time.
The Corolla Cross is a great car for those who intend to keep the car for a long time.
