2023 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G AT Review

Now, the competition in the Malaysian C-segment SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce. When choosing a car, consumers not only look at space and practicality but also have high demands for features and value for money. As a popular model in this segment, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G AT has seen numerous optimizations in terms of features and details, such as the addition of lane-keeping assist and active braking systems, all while maintaining Toyota's consistent reliability. In this test drive, we will focus on its daily driving performance, space utilization, and the practical effects of the new features to see if it can maintain its leading position in this segment.

Looking at the exterior, the overall style of the 2023 Corolla Cross 1.8G AT leans towards stability and practicality. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with black horizontal slats inside, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it high recognition. The side profile showcases smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, ensuring the side does not look monotonous. The 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels have a conventional design suitable for its family-oriented positioning. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-type design, which creates a clear visual effect when lit. The silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a hint of rugged SUV appeal. The lighting system is fully equipped with LED lights, including daytime running lights and front fog lights, ensuring sufficient brightness for daily use and safer night driving.

Sitting inside, the interior layout is simple and organized, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a relatively refined texture. A 9-inch touchscreen is positioned at the top of the center console, with smooth operation and support for basic multimedia and Bluetooth connection functions. The instrument cluster features a 4.2-inch LCD display, capable of showing basic information such as RPM, fuel consumption, and mileage, all of which are easy to read. In terms of features, the front seats come with single-zone automatic air conditioning for quick temperature adjustments, and the 220V/230V power outlet is convenient for rear passengers to charge their devices, making it highly practical for daily use. The driver's seat offers 8-way electric adjustment for easily finding a comfortable position, while the front passenger seat is manually adjustable. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 configuration to expand trunk space, allowing for the storage of large items with ease. Additionally, keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers enhance convenience for daily use.

Regarding space performance, the vehicle dimensions are 4450mm×1825mm×1620mm, with a wheelbase of 2640mm, placing it in the mid-range among SUVs in its class. When the front seat is adjusted to a suitable position, a passenger of 175cm can enjoy over a fist's worth of headroom. In the rear, legroom measures about two fists, and headroom is about one fist, allowing three adults to sit without feeling overly crowded. In terms of storage space, the front door panels can hold two water bottles, the central armrest box has a moderate volume, and a phone can fit into the storage compartment below the central touchscreen. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 440L, sufficient for daily grocery shopping or storing a baby stroller. When the rear seats are folded down, it can accommodate longer items such as a foldable bicycle.

In the performance department, the vehicle is powered by a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 139PS and a peak torque of 172N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During initial acceleration, the power output is smooth, with no noticeable jerkiness, making low-speed city driving feel relatively light. During acceleration, the CVT transmission maintains the engine in an efficient RPM range, and when accelerating mid-range for overtaking, pressing the accelerator firmly provides gradually increasing power. Although it lacks the explosive power of turbocharged models, it is entirely adequate for daily family use. The driving modes are limited to a standard mode, with no options for sports or economy modes, making the selection somewhat narrow.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate resistance and is fairly precise, making lane changes and turns in daily driving easy and flexible. The front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent type, tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the small vibrations, and the vehicle body does not experience significant shaking; when taking high-speed turns, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, providing decent stability. The brake pedal feels linear, and the braking response is prompt, giving confidence during everyday braking.

As for fuel efficiency, this test drive was primarily conducted on mixed urban and highway routes, with an average fuel consumption of about 6.8L per 100 kilometers. With a fuel tank capacity of 46L, a full tank offers a driving range of over 650 kilometers. The fuel economy is considered above average for its class. In terms of noise control, cabin noise is minimal during low-speed city driving; at highway speeds, wind noise and tire noise are present but do not affect normal conversations. Overall, the sound insulation meets the standards for this segment.

Safety features are a highlight of this car, with 7 standard airbags including driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, and a knee airbag, providing comprehensive protection. Active safety features include lane change assist, active braking, and vehicle stability control, offering extra safety assurance during daily driving. The car is also equipped with front and rear parking sensors, making it easy to monitor the surroundings during parking, even for new drivers.

Overall, the 2023 Corolla Cross 1.8G AT's main advantage lies in its balanced performance: practical space, rich features, fuel efficiency, and complete safety configurations. Compared to the Honda HR-V in the same class, it offers more airbags and more comprehensive active safety features; compared to the Proton X50, although it lacks the power of the latter, Toyota's reliability and resale value are stronger. This car is ideal for families that prioritize practicality and safety, meeting the needs of both daily commuting and weekend family road trips.

All in all, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G AT doesn't have any significant shortcomings, and it performs rather evenly across various aspects, making it a pragmatic choice for most families. If you're looking for an SUV that offers enough space, abundant features, and peace of mind while driving, it is worth considering.