Toyota Corolla Cross 2022 Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market is getting increasingly intense. Consumers want an economically efficient daily car without sacrificing space and features—the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid is here to meet these needs. As Toyota's main contender in the local hybrid SUV market, its core selling points are clear: Toyota's mature hybrid system, abundant safety features, and balanced space performance. In this test drive, we mainly want to see if its actual performance matches its positioning as the "first choice family SUV" and if the hybrid system's fuel consumption and power response meet daily usage demands.

The exterior design of the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid is more of a timeless type, with overall lines that lean towards stability and without overly aggressive styling. The front face adopts Toyota's family-style trapezoidal grille, featuring an internal black honeycomb pattern paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it a distinctive look; the silver skid plate on the lower bumper adds a slight rugged touch to the SUV. The body’s side profile is smooth, with a waistline running from the front to the rear, keeping the sides from appearing bulky. The 18-inch multi-spoke wheels are well-sized and proportionate to the body. The rear design is simple, with LED taillights laid out horizontally, providing a wide visual effect when lit; the rear bumper also has a silver skid plate, echoing the front face. The overall exterior design is the type that "won't go wrong," suiting the aesthetics of most family users.

Stepping inside, the interior layout is primarily practical, with the center console slightly tilted towards the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft material, offering a decent tactile feel. The inner side of the door panels is also wrapped in leather, adding a bit of texture. The 7-inch digital instrument cluster provides clear displays, showing the hybrid system's working status, fuel consumption, and other information; the 9-inch central touch screen is positioned at an appropriate height, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and operates smoothly. In terms of configuration, the front row features dual-zone automatic air conditioning, while the rear row has independent air vents and a 220V power outlet to meet the charging needs of rear passengers. The driver's seat features 8-way electric adjustment, with manual adjustment for the passenger seat. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding feature, expanding trunk space when folded down, sufficient for daily needs like stowing a stroller or suitcase. Storage space is also practical, with sizable compartments in the center armrest box and door panels, providing ample room for personal items.

The vehicle dimensions are 4460mm in length, 1825mm in width, and 1620mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. These dimensions place it at a mainstream level among C-Segment SUVs. Front-row seating offers ample space. A 175cm tall passenger adjusting the seat properly will have about a fist and two fingers of headroom remaining; the rear-row legroom measures two fists, with one fist of headroom, accommodating three adults without feeling overly crowded. The trunk has a regular capacity of 440L, with enough depth, and folding down the rear seats allows for larger items such as a folding bike or camping gear to fit.

The powertrain consists of a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a maximum horsepower of 98PS from the engine and 72PS from the electric motor, mated to an E-CVT transmission. During daily driving, the initial acceleration mainly relies on the electric motor, providing a responsive and swift start. In city traffic or at launch, it doesn't feel sluggish. When the speed exceeds 60 km/h, the engine kicks in, delivering smooth power output. During overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply engages both the motor and engine, providing sufficient acceleration, though not overly swift. Switching to Sport mode results in a more sensitive throttle response and more aggressive power delivery, yet the overall performance still leans towards smoothness.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate turning force, little slack, and is very smooth for daily driving. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension system, tuned for comfort. It absorbs most vibrations when going over speed bumps or rough roads, without causing significant jolts. The vehicle maintains good stability at high speeds, even at 120km/h, with no noticeable floating sensation. When navigating corners, the body controls tilting well and does not make passengers feel significant shaking. Fuel consumption is a highlight. In this test drive, both city and highway driving were evenly split, achieving an actual fuel consumption of around 4.8L/100km, which is not far from the official figure of 4.57L/100km, showcasing excellent fuel economy.

Noise control is well-executed, with minimal tire and wind noise during city driving. At highway speeds, wind noise starts to become audible when exceeding 100km/h, but it remains within a tolerable range. Seat comfort is decent, with the front seats offering sufficient support to avoid fatigue during long drives. The rear seatback angle is moderate, making it comfortable for long-distance travel. The hybrid system's energy recovery has adjustable levels. At the maximum setting, releasing the accelerator creates a noticeable deceleration effect, reducing the need for braking. At the lowest setting, it feels similar to coasting in a gasoline car, making it quick to adapt to.

In summary, the 2022 Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid stands out for its core strengths: Toyota's well-developed hybrid system providing low fuel consumption, comprehensive safety features (7 airbags and TSS Intelligent Safety System), as well as balanced space and comfort. Compared to its competitors like the Honda HR-V Hybrid or Mazda CX-30, its fuel economy is more consistent, safety features are more complete, and the price offers an advantage—priced at RM142,000, its features are very competitive at this price point.

This car is suitable for family users who value fuel efficiency and safety features, meeting the needs of daily commutes or weekend family outings. For consumers with a budget of about RM140,000 looking for a worry-free, durable SUV, this is a great choice. Overall, the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid is a "well-rounded" vehicle without significant shortcomings and is a reliable choice for a family car.