The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is just like a Prius only BIGGER!

With more cargo and passenger room the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is just like a Prius only BIGGER! Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:38 Exterior 1:04 Trims 1:23 Suspension and Wheels 2:11 Cargo Space 2:29 Under The Hood 3:11 Pricing 3:40 Rear Seat 3:57 Interior and Tech 5:44 Driving 14:57 Verdict The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid offers a practical, spacious 4-door option for those who prioritize a higher driving position over a traditional Corolla sedan or hatchback. I received this SE Nightshade trim tester so we put it to the test to see how it performs. When the gas-only model was launched, it featured a somewhat underpowered 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, the additional 250 pounds of weight made it painfully sluggish. The Corolla Cross Hybrid now introduces three electric motors to complement the 2.0-liter gas engine. New Looks The gasoline-only Corolla Cross features a distinct, catfish-like grille while the hybrid model sports a beaked lip reminiscent of the Lexus RX's new front fascia. Toyota has also blacked out the trim and badging to further distinguish the two variants. The overall result is a handsome, rugged-looking small SUV. Toyota is positioning the hybrid Corolla Cross as a sportier alternative to the gasoline-only model. Accordingly, the 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in S, SE, XSE, and Nightshade trims. New Underpinnings To accommodate the additional weight from the battery and motor, Toyota has uniquely tuned the Corolla Cross Hybrid's suspension. The front features a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut setup with a stabilizer bar, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers. In the rear, there's a sport-tuned double-wishbone multi-link design with coil springs, trailing arms, a stabilizer bar, and hydraulic shock absorbers. For off-road capability, the Corolla Cross Hybrid boasts 8.1 inches of ground clearance - a 3-inch increase over the standard Corolla hatchback sedan. Nightshade Trim The Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade features a stylish, blacked-out exterior with details like darkened badges, door handles, and mirrors. It also includes an integrated rear lip spoiler for an athletic look. You can choose from three paint options: Jet Black, Barcelona Red with a Jet Black roof, or Celestite Gray with a Jet Black roof. Additionally, the Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade comes equipped with convenient accessories for an active lifestyle, such as a roof rack for extra storage, wireless charging, a frameless HomeLink rearview mirror, and standard carpet floor mats. Wheels and tires The Nightshade trim features 18-inch black painted wheels with 225/55 tires. The XSE model also has 18-inch wheels, while the lower trim levels come equipped with 17-inch wheels. Under The Hood The 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. This engine works in tandem with electric motors that produce an additional 152 lb-ft of torque, though Toyota has not disclosed the electric motors' horsepower output. The combined system output is rated at 196 horsepower. All Corolla Cross Hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This hybrid powertrain enables the Corolla Cross Hybrid to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, a significant improvement over the 9.2-second 0-60 time of the standard Corolla Cross model. Toyota's hybrid model achieves an impressive 42 mpg combined, a significant improvement over the 32 mpg of the gasoline-only FWD version and 30 mpg of the AWD variant. However, despite this enhanced fuel efficiency, the vehicle's fuel tank capacity is quite small, measuring just 10.6 gallons. For the week I averaged an impressive (for me at least) 36.7 mpg. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade Numbers BASE PRICE: $30,465 PRICE AS TESTED: $34,787 VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV ENGINE: 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 + Rear electric motor POWER: 150 hp TORQUE: 151 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm COMBINED POWER: 196 HP TRANSMISSION: Continuously Variable CURB WEIGHT: 3,430 lb 0-60 MPH: 7.5 seconds EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON: 45/38/42 mpg OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY 36.7 mpg CARGO SPACE: 21.5 cubic feet, 61.8 cubic feet with rear seat flat PROS: Hybrid system is peppy, zippy handling, looks cool CONS: The gas engine is coarse, and there are some inferior plastics inside