2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: Release Date, Engine, Pricing & Specs

June 18th, 2021 by Pablo Luna

The Toyota Corolla, the brand’s most popular mid-sized sedan has been around for over half a century and continues to dominate as the world’s best-selling passenger vehicle. Though this model is internationally famous, Toyota Corolla is sold in the US in two body styles: sedan and hatchback. For 2022 however, Toyota is showing signs of growth and expands the Corolla’s family collection by introducing a new Corolla model: Toyota Corolla Cross.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a subcompact crossover of the original Corolla and shares the underpinnings, powertrain, and design elements with its two other siblings in the family. As the market will see this model rolling out to dealerships over the year and be available for purchase before the end of 2022, the other Corolla models are also staying with no plans of discontinuing it anytime soon. The new Corolla Cross creates a new space in between the C-HR and the Rav4.

Toyota’s plan to turn the Corolla into a crossover comes to life due to popular market demand. Sedans and hatchbacks have seen decreasing sales in recent years and Toyota wants to make sure it has options available for the ever-increasing, ever-demanding market for mid-sized SUVs. This trend was initially seen with the rising demand of SUVs also built for comfort as needs for travelling with luggage over long-distances become ever more apparent, particularly in the US.

2022 Corolla Cross Exterior

Toyota has decided to with a more traditional exterior lineup for the Corolla Cross. The design language offends no one yet manages to have a bit of an attitude. It’s a strong, sporty, edgy design that fits perfectly into the family of Toyota Corollas currently in the market.

Front and rear fenders have a muscular look along with a black plastic trim that sits directly above the wheel wells. Rest assured it’ll make anyone feel like they’re on a mission when driving the mid-sized SUV.

At the front, a black grill manages to catch the attention in daylight with its subtle-yet-mean look. The daytime LEDs also enhance the sporty look.

The rear’s design language is similar to that of the Toyota Rav4, with the taillights extending over the edge outwards to the rear sides of the car.

There is also an integrated roof spoiler that not only adds to the look, but also is a functional addition to keep dirt, dust, or water away from hindering the view through the rear-view mirror. The spoiler is also accompanied by a shark fin. Whether they may be included in the base model or will be available as add-ons is yet to be known.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is uniquely designed with a characteristic and strong exterior

The Corolla Cross is not primarily an off-roader due to its compact size and traditional Corolla drivetrain, but it can be used more adventures when compared to its sedan counterpart. Thanks to optional accessories such as roof rack with crossbars and activity mounts for bicycles and/or other luggage, an abundance of tools, accessories, and equipment for a good adventure can be packed up on top of the Cross.

The Toyota Corolla Cross will be available in three trims: L, LE, and XLE. The base model L will come with 17-inch wheels with 18-inch alloys optional on the LE. The XLE will come with 18-inch alloy wheels as a standard option.

2022 Corolla Cross Interior

If the layout of the dashboard on the Corolla Sedan and hatchback amuse you, then the Cross will be a thrilling drive for you.

This crossover Corolla will come with a five-seat layout with a nearly identical dashboard design. A 7-inch infotainment display, with an 8-inch available as an option, covers the center of the dashboard which will support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The LE and XLE trims will receive a much-anticipated JBL audio system, wireless charging, and rear seat USB charging ports to power up entertainment devices for everyone in the family.

2022 Corolla Cross is spacious and stacked with lots of options in the interior.

Power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, SofTex-trimmed seats, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with heat and lumbar support are additional options that can be added on should you wish to upgrade the Cross to its fullest.

There are 60/40-split folding rear seats that come standard on all trims. The XLE, however, will have comfortable armrests with two cupholders in the back. There is also a power liftgate option with height adjustability for efficient access to rear cargo. Two rows of seats behind the front each have 25.5 cu. Ft. of storage space behind them. This may, however, drop to 24.3 cu. Ft. should you wish to add the optional all-wheel drive drivetrain. There has been no announcement of the total measurement of the rear seats when folded flat.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross specs

Even though the Corolla Cross comes in three trim levels, for now it will only be accompanied with one type of engine: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission promises power routing to only the front or all four wheels.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross comes with a 169 HP 2.0-Liter Inline-4 Engine, only one option for now

A hybrid version is also expected in the near future, which will see Toyota’s electric vision in one more model. Whether the Corolla Cross be switched to an all-electric version is remained to be seen.

With both FWD and AWD, Toyota has announced a combined 32 mpg and 30mpg of mileage respectively, however, considering a track record of car manufacturers being slightly conservative, this number can change depending on cargo and the number of passengers travelling in the vehicle.

For the towers, it is definitely a delight to know that all Corolla Cross models will be able to tow up to 1,500 pounds. In addition, AWD versions will come with a unique feature of a torque control system that can send up to 50 percent of the power through its four-cylinder engine to the rear wheels when needed.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross claims a combined 32 MPG of mileage

Safety will be one of the biggest concerns for most buyers and Toyota generally packs its cars with features to ensure driver and passenger safety. The Toyota cross delivers on this with all trims enjoying Toyota Safety Sense suite that includes active safety systems such as lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and radar-based cruise control.

Additionally, traction and stability control, smart stop technology, blind-spot monitoring system, and rear cross-traffic alerts come standard on the LE and XLE trims. Parking assists on the front and rear with automatic braking also comes at no extra cost on the XLE. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert will come standard on midlevel LE and top XLE trims.