If you think about Hybrids, you probably think Toyota, right? I mean they pretty much started the game with the Prius, and have expanded the thrifty powertrain along most of their lineup. Heck, even the new Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Sequoia are rolling some brand of hybrid powertrain.
While it’s nice to see those big beasts getting a little more efficient, it seems like the big thrills come from squeezing out every drop from a smaller engine. And one of our favorite super sippers is the Corolla Cross Hybrid, because it puts that efficiency in a smart crossover package that’s also surprisingly fun to drive. And with a new Nightshade Edition bowing for 2024, it’s time to check out the 2024 model!
Rugged and Ready
Well, the Corolla Cross Hybrid makes a great first impression.
Already a handsome SUV with RAV4-like overtones, the big news for ’24 is the Nightshade Edition, which gives some added toughness to the look.
Up front there’s a massive blacked-out lower grille and Toyota logo, while kicking in some spice are frowny Nightshade-exclusive, black-accented LED projector low- and high-beam headlights.
The profile helps sell the rugged vibe, with blacked-out fender wheels and lower trim, and a host of Nightshade Special Edition goodies, including blacked-out door handles and mirrors, and most noticeably, special 18-inch gloss black sport alloy wheels that really fill out the wheel wells. Adding to the looks, our tester wore the optional 2-tone paint that includes the A-pillar and roof in a tough-looking black.
The rear looks fresh with slender horizontal taillights and contrasting lower fascia. Like the side, the Nightshade Edition adds more goodness with blacked-out badges, integrated rear lip spoiler and black accents around the taillights.
If you love the Nightshade as much as we did, you’ll have a choice of three exterior colors –Jet Black, Celestite Gray with Jet Black Roof or Barcelona Red with Jet Black Roof like our tester, which really popped.
Seeing Red
Inside, is traditional Toyota, with good-looking hard-wearing materials, a large info-tainment screen in the center, and to be honest a little drabness, with a symphony of dark plastics. Luckily the Nightshade perks things right up with a unique black and red fabric trimmed interior with red stitching that’s pleasing to the eye.
Slide into the comfortable front seats and you have a nice tall position with a commanding view around you. While we missed the power and heated driver’s seat from the more expensive XSE model we previously tested, the seat is still supportive and even though there is no lumbar support, we found ourselves comfortable even on longer trips.
There’s a handsome leather-trimmed steering wheel, and analog gauge display with a handsome 8,000 rpm tach and 160 mph speedometer, and small a 4.2-nch TFT driver’s display in between. You’ll have to opt for the XSE if you want more of a digital dash display to match up against the latest like the Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona.
There are no complaints about the info-tainment here, with an 8.0-inch table-style display including, thankfully a volume knob. Tech is up to date with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius XM, and Qi wireless charging.
Our tester also enjoyed a couple upgrades, including a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a tilt and slide moonroof that also brightened up the interior.
You might notice the rear seat is smaller than say a RAV4, but we still found plenty of room for adults in the back, and good cargo space as well. While the rear hatch is not power, we found it light and easy to open.
One of the reasons you might opt for a Corolla Cross over a Corolla sedan, you can flat fold the rear seats and create an impressive cargo hold. We especially like the cool rubberized cargo mat on our tester. Begging to get muddied up we think! We also noted that even though the hybrid powertrain might use up a little extra cargo space, there was still more than enough for our day-to-day, and weekend activities.
It Zips, It Sips
Driving the Corolla Cross shows just how good the hybrid powertrain is. While the regular Corolla Cross features a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder with a reasonable 169 horsepower, that same size engine, combined with hybrid’s three electric motors, including one on the rear axle serves up a 196 horsepower with plenty of low-end oomph for sparkling acceleration, especially around town. We think 0-60 is in the low 7-second range, certainly quick.
Just as exciting as the low-end punch, is the Hybrid’s fuel economy – a jaw dropping 45 mpg city, and 38 mpg highway. With an EPA combined rating of 42 mpg, this is really having your cake and eating it too!
The hybrid system also serves as an electric on-demand All-wheel-drive, so it’s going to be zippy and grippy in all 4-seasons, and it also helps lay down the power in a nice linear way around corners.
The handling is responsive, with good steering feel, and the Cross enjoys being hustled around corners, but when it comes time for the long cruise its ride is smooth, and the hybrid system can shut off the gas engine around town or on the freeway making for an impressively quiet ride.
While most Corolla Cross drivers are probably not as, shall we say enthusiastic, about the drive, we’re sure they be thrilled with the impressive amount of standard safety gear on board.
Thanks to Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, that includes Pre-Collision with detection, intersection alerts and Lane Departure Alert along with Steering assist and Trace assist. We really liked the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that lets you set your speed and even works in stop and go traffic. No more sweating the commute! Our tester also had Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, great tech you appreciate every day.
Smart Car. Smart Value?
We think this is another area where the CCH stands out.
True to the Corolla name, value is a player here. If you want to go non-hybrid, a Corolla Cross L starts at just $24,035 – for a stylish and safe crossover that’s a great deal. The starting point for a hybrid model is $28,395.
Our well-equipped Nightshade model started at $30,465, and also featured a nice set of options, including JBL audio ($800), Moonroof Package ($940), two tone paint ($500) and a small selection of accessories. Add in $1,350 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $34,787.
We think the Hyundai Tucson is a stylish competitor, and is a little larger, but it will also cost $38,230 a significant bump. We’d also look at the Corolla’s sibling, the RAV4 XLE Hybrid, coming in at just over $37,000 you get all that Toyota goodness in a slightly larger package.
The 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid continues to impress with great performance, amazing efficiency, loads of tech and safety gear – all for a great price!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.