If you’re looking for a carmaker with a model for practically every need, Toyota fits the bill. And the automotive giant continues to roll out even more niche vehicles, including the new Toyota Corolla Cross. Debuting at U.S. dealerships in September 2021, the 2022 Corolla Cross is a solid option for buyers shopping for an affordable crossover SUV.

Because of its reasonable starting price, you might wonder whether the Corolla Cross offers any higher-end features, such as a sunroof. Here’s a rundown on this exciting new model.

What is the Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Toyota Corolla Cross takes part of its name from the automaker’s popular compact car, the Corolla. But while the Corolla is synonymous with longevity, its crossover sibling is a much newer and different vehicle. Sized between the subcompact C-HR and compact RAV4 in Toyota’a lineup, the Corolla Cross competes with the likes of the Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek, and Kia Seltos. 

The Corolla Cross is ideal for buyers looking for an affordable five-seater with more passenger room and cargo space than a compact car. Plus, its taller ride height makes it better suited to taller drivers than a Corolla. And though the 2022 Corolla Cross comes with a traditional gas powertrain, a hybrid model is in the works.

If you’ve driven a Corolla, the Corolla Cross’ interior will feel familiar. You’ll also get a bevy of options that add value to this new small SUV.

Does the Toyota Corolla Cross have a sunroof?

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross comes in three trim levels: L, LE, and XLE. If you purchase the LE or XLE, you treat yourself to heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a smart key with a push-button start, among other luxurious features.

According to Toyota, you can also add a power tilt/sliding sunroof with a sliding sunshade as an option on the two higher trims. You’ll have to purchase the Moonroof Package for the LE or the Convenience Package for the XLE. The latter also comes with a power liftgate. 

Though Toyota dubs its sunroof a moonroof, for many buyers, there’s little to no difference between the two. Technically, a sunroof is an opaque panel that can be raised or removed to let sunlight or air in, while a moonroof is a glass panel that can also be lifted but cannot be removed.

Moonroofs also have an interior sliding panel that can prevent light from streaming in. The traditional sunroof model is rarely found in today’s cars, so the terms “sunroof” and “moonroof” are often used interchangeably.

Of course, if you don’t need a sunroof, the base L trim is available for less than the LE and XLE.

Other features and options available for this small crossover SUV

Starting at $23,410, the 2022 Corolla Cross boasts an exterior resembling a small Highlander rather than a Corolla. All three trims pack a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard on the L and LE, but the XLE gets all-wheel drive. The fuel economy is respectable at 31/33 mpg city/highway with FWD and 29/32 mpg city-highway with AWD.

Despite its mini-Highlander body, the Corolla Cross copies the Corolla’s cabin. Expect excellent visibility from the front seats and decent legroom in the front and back row.

As for amenities and features, the L model has a 7.0-inch-touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.  

For $25,760, you can upgrade to the mid-range LE, where you’ll find the above safety features plus blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The LE also comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and USB charging ports for the back seats. In addition, it has roof rails and 17-inch silver alloy wheels (instead of the L’s 17-inch steel wheels with silver covers).

But for $3,000 thousand more, the Corolla Cross XLE might be the best bet. Starting at $27,625, it comes with all of the LE’s features plus dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels. The range-topping 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross also sports a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and more refined interior styling.

And with either the LE or XLE, you can score an optional sunroof.