The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross’s Biggest Strength and Weakness Are Clear
The Corolla sedan/hatchback is one of the best-selling vehicles in the Toyota lineup. The brand then decided to one-up the car with a more practical version, which we know as the Corolla Cross compact SUV.
This Corolla variant model has obvious weaknesses and strengths, making it easier for consumers looking to buy a vehicle. It lets them know what they’re getting into buying one. So, what makes this compact SUV so good, and what can it improve upon?
What makes the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross so good?
Most people seem drawn to its practicality, reliability, and affordability, which is what the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross aims for in one compromised package.
The Toyota Corolla Cross offers 25.2 cubic feet of space for storage, which isn’t a lot, but it’s enough for your average daily needs.
Then, there are its fuel economy ratings. You can get around 32 mpg combined using the front-wheel drive model. The available AWD version offers 30 mpg overall, according to Edmunds.
Additionally, while it’s not designed to be a heavy towing vehicle, you can still pull 1,500 lbs behind you. Rival cars of the Corolla Cross offer the same amount.
Toyota also gives you reliability. To back it up, the brand offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, along with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. To sweeten the deal, you get a two-year/25,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan, which is pretty good for a crossover vehicle with an estimated $24,000 price tag.
What are the weaknesses of the Corolla Cross?
The most obvious weakness of the Toyota Corolla Cross is that it isn’t as exciting as its class competitors. First, it’s underpowered with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating only 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. With that setup, it doesn’t offer much zip, going from 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, which Edmunds tested with an AWD model. The editors also weren’t impressed with how it drove, as it didn’t stand out from its rivals.
Other drawbacks include the road noise you get when you drive at highway speeds and seat cushions that don’t have enough thigh support for taller drivers and passengers. Plus, you also don’t get an onboard navigation system, which probably isn’t a dealbreaker for some because you can use your smartphone’s system instead.
The last noticeable weakness of the Toyota Corolla Cross is its rear seat area. While it may be sufficient for young children, it would be a tight squeeze for tall adults. Legroom for the second row only offers 32 inches of space.
What features can you expect from the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross?
Toyota’s compact crossover SUV is built on the same structure as the Corolla sedan and hatchback models. It offers three trim levels to choose from, as well as a hybrid version for superior fuel economy. The base level is the L model, which offers 17-inch steel wheels, heated exterior mirrors, an 8-inch touchscreen, cloth seating, and a six-speaker audio system.
Upgrading to the LE version will get you 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and a push-button start. For active safety and driver assistance features, you’ll also get blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The highest trim level is the XLE model, which offers 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and parking sensors. It also provides dual-zone automatic climate control, lane departure mitigation, rear automatic braking, and intersection collision mitigation.
Toyota’s Corolla sedan offered quite the package for a small vehicle. Now, the Toyota Corolla Cross promises to do the same for the crossover segment. As with rival models, this version has good and bad points, but regardless of its weaknesses, you still can’t beat its practicality, reliability, and affordability.
