The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a subcompact SUV that could change the game for thousands of drivers. The Corolla Cross is still a relatively new nameplate, but it had a warm reception thanks to its close relation to the Corolla. The Toyota Corolla is a legendary small car nameplate. The Corolla Cross exists between the Corolla and RAV4 small SUV. Here’s why the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a better deal than the Corolla Cross.

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid gets incredible gas mileage

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid achieves up to 45 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway, which is incredible even for a subcompact SUV. The Corolla Cross gets 31 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

Toyota’s hybrid subcompact SUV gets roughly 66 more miles of range than the internal combustion engine model. That may not seem like a huge difference, but the hybrid model can save drivers a few trips to the gas station and a few hundred dollars a year.

Add the money you can save on fuel annually up for the average new vehicle ownership period of 8.4 years, and it works out to thousands of dollars in savings. The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s stellar fuel economy is one of the many reasons why it’s a better deal than the ICE version.

Every Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive. This makes the SUV better suited for tricky terrain. Vehicles with all-wheel drive tend to have more powerful as well. All -wheel drive tacks on an extra $1,300 to the Corolla Cross base model’s starting price.

Motor1 claims that the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a starting price of $29,305 before taxes and fees. Consider the cost of all-wheel drive and the Cross Hybrid’s complex hybrid powertrain system, and the subcompact hybrid SUV is actually reasonable. The price difference between the Cross and Cross Hybrid is $6,245. So, the inclusion of standard all-wheel drive on every Corolla Cross Hybrid configuration increases the subcompact SUV’s value proposition without breaking the bank.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has more driving verve than the gas version

Some hybrid vehicles are much more powerful than their gas counterparts thanks to electric motors. Electric motors can provide a serious power boost, making a vehicle more exciting and enjoyable to drive. The Corolla Cross has predictably mild driving dynamics. The Corolla Cross Hybrid, on the other hand, has a lot more oomph to it.

The Corolla Cross makes 169 horsepower, which is average for its size. According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid makes 196 horsepower using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors. That’s a power increase of 27 horses. A power difference of 27 horses may not seem like a huge deal, but the larger Toyota RAV4 makes 203 horsepower (just seven more horses), so the hybrid’s power output is impressive.

Many drivers will skip out on the Corolla Cross Hybrid in favor of the Corolla Cross because the latter is more affordable, but hybrids are rapidly increasing in popularity. The addition of a hybrid version of the brand’s newest subcompact SUV is a great choice as automakers look to produce vehicles with better fuel efficiency.