It’s no secret that Toyota produces some of the best hybrid vehicles on the market. Toyota hybrids like the RAV4 Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid provide amazing value for the money. The Corolla Cross is a new subcompact SUV from the Japanese automaker based on the Corolla. A hybrid version is coming. Here’s why we need a Corolla Cross Prime as well.

A Toyota Corolla Cross Prime would get amazing fuel economy

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid gets an estimated 37 miles per gallon combined. It has a 13.2-gallon tank size. So, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is able to travel for roughly 488 miles on a full tank of gas.

A Corolla Cross Prime with at least 20 miles of electric-only driving range would bring the subcompact SUV’s total range to over 500 miles, which is impressive for its size.

The Corolla Cross is naturally fuel efficient. The hybrid version takes things a step further. A plug-in hybrid Corolla Cross would be the most fuel-efficient version of the subcompact SUV. Further range would meaner fewer trips to the gas station and cost of ownership savings.

If Toyota does eventually produce a Corolla Cross Prime, it’d be a great way for consumers to experience electrification without fully committing. A PHEV version of the Corolla Cross is the perfect opportunity to maximize the potential of this quirky new sedan alternative.

A Corolla Cross Prime would change the vehicle’s driving dynamics

Imagine a Corolla Cross with some oomph to its acceleration. Drivers will get a taste of that with the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The all-wheel drive Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid makes 194 horsepower. A Corolla Cross Prime would ideally be more powerful than the large Toyota RAV4 (203 horses). While this may seem like a tall order, the RAV4 Prime is a perfect example of Toyota packing plenty of power into a small SUV.

More horsepower and torque would ultimately make the Corolla Cross quicker. So, a Corolla Cross Prime would be the most exciting version of the subcompact SUV yet, from a performance perspective. Corollas aren’t particularly quick, but the Japanese brand produces a GR Corolla that is performance-oriented. A Corolla Cross Prime could be the performance equivalent of a GR Corolla for the subcompact vehicle segment.

A Toyota Corolla Cross Prime Should be affordable

Car and Driver estimates that the Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid should start at $36,000. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $42,340. A Corolla Cross Prime would likely start somewhere around $38,000. While this is much more expensive than a base gas-powered Corolla Cross, a PHEV powertrain system would provide incredible value to drivers.

If Toyota is producing a Corolla Cross Prime, it will likely be much more refined than the Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming more common in every vehicle segment. Toyota has proven that many of the models in its portfolio can be outfitted with a hybrid or PHEV powertrain system. The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid and 2023 Toyota Sequoia are perfect examples. Is the Corolla Cross Prime the next new Toyota plug-in hybrid SUV?