The Cheapest New Toyota SUV Goes Hybrid in 2023: High Gas Mileage!
Toyota rose to prominence with the iconic Corolla and Camry sedans. Now, much of the auto giant’s success lies in its lineup of popular SUVs. Though SUVs aren’t typically inexpensive, the Japanese automaker has some affordable options. Indeed, the cheapest new Toyota SUV is the subcompact Corolla Cross. And for 2023, the Corolla Cross adds a hybrid model with excellent fuel economy.
The 2023 Corolla Cross is the cheapest new Toyota SUV
With a starting price of $23,060, the 2023 Corolla Cross is the cheapest new Toyota SUV. The next most affordable new SUV is the subcompact C-HR ($24,280). However, Toyota discontinued the C-HR in the North American market, so the 2022 model is its last.
Here are all the new Toyota SUVs, in order of lowest to highest MSRP:
- 2023 Corolla Cross: $23,060
- 2022 C-HR: $24,280
- 2023 RAV4: $27,975
- 2023 Venza: $34,120
- 2023 Highlander: $36,420
- 2023 4Runner: $39,555
- 2023 bZ4X: $42,000
- 2023 Sequoia: $58,365
As for the other models, the compact RAV4 is the best-selling Toyota SUV and the world’s most popular SUV. The Highlander is the best-selling midsize SUV worldwide, while the midsize 4Runner boasts excellent off-road capabilities. Another midsize model is the two-row Venza.
Also, the most expensive is the full-size Sequoia, which received an attractive redesign for 2023. Then there’s the bZ4X. It’s the first and only all-electric Toyota model on the market.
However, the most affordable one of all is the Corolla Cross. It’s a relatively new model, debuting for the 2022 model year. By fusing the Corolla compact car’s styling and nameplate with an SUV’s capabilities and utility, the Corolla Cross has found a niche in the lineup.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross adds a new hybrid model with high fuel economy
In only its second production year, the 2023 Corolla Cross SUV has a key addition: a new hybrid model. Given Toyota’s illustrious history with hybrid vehicles, a hybrid Corolla Cross makes perfect sense.
The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors — delivering a fuel-sipping estimated gas mileage of 37 mpg combined. In comparison, the standard model gets 32 mpg, which is still respectable.
One of the long-held misconceptions about hybrids is they’re weak and sluggish. However, the Corolla Cross Hybrid defies that perception. It not only gets better gas mileage than the standard model but also is more potent. With the added electric motors, it harnesses 194 hp, compared to the fully gas-powered version’s 169 hp.
Furthermore, the power boost delivers quicker acceleration. The Corolla Cross Hybrid can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds flat, while the standard model takes 9.2 seconds.
Other changes for the Corolla Cross
Beyond the hybrid addition, the 2023 Corolla Cross boasts other changes. They include a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, over-the-air updates, and cloud-based navigation. Also, the subcompact SUV provides new USB-C charge ports. Additionally, Toyota expanded the trim lineup with the new S, SE, and XSE.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is an affordable choice for SUV shoppers. It’s the cheapest new Toyota SUV — and in 2023, it adds a new hybrid model with excellent gas mileage.
