The Toyota Corolla has sold a record-breaking 50 million units since it debuted in 1968. Touted as the best-selling passenger car of all time, the Corolla even inspired the Japanese automaker to produce an SUV based on the iconic compact car. Cue the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, an all-new subcompact crossover manufactured in the United States.

The fuel-efficient Corolla Cross goes head-to-head with competitors in an already crowded class. So, who are the rivals?

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross provides plenty of perks at an attractive price

Toyota recently released prices for the all-new 2022 Corolla Cross. The standard L trim starts at $22,195 for the front-wheel-drive model. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,300. The LE has an MSRP of $24,545, and the top-of-the-line XLE starts at $26,325.

The cute 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross packs a peppy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The multi-link rear suspension improves handling performance and optimizes ride quality.

This versatile little SUV comfortably accommodates five passengers. It also offers heated front seats, rear air vents, and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. There’s plenty of rear cargo space, and a power liftgate makes loading and unloading a breeze.

The driver-focused interior includes wireless charging, a remote start, and a standard 7.0-inch infotainment screen. Parking assist, LED headlights, and an adaptive front lighting system enhance the driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross also packs in driver assists. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alerts, road sign assist, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and dynamic cruise control.

But other subcompact SUVs offer fierce competition

Toyota sells seven SUV models in its U.S. product lineup. The Corolla Cross is the latest addition, nestled between the smaller C-HR and the larger RAV4.

U.S. News points out that the Corolla Cross is a better choice than the C-HR because it has a “more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and more cargo space.” But the popular RAV4 rates better for its “stronger engine, greater off-road capability, more composed handling, and higher-grade cabin.”

However, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross crushes the 2022 Honda HR-V, thanks to better safety features, technology, and performance capabilities. But U.S. News places the Kia Soul, Mazda CX-30, and Hyundai Kona in a tie for first place as the Best Subcompact SUV for 2022. Because the Corolla Cross is so new, U.S. News hasn’t ranked it yet.

With better handling, an energetic engine, and a refined interior, the Kona is a worthy competitor to the Corolla Cross. And the Kia Soul offers a tight turning radius for easy maneuvering around city streets, while the Mazda CX-30 is more fun to drive and provides more cargo space. However, the Corolla Cross dominates the well-rounded 2022 Kia Seltos, despite the latter’s stylish features and standard advanced safety technology.

With consumer demand for subcompact SUVs still high, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross holds a significant spot amid the competition. J.D. Power notes, “This made-in-America SUV hits all the right notes and should have a very bright future.”

Where is the Toyota Corolla Cross made?

The 2022 Corolla Cross is assembled at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama.

The new facility, built in 2018, will produce up to 150,000 Corolla Cross units annually. According to Toyota, MTM is “the only North American facility to produce the Corolla Cross.”

The manufacturing plant is a partnership between Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. In addition to assembling the Corolla Cross, the Alabama plant will also produce a Mazda vehicle, though the model has yet to be announced.