Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid – The Fuel Efficiency Champion

When I took the regular Corolla Cross for a spin not long ago, that SUV left me with a good driving impression, especially the way it handles. This also sparked my interest in the hybrid variant of the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is also the most expensive Corolla Cross variant that is currently on sale in Malaysia. With that, I’ll be spending a few days with the Corolla Cross Hybrid, and see if it’s better than a regular Corolla Cross.

In general, the Corolla Cross Hybrid looks fairly similar to the regular Corolla Cross. But then again, there are still some minor differences that set it apart from the regular variant. For a start, there are quite a few hybrid badges spotted all around the vehicle. Apart from that, the Toyota badges do get a blue glow around it, and the headlights get blue color inserts to give it an electrifying look. Other than that, nothing else has changed for the exterior, even the 18-inch rims are also carried over from the regular variant

Inside the Corolla Cross Hybrid, it’s literally the same interior as the regular Corolla Cross. But for the hybrid variant, it gets a redesigned digital instrument cluster that was meant for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The tachometer on the regular instrument cluster has been replaced with a dial that indicates the status of the powertrain. Lastly, there is an EV button located in front of the gear lever, which allows the driver to switch the SUV into full electric vehicle mode.

For the powertrain, the Corolla Cross Hybrid will continue to be powered by a 1.8L 4 cylinder naturally aspirated engine, but now is assisted by an electric motor. The hybrid power train is mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), to send its power to the front wheels. On the engine alone, this engine only produces a meager 97hp at 5,200rpm, and a peak torque of 142 Nm at 3,600rpm. To help this engine along, the electric motor is able to produce 71hp and 163 Nm. In total the whole powertrain has a combined output of 122hp and 253 Nm. The battery for the electric motor is a Nickel Metal Hydride Battery with a battery size of 1.3kWh.

From the get go, Toyota wanted to make the Corolla Cross Hybrid as fuel efficient as possible. And I’m happy to report that Toyota managed to achieve it. Without trying too hard, the SUV returns an impressive 6.0L/100km of fuel economy figure. While this power train is very fuel efficient, it achieves that figure by sacrificing performance. This is not to say that the Corolla Cross Hybrid can’t keep up with the traffic, but the powertrain feels strenuous when going up a mountain. Additionally, there are some power losses from the CVT, which further make the powertrain feel sluggish.

Handling wise, the Corolla Cross Hybrid retains the sharp handling characteristic just like the regular variant. But due to the extra weight from the battery and the electric motor, the Corolla Cross Hybrid doesn’t feel as nimble as the non hybrid model. On top of that, the body roll is also more obvious in the hybrid variant. And in terms of the ride, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a plush and comfortable suspension. But when going over a massive road hump, the back of the vehicle will tend to bottom out due to the weight of the EV battery.

While the electric motor provides a decent amount of regenerative braking, the size of the electric motor is not enough to bring the SUV to a halt. The physical brakes will have to do their part to slow the vehicle down, which is sufficient for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. And for the safety and driver assistance system, the Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with the same full Toyota Safety Sense system that was seen on the high spec petrol variant. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with 7 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Brake Signal (ESS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA).

As for the driver assistance system, the Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS).

With a selling price of RM139,991.00, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a very practical vehicle that is also fuel efficient as well. This is one SUV that was designed to fit most small families here in Malaysia, who wanted to experience the benefit of an electrified vehicle. And for my personal opinion, I would choose the regular Corolla Cross over the hybrid variant, as the lighter body of the petrol variant provides a better driving experience.