The fresh Toyota Corolla Cross enters Polish roads, and the first tests show that the nipponese maker has a real ace in his hand. This compact SUV, which debuted on the marketplace in 2022, passed a subtle but crucial lift, which has a chance to convince a number of fresh customers. However, the biggest challenge for Corolla Cross may be... interior competition. In Toyota's offer we will find a stylistically braver C-HR and a cult, larger RAV4. Where will this thicket of models find its place refreshed by Corolla Cross? Our first impressions of driving a copy, which was 1 of the first to appear in Poland, dispel many doubts and indicate amazing advantages that can change the arrangement of forces on the SUV market.
Design and Interior: Subtle Changes, large Effect
Toyota Corolla Cross in the lift version has undergone a number of thoughtful modifications that improve its presence without changing its applicable character. The most visible changes concern front of vehiclewhere the grill and headlights have been redesigned. In our tested Executive version, lights operate in advanced Matrix LED technology with adaptive road lights, which importantly improves visibility and safety. On the back we will announcement refreshed lamps and a new, elegant light strip, as well as a deeper hidden exhaust tip. The offer besides featured fresh body colors specified as metallic Stream, Eclipse Black, Imperial Red or Mud Bath, as well as options for two-colour painting and fresh rim designs. These aesthetic adjustments make the car look much more modern and can attract eyesight, as confirmed by the reactions of passersby during our tests.
The interior of Corolli Cross has besides seen crucial improvements that increase comfort and functionality. The central console was redesigned and gained a applicable shelf for 2 smartphones. A sliding armrest is available since the kind version, and the gear lever has a new, ergonomic shape. In richer variants, silver inserts and illuminated elements appear, adding interior elegance. Toyota consistently focuses on ergonomics and usability, avoiding excessive digitisation – the car remains pleasantly analog, with physical buttons for key functions. A large advantage is the usage of soft materials, for example on door covers, which increases the perceived quality. In terms of space, at the front is comfortable even for advanced people, while on the back of the sofa comfortable will be seated passengers with a tallness of about 1.70 m, although the appropriate arrangement of seats allows to keep reasonable proportions for both rows.
Dynamics and Savings: Hybrid That Surprises
A real revolution in the fresh Coroli Cross is its propulsion strategy and its related driving experience. We have a stronger proposal for the tests – a version with a two-litre hybrid engine of full power 180 hp, assisted by four-wheel drive (AWD). A 140 hp variety is besides available. In both cases, we are dealing with efficient hybrid drives that work with e-CVT. After the first kilometers of driving, we noticed 2 key changes that importantly affect comfort of use. First of all, It got much quieter inside.. Toyota boasted of improvements in the silence of the compartment and it is indeed felt, especially at road speeds, where the sound of wind and tires is minimal.
The second, possibly the biggest surprise, was Vehicle dynamics. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds is an admirable consequence in this segment. Moreover, the electrical motor plays a key function not only erstwhile starting or maneuvering in the parking lot, but besides erstwhile starting a dynamic start. You don't gotta push the pedal hard to feel the drive. Although at full burden the combustion engine can inactive be heard, the overall impression is much better than in the older Toyota hybrids. Most importantly, Corolla Cross remains highly sparing. In urban conditions, fuel consumption varied within the limits 4.5-5 litres per 100 km. On the route, at 120 km/h, the burning was about 5.5 l/100 km and on the road – only 5.8 l/100 km. Excellent recuperation allows efficient energy recovery, and the car can intelligently brake erstwhile sensors detect the vehicle at the front. Available driving modes (Eco, Normal, Power, Snow, Snow Extra for 4×4) let to adjust the characteristics of the car to road conditions. The suspension is comfortably tuned and the steering is precise, which ensures a very correct and predictable lead.
Practicality and Price: For Who's fresh Corolla Cross?
Despite its compact size, Toyota Corolla Cross surprises with its practicality. In 4×4 drive version the trunk capacity is 390 litreswhich is adequate for regular needs. Importantly, after folding the backrest of the couch we easy fit the road bike (after removing the front wheel) and 2 suitcases. If we choose the front axle drive version (FWD), we gain much more baggage space – over 470 litresWhich makes it even more universal. The Executive package besides includes a advanced quality subwoofer JBL sound strategy available at no extra charge. The standard in all versions of the polyft version is the advanced multimedia strategy Toyota Smart Connect with a 10.5 inch HD screen, a 12.3 inch digital set of indicators and a wireless charger for smartphones, which emphasizes modernity and comfort of use.
Prices of the fresh Toyota Corolla Cross place it competitively in the compact SUV segment. The AWD Executive configuration tested by us (180 hp) is simply a cost of about PLN 190 thousand. By choosing 1 axle drive, we can save about PLN 10,000. The basic version with 140 horse hybrid drive starts from about 140 1000 PLN. Interestingly, Toyota besides introduced new, sporty options specified as the GR athletics version, and a unique version of the Tour de Pologne, dedicated to cyclists. This shows that the maker focuses on diversity and wants to appeal to a wide scope of customers. Corolla Cross is an perfect choice for people who are looking for a comfortable, cost-effective and reliable SUV that is not as futuristic as C-HR, nor as large as RAV4, offering a gold average in terms of stylistics and size.
The Toyota household Challenge: Will Corolla Cross Change the Force Layout?
After spending a fewer days with the refreshed Toyota Corolla Cross, it becomes clear that the maker successfully eliminated the insignificant shortcomings that the users of the erstwhile version complained about. The fresh kind added its character, and the importantly improved mutement of the compartment and amazing dynamics make driving this model even more pleasant and more comfortable. Nevertheless, Toyota faces an different challenge – the problem of wealth. In the SUV segment, the nipponese giant already offers C-HR and RAV4, which may make it hard for customers to make decisions. RAV4, although iconic, is besides large for many, and C-HR, despite its bold design, may not hit everyone's liking.
This is where the chance for Corolla Cross comes in. Its simpler, more versatile styling combined with sophisticated hybrid drive systems, advanced working culture and awesome savings makes it an highly attractive proposition. It is simply a car that offers an perfect combination of practicality, comfort and modern technology, without unnecessary amazement. All points to the fact that Toyota Corolla Cross has a real chance to become a fresh sales hit and importantly strengthen its position in an highly competitive section of SUVs, effectively breaking through the thickness of the manufacturer's offer and gaining designation of a wide scope of Polish drivers.
Continued here:
Toyota Corolla Cross 2025 changes the rules of the game. Is this SUV a problem for RAV4 and C-HR?
