2022 Toyota Corolla Cross small SUV is latest version of the legendary car. Here are some details
Mark Phelan
Toyota will add a small SUV to compete with subcompacts like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek this fall.
Called the 2022 Corolla Cross, the little SUV borrows the name of Toyota’s legendary Corolla compact car. The Cross is based on the same TNGA-C architecture as the Corolla sedan, but its styling is reminiscent of Toyota’s popular RAV4 compact SUV: Flared fenders, pugnacious grille, flat hood, long roof and greenhouse.
Toyota also announced a number of special editions of existing vehicles.
The Cross will build on the Corolla sedan’s quality, reliability and durability by adding “more versatility and fun to adapt to (customers’) evolving lifestyles,” said Lisa Materazzo, Toyota group vice president of marketing.
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The Corolla Cross will offer front or all-wheel drive and a standard 169-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L engine. A conventional fixed-ratio first gear strapped to a continuously variable transmission aims to combine perky acceleration from a stop with good fuel economy. The sporty Corolla S uses the same transmission.
Pluses: Fuel economy and towing
Toyota predicts the drivetrain will deliver combined city-highway ratings of 32 mpg for the front-wheel-drive Corolla Cross and 30 with all-wheel drive. Those figures would put the Corolla Cross at or near the top of its class.
The AWD system can send up to 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. The Corolla Cross will be able to tow up to 1,500 pounds, also more than many competing subcompact SUVs.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard. An 8-inch touch screen and wireless charging are available.
Other available features will include:
- 17- or 18-inch wheels
- Power sunroof
- Single- or dual-zone automatic climate control
- 10-way adjustable power driver seat
- 60/40 split folding rear seat
- Power tailgate
- Nine-speaker JBL audio
- Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant
- Satellite radio
Available safety and assistance systems include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind spot and cross traffic alerts
- Automatic front and rear braking
Prices will be announced closer to the start of sales. Toyota will continue to sell the traditional Corolla sedan and hatchback.
Toyota also announced a number of special editions of existing models:
- 2022 GR86 sport coupe, tuned by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing affiliate, with a stiffer body, functional air vents for steering stability and redesigned seats with Alcantara and leather. The engine grows to 2.4L and produces 228 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. A manual or automatic transmission is available.
- 2022 GR Supra A91-CF Edition, a 600-unit North America-only special edition of Toyota’s BMW-built sports car. New features include functional carbon fiber trim, black and red Alcantara and leather interior, forged 19-inch matte black wheels, red brake calipers. A turbocharged 3.0L straight-six engine develops 382 hp, accelerating the A91-CF to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
- 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro, the off-road version of Toyota’s popular midsize pickup, gets Fox internal-bypass shocks to improve on- and off-road performance. The suspension is lifted 1.5 inches up front and 0.5 inch in the rear for improved approach and departure angles.
- 2022 Tacoma Trail Edition, with bed storage that doubles as a cooler and a 1.1-inch front and 0.5-inch rear suspension lift. A locking rear differential is standard as are new skid plates.
Toyota also added versions of three popular vehicles with new colors or trim: Prius Nightshade, Highlander Bronze Edition and Sienna Woodland Special Edition.