Tweaked Corolla Cross built with comfort in mind

TOYOTA

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross has a tweaked design and an emphasis on comfort and economy.

The Toyota Corolla is recognized as a dependable sedan that is frugal on fuel and will last for hundreds of thousands of miles. 

Recently, Toyota has expanded the brand a bit to include a hot hatchback and entry-level SUV. The Corolla Cross is that SUV. It is assembled in Alabama and the smallest SUV by the brand available in the U.S. It’s smaller than the best-selling RAV4 and less expensive.

The Corolla Cross has been around since 2022. It receives a mild upgrade for 2026, which includes modest restyling of the grille and headlamps and a few other exterior nips and tucks. The biggest tweaks are in the interior. My XLE model gets a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 10.5-inch touch screen, each larger than last year’s standard.

The center console has also been revised to offer more storage space. My test care also had AWD. Included with that package is a heated steering wheel and front seats.

The Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that makes 169 horsepower and 151 pounds-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission sends power to all wheels.

Corolla Cross competes with the likes of the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30, all of which are bit more fun to drive. Toyota, however, has tuned the Corolla Cross more for comfort than sportiness. The Corolla sedan isn’t sporty either, which is what the Cross is based on.

I’m assuming Toyota feels that’s the kind of ride people buying the Corolla Cross want. It’s not a bad idea because the Cross is very comfortable on the road. The ride isn’t cushy or spongey, just comfortable. There is not a lot of thump and bump making it into the cabin. The truck was certainly civil on around town errands and was suitable for highway driving.

The Cross’ passing power is OK, but you will have to lead-foot it. The engine will protest a bit will get the job done. The vehicle’s driving dynamics aren’t anything to write home about but, again, the vehicle is capable. Cornering is about what you would expect for something with a soft suspension. The AWD does make the vehicle good in the rain.

The most glaring issue is the noise level while up to highway speed. It’s very noticeable but not overbearing. You can turn up the JBL audio system to compensate.

The XLE version of the Corolla Cross is the top model and the only options available are a sunroof, JBL audio system and a power lift gate. My car had the sound system.

The Cross is more practical than anything. It has ample storage room in the rear with a wide opening to shove large items in. The rear seats fold but not flat, so carrying larger items may be a problem. Carrying larger people could be a problem as well. The vehicle has limited leg room if you have tall front passengers. Rear occupants are treated to rear vents for climate control access.

Front passengers have the better seats. The XLE model gets vinyl seats, but they are comfortable. Again, tall passengers may have problems because of the length of the seat cushions. There may not be enough thigh support. There could also be a bit more padding. The steering wheel is leather wrapped, which is a nice touch. There is also ambient interior lighting. The driver’s seat is power adjustable and there is dual-zone, automatic climate control.

The XLE also comes with lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Roof rails, upgraded headlamps, parking sensors, rear automatic breaking, wireless charging pad and 18-inch alloy wheels are also standard.

The Corolla Cross XLE starts at $31,310.

Pros:

• Entry-level price

• Abundant standard equipment

• Abundant cargo space

• Comfortable, smooth ride

• Toyota longevity

• Revamped center console

• Larger displays

Cons:

• Tight rear seat

• Needs more power

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