As the Toyota Corolla Cross continues its mission as a practical, value-packed compact, no frills crossover SUV, the hybrid version, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid simply expands on those attributes by achieving 42 mpg and gaining all-wheel drive. Let's look at the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, as I spend my week in it.
Not familiar with the Corolla Cross? It is Toyota's smallest SUV, just under the Toyota Venza and RAV4. Despite the Corolla name, the Corolla Cross looks nothing like your typical Corolla. The exterior of the Corolla Cross looks like a RAV4 or even like a baby Highlander and is about 3.6 inches longer and 7.7 inches taller than the Corolla sedan. The interior, however, does borrow heavily from the Corolla - and drivers familiar with the sedan version will instantly know their way around the Corolla Cross's cabin. Its main rivals in the compact SUV market are the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass and Nissan Rogue Sport.
Under the hood, the powertrain of the Corolla Cross Hybrid implements a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with a hybrid system to make a combined 196 combined horsepower. This differs from the sedan hybrid which gets by on a smaller engine and less power. Every Corolla Cross Hybrid is all wheel drive and uses a CVT transmission.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid can be had in 3 different trim levels. The base S comes nicely equipped with LED headlights, keyless entry, a 10.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE adds some nice features like a leather wrapped steering wheel and a wireless phone charger. Both the S and SE ride on 17-inch alloy wheels. The XSE is the top-of-the-line trim level, and it is how the tester arrived. It gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, heated front seats, power driver's seat, heated steering wheel and ambient lighting. Other options include a sunroof, JBL audio system and a power liftgate.
For 2026, the Corolla Cross Hybrid gets a new body-colored front grille and reshaped front bumper. Inside, changes are minor but include a redesigned center console and central storage bin. A new color, Cavalry Blue, is available and is offered with a black roof on SE and XSE trims.
Inside the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a fresh, clean, straightforward cabin. The one main difference from other Corollas is that in the Cross you sit higher up. The seats are comfortable and there seems to be no shortage of room up front. The back seat, which is a 60/40-split folding seat is a little tighter, but it's not unexpected for a vehicle in this class. Another benefit of the Cross is the additional cargo room over the sedan. The Corolla Cross Hybrid offers 22 cubic feet behind the second row compared to the sedan’s 13 cubic-foot trunk.
On the road, the Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers an easy, simple drive. The higher seating height gives you a better view of the road than the sedan. The 196-hp hybrid powertrain provides plenty of pep - and easily out runs the all-gas version of the Corolla Cross, needing just 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph vs the lazy 9.5 seconds needed for the regular Cross. And the Cross Hybrid does so while achieving an EPA rated 42 mpg.
Pricing for the Corolla Cross Hybrid starts just under $31,000 for the S. The XSE starts at $34,780. Compared to a similarly equipped Corolla Cross, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is about $4,000 more.
But it's worth it. The regular, gas version Corolla Cross is a great vehicle, but its lack of power is it’s one shortcoming. The Corolla Cross Hybrid not only solves the power issue, but as a bonus you bring in excellent fuel economy and all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross Hybrid does exactly what its name says - it’s a Corolla, it's a Crossover SUV and it’s a hybrid - and it does all three without compromise.