[jpmccormac]

Just read the review of the Cross in CR's May 22 issue. Overall score 68. No mention of which trim was tested - maybe the LE as price tested was US $28,329. Here are their takeaways:
HIGHS: Fuel economy, braking, cabin access, easy to use controls, good visibility, good space for driver, good avoidance maneuvering
LOWS: Noisy, feels underpowered, lacks agility, mediocre fit and finish, jerky "shifts" from the CVT, clumsy handling, rear seat short on leg support
YMMV

 

[SDH-65]

My last Toyota experience (TNGA 2020 Corolla SE sedan) convinced me that Toyota has lapsed on their general build-quality commitment & that they are cutting little corners more than ever now to save a few dollars & offset the costs of all the tech-bloat. Plus, buying a new vehicle model-gen in its first production year is just asking for trouble, regardless of manufacturer. I think the Corolla Cross will only be a reasonable standout in a hybrid eCVT version, assuming that they release it in a decently upscale trim level (which they did NOT do with the cheap-looking Corolla hybrid sedan in the USA back in 2020).

 

[dchev]

I have the XLE trim FWD, and prior this car I drove 2021 Corolla Hybrid LE. I can tell you that the Corolla hybrid was one incredible vehicle. It gave me gas millage from 50 to 75MPG, and it was very comfortable, as well. It was not looking/feeling cheap at all. If you have owned a BMW, Lexus, MB or Audi, you probably you would think that Corolla Hybrid is a cheap vehicle, but it had everything one contemporary car could ask for.

My new Corolla Cross XLE (FWD) is excellent choice for a person who want decent luxury in a nice package. It looks almost the same like Corolla Hybrid LE (inside), and it very versatile vehicle. It is quiet, comfortable and relaxing to drive - just finish a trip from Charlotte, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC and passing 400 miles round trip was not tiresome at all. I changed my Corolla Hybrid LE for Corolla Cross XLE just because I needed a little bit extra room. Gas millage of the Cross is a nice surprise, as well. I managed to get 38-39 MPG in my round trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, and it made me extremely happy owning this vehicle. Fuel economy includes AC working 100% of the time. CVT transmission of this vehicle is a nice addition to it. You have to drive easy for first 1000 miles, and car will pay you big time later on, providing nice ride. If you want better gas millage, wait for the Corolla Cross Hybrid, and I believe you will not be disappointed because Toyota will offer its 5 generation hybrid system in this car (Europe will get it, so USA will probably get the same drive train). The back seat is a little bit tight, but it is better than Mazda CX30 where I could not seat behind myself, after I adjusted front seat for my driving position.

 

[jpmccormac]

It's good to hear real world experiences. I take CR reviews with a grain of salt although their long term reliability reports are pretty accurate for the most part. In 1981 I bought a new Chevy Citation that they recommended and it turned out to be a real POS.

 

[tedwhite1963]

If you buy domestic, ie: Big Three, Consumer Reports will always give a great rating. Trouble is, domestic automobiles are crap.

 

[jpmccormac]

If you buy domestic, ie: Big Three, Consumer Reports will always give a great rating. Trouble is, domestic automobiles are crap.

Well, the CR ratings don't support your statement that CR always gives the Big Three a great rating. In the April, 2022 Auto Issue the top 10 brands rated by reliability, owner satisfaction and safety all were non-domestic brands with Buick coming in at number 11, Chrysler 13, Dodge 16, Cadillac 21 and Ford 22. The bottom two brands were GMC 31 and Jeep 32.

 

[tedwhite1963]

Well, the CR ratings don't support your statement that CR always gives the Big Three a great rating. In the April, 2022 Auto Issue the top 10 brands rated by reliability, owner satisfaction and safety all were non-domestic brands with Buick coming in at number 11, Chrysler 13, Dodge 16, Cadillac 21 and Ford 22. The bottom two brands were GMC 31 and Jeep 32.

Then I stand corrected. In my opinion, having owned Toyotas for the past 25 years, they are still one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. I gues it depends on the degree of service you receive. Our Toyota dealership have always been spot on for help when we needed it. We have owned Chevy, Chrysler and Ford, and were basically shown the door when we needed help.

 

[MarciaH]

Just read the review of the Cross in CR's May 22 issue. Overall score 68. No mention of which trim was tested - maybe the LE as price tested was US $28,329. Here are their takeaways:
HIGHS: Fuel economy, braking, cabin access, easy to use controls, good visibility, good space for driver, good avoidance maneuvering
LOWS: Noisy, feels underpowered, lacks agility, mediocre fit and finish, jerky "shifts" from the CVT, clumsy handling, rear seat short on leg support
YMMV

I had a 2012 PriusC. Consumers HATED it, one of the most fun cars I’ve ever had. They complained about lack of power, which was fine as far as I was concerned

 

[bicepeak]

This type of review confirms to me the L and no AWD is the best choice for this model because of the lower weight (and greater cargo area with the FWD). Extra weight is the biggest enemy of an "underpowered" car. Would be nice is some tester would use an L.

Actually I do seem to remember a review that made note of that because he happened to wind up in an L during the initial release and he couldn't pick and choose the model level to drive.

 

[MarciaH]

Just read the review of the Cross in CR's May 22 issue. Overall score 68. No mention of which trim was tested - maybe the LE as price tested was US $28,329. Here are their takeaways:
HIGHS: Fuel economy, braking, cabin access, easy to use controls, good visibility, good space for driver, good avoidance maneuvering
LOWS: Noisy, feels underpowered, lacks agility, mediocre fit and finish, jerky "shifts" from the CVT, clumsy handling, rear seat short on leg support
YMMV

I wrote a letter to the editor at Consumer Reports as they recommended the Subaru Crosstrek as an alternative to the Cross. I informed them that the Crosstrek lacks heated steering wheel, wireless charging, rear seat heat vents, remote start and automatic tailgate opening. And my Subaru is fully loaded.

 

[waynorth]

This type of review confirms to me the L and no AWD is the best choice for this model because of the lower weight (and greater cargo area with the FWD). Extra weight is the biggest enemy of an "underpowered" car. Would be nice is some tester would use an L.

Actually I do seem to remember a review that made note of that because he happened to wind up in an L during the initial release and he couldn't pick and choose the model level to drive.

I test drove the honda hrv and felt it was underpowered for its weight in terms of stop and go type city driving . I probably would have leased it anyways because the bulk of my own driving is a highway commute of 20 km's to work and back but the dealership + honda incentives on CRV's were too good to resist at the time .

I think if the cross , hrv , seltos etc. bother people from a lack of power from a dead stop and the bulk of their driving is stop and go city type then it might be best to shop for something in the 190+ hp range .

 

[Crosseyeing]

It's good to hear real world experiences. I take CR reviews with a grain of salt although their long term reliability reports are pretty accurate for the most part. In 1981 I bought a new Chevy Citation that they recommended and it turned out to be a real POS.

I've been reading CR for more years than I can believe. I'm convinced they've taken a wrong turn, possibly due to aging engineers with a natural age bias (no slander, I'm 66) as well as a conservative streak that befits the CR tradition. I used to ride close to their recommendations, but have been a better 'driver' since I trusted my own investigations and judgement.

 

[Crosseyeing]

This type of review confirms to me the L and no AWD is the best choice for this model because of the lower weight (and greater cargo area with the FWD). Extra weight is the biggest enemy of an "underpowered" car. Would be nice is some tester would use an L.

Actually I do seem to remember a review that made note of that because he happened to wind up in an L during the initial release and he couldn't pick and choose the model level to drive.

Most reviews are of top-of-the-line AWD and slam the lack of power. I ran into a review of the LE FWD that clocked 8.8 0-60, and another article referenced 8.6 0-60 on the L FWD. That is to me the economy/power sweet spot.

 

[tedwhite1963]

I have always trusted JD Power over Consumer Reports. See the JD Power review here

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Review

Toyota has a long history of building crowd-pleasing crossovers, and they've done it again with the Corolla Cross. This made-in-America SUV hits all the right notes and should have a very bright future.

www.jdpower.com

 

[Crosseyeing]

I have always trusted JD Power over Consumer Reports. See the JD Power review here

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Review

Toyota has a long history of building crowd-pleasing crossovers, and they've done it again with the Corolla Cross. This made-in-America SUV hits all the right notes and should have a very bright future.

www.jdpower.com

Thanks much!