Eye-Catching Design Fits Busy Lifestyles
The 2025 Corolla Cross has grown bolder while keeping a compact footprint that city drivers love. A wider black grille joins slim LED headlights, and a silver skid plate gives the nose a rugged touch. Strong shoulder lines run to the back, where C-shaped LED tail lamps are linked by a glossy strip that makes the SUV appear wider on the road. At 176 inches long, it slips easily into tight parking spots, yet 8.1 inches of ground clearance let you glide over potholes or snowy driveways. Buyers can pick from seven colors, plus a new two-tone option that pairs a black roof with bright Soul Red paint.
Smooth Power With Solid Mileage
Every Corolla Cross uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. A triedand-true CVT sends that power to the front wheels, while all-wheel drive is an affordable add-on. The engine may not sound sporty, but it feels peppy at city speeds and tows up to 1,500 pounds—enough for a pair of dirt bikes or a small trailer. EPA numbers show 32 mpg combined in front-drive trim, beating Honda’s CR-V gas model by three miles per gallon. For greater savings, the Corolla Cross Hybrid bumps output to 196 horsepower yet sips fuel at 38 mpg.
Engine and mileage at a glance
| Item | Gas model | Hybrid model |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 196 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 152 lb-ft* |
| Drive | FWD / AWD | AWD-e |
| EPA economy | 32 mpg | 38 mpg |
Hybrid adds instant electric boost, so it feels stronger off the line.
Tech-Packed Cabin for Work and Play Step inside and the Corolla Cross feels more upscale than its sticker suggests. Soft-touch pads line the dash, while durable fabric or optional SofTex seats stand up to family duty. Lower trims use a 7-inch digital gauge cluster; top grades get a full 12.3-inch unit. An 8-inch touchscreen with Toyota’s latest software offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, plus a quick voice assistant that responds to “Hey Toyota.” Up to five USB-C ports and a 15-watt wireless charger keep every device alive on road trips. With the 60:40 rear seats folded, cargo space jumps from 24 to 61 cubic feet, easily beating most hatchbacks.
Safety Suite Rivals Luxury Brands
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 now ships on every Corolla Cross, bringing adaptive cruise, lane-centering assist, and road-sign detection. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is included from the second trim upward, and Limited models add front and rear parking sensors plus a 360-degree camera. Nine airbags, a stiff body shell, and active stability control help earn top marks in crash tests, giving families peace of mind.
Prices That Pull Buyers Away From Bigger Names
The base L model starts at just $25,000 before destination, undercutting Honda CR-V by roughly $4,500 and Toyota’s own RAV4 by an easy $3,000. Even the range-topping XLE Hybrid stays below $33,000 with all options, making it one of the best-priced all-wheel-drive hybrids in the segment. Analysts say this price gap is a major reason the Corolla Cross has climbed to the top of monthly sales charts, edging past CR-V and even overtaking RAV4 inventory in several regions.
Trim and price snapshot
| Trim | Powertrain | Key extras | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Gas FWD | 7-in cluster, Toyota Safety Sense | $25,000 |
| LE AWD | Gas AWD | Blind-spot monitor, roof rails | $27,500 |
| Hybrid S | Hybrid AWD | 17-in alloys, sport grille | $29,000 |
| Hybrid XLE | Hybrid AWD | SofTex, 12.3-in cluster, JBL audio | $32,800 |
Why Shoppers Pick Corolla Cross
- Lower starting price than Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4
- High fuel economy for both gas and hybrid models
- Standard safety tech that costs extra on rivals
- Compact length with roomy second row and big cargo hold
- Toyota’s proven reliability and strong resale value
Outselling established players is no small feat, yet the 2025 Corolla Cross does it by pairing the Corolla name’s solid track record with SUV versatility and a cost that undercuts the field. Add smart tech, a comfortable ride, and wallet-friendly running costs, and it is easy to understand why more drivers leave showrooms with Corolla Cross keys in hand.