Toyota Corolla Cross – Back to Basics

Toyota Corolla Cross Active, €37,995

The highly anticipated Toyota Corolla Cross makes its dealer debut today. Its lower-standing brother, the regular Corolla, came on the market in 2018. Yet the brand screws exactly the same dashboard in the Corolla Cross. However, it is now equipped with the new, larger infotainment screen (10.5 inches) and a fully digital instrumentation, which even has a diameter of 12.3 inches. Both features are standard equipment on the Cross.

If you are satisfied with what is standard, you can go to Toyota for an Active version of the Corolla Cross. It is quite easy to spot from the outside. For example, it is the only version that does not have LED taillights and no daytime running lights in the form of an LED strip in the headlights. In addition, the Active is the only standard on 17-inch alloy wheels. The basic version also has no contrasting decorative strips around the grille and above the side windows, which, incidentally, is only partially blinded with the Active. Remarkable: you can also order the Corolla Cross with 17-inch black steel wheels, but according to the configurator you have to pay an extra €781 for this. The body is covered in a white unilak as standard. Other colors cost at least €350.

Two upholstery colors at no extra cost

On the motor level, Toyota keeps it nice and clear. The Corolla Cross can only be ordered with the 2-liter hybrid powertrain with a CVT automatic transmission, good for 197 hp. This allows the car to reach a top speed of 180 km/h and the standard sprint is completed in 7.6 seconds. For the time being, the model is only available with front-wheel drive. It may just be that that will never change.

As standard you can choose from fabric upholstery in this color or in black.

To get into the Corolla Cross, you must first manually unlock the car using the remote control. Keyless entry is only standard on the more expensive versions (from €40,495). The manually – also in height – adjustable driver’s seat can be upholstered with black or gray fabric at no extra cost. Toyota does that for you with the rest of the seats and door panels. Well so neat.

Adaptive cruise control is also included

Once you’re seated, the Corolla Cross actually leaves little to be desired. The climate control is automatic and has two zones. Navigation, DAB radio with bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard, as are a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel, electric windows all round, voice control and a split-folding rear seat with adjustable backrest and Isofix. Behind the rear seat we find a height-adjustable loading floor, and electrically adjustable, folding and heated mirrors on the outside of the car.

If we look at the standard active driver assistance and safety systems, there is little to complain about. A reversing camera and adaptive cruise control are standard. The same applies to lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beam and an emergency braking system.

What’s missing?

It is a pity that the appearance of the basic version differs so much from that of a step higher, because it – called Dynamic – looks a lot higher quality with some accents, more extensive LED lighting and slightly larger wheels. In terms of equipment, however, the difference between the two is not that bad. Do you attach to heated seats, (partly) leather upholstery, a number of driving assistance systems, a wireless charger and an electrically operated tailgate, then Toyota condemns you to one step higher: the First Edition. At €41,995, it costs exactly €4000 more than the entry-level model, but it does have those facilities on board as standard, and a few more. The choice is yours!

When you see these taillights, you immediately know: that is a Corolla Cross in Active version!