1.8 Hybrid was smooth, 2.0 Hybrid nice and fast
The first batch of the Toyota Corolla Cross has a hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter petrol engine, but the 1.8 Hybrid has also been around for a while. Would the early decision makers have been better off waiting for the 2,000 euro less expensive version with 200 cc and 57 hp less?
We are one of those early decision makers who drive such a big 2.0 Hybrid. Our Corolla Cross endurance tester is one of those, and a lavishly decorated Launch Edition too. As is often the case with the introduction of a new model series, such a temporary version is equipped with many extras that should make driving more pleasant. After a while, the festive kick-off number disappears from the price list. Yet decorations and trinkets are not the focus of this comparison. We look for the difference under the hood, for which we call in a Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid.
The Toyota Corolla Cross, in the foreground the 1.8 Hybrid, behind the 2.0 Hybrid endurance tester.
1.8 Hybrid: smooth enough
The stronger electric motor makes the 1.8 more powerful than the old 1.8 hybrid, which you can still get in the current Toyota C-HR. With 122 hp it is less smart and should also be less economical. Naturally, the new C-HR will receive the updated 1.8 Hybrid when the model changes later this year. With 140 hp, the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid is fast enough, while with the 2.0 Hybrid you often think: it is nice and fast. The 2.0-liter produces 197 hp and always has more than enough power left, which is nice if you occasionally make foreign trips in mountainous areas, but for the Netherlands you use all available horsepower and Newton meters less often. That’s also nice, because the petrol engine then remains very much in the background, because the electric motor can handle it just fine.
According to the manufacturer, the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid completes the 0-100 sprint in 10.0 seconds, we clock 9.7 s.
In the 1.8 Hybrid you hear the four-cylinder working more often. But if necessary, the Corolla Cross with the lightest version of the hybrid powertrain also flashes from 0 to 100 km/h within 10 seconds. We measure the car slightly faster than it is according to the manufacturer in that sprint. The top speed is adjusted just like the 2.0, although the top version reaches 180 km/h. With the 1.8-liter it stops at 170 km/h. A trailer may weigh a maximum of 750 kilos.
The 1.8 Hybrid has slightly more luggage space, but it is still not spacious for this segment.
Corolla Cross 2.0 Hybrid different rear suspension
The 2.0 liter has a higher quality rear suspension, because the 1.8 has to make do with a semi-independent suspension. That is also the reason that the lighter drivetrain offers more luggage space, although with 436 liters it is certainly not a big gulp. The fact that the 2.0 has fewer liters to offer is also because you can also get this version with four-wheel drive in other countries.
Consumption the same, both economical
In practice you don’t notice much difference in driving. The Corolla Cross is a good-natured car that certainly drives well, but with which you are less likely to push the limits than with a C-HR. He likes that. The Corolla Cross leans more and, just like its appearance, will satisfy a very large group of people. The C-HR is sharper in everything and that trend will continue in the next generation.
The most important thing for the Corolla Cross driver will of course be fuel consumption. Toyota states a consumption of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers for both versions, which amounts to 1 in 19.6. We drive the 2.0 a fraction more economically than the 1.8. Our endurance tester averages 1 to 18.2, the 1.8-liter achieved 1 to 18.0. These are good values ​​for a hybrid SUV in this segment.
Nice driving assistance systems
The Toyota Corolla Cross has a dashboard that is strongly related to that of the compact middle class from which it borrows the basis. This means that there is a large multimedia screen in the middle of the dashboard, comfortably close within reach of the driver. The touchscreen has a clear menu structure, but you cannot go into much depth. You operate important operating functions with buttons and switches, with the buttons on the steering wheel being pleasant additions. This allows you to set all assistance systems, among other things, and we must be complimentary about the operation of the adaptive cruise control in combination with the steering assistance. And if you need normal cruise control without the car itself keeping a distance from the vehicle in front, that is also possible.
The Launch Edition was always a 2.0 Hybrid with a lavish decoration.
Price difference €2,000
The Corolla Cross does not distinguish itself within its class in terms of space, is certainly in the middle of the pack in terms of interior, controls and multimedia, but excels with its efficient drivetrains. We now know that you can also live well with the 1.8, although the temptation for that extra touch of the 2.0 is great, because the price difference is only €2,000 for comparable equipment. In the C-HR it makes more sense to fall for the temptation, but in the Corolla Cross you do not need the 197 hp due to the less dynamic approach of the car. And what about the equipment? The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid is available from €35,495. The version we tested is equipped with the Dynamic decoration and for that middle equipment level the dealer asks at least €38,695 in combination with this engine. There are two levels below and three above. If we look at the decoration, we miss little. The 18-inch wheels are standard, although we quite like the blind spot monitor that the level above has. Then you talk about a Business Plus. It also has an electrically operated tailgate. The fact that the Dynamic lacks heated steering wheel and heated seats is painfully clear from the empty switches at the bottom of the center console. If you can live with that – because the level above it doesn’t have them either – you have a better version with the 1.8 Hybrid Business Plus, which comes to €38,312.
If you don’t have steering wheel and seat heating, you’ll always see what you’re missing.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl