Trims, Powertrain, and Performance

Toyota markets the 2023 Corolla Cross in three trim grades: L, LE, and XLE. Each is supplied with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drivetrain are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional, as mentioned in the intro. With FWD, the Corolla Cross returns an EPA-rated 31 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the AWD version achieves 29 city/32 highway. The Corolla Cross can also pull a small trailer under the 1,500-pound threshold.

Standard Equipment

The entry-level L is equipped with LED headlights, heated side mirrors, a pair of USB-C charging ports, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and a 60/40-split second-row seat. The LE incorporates some finer furnishings, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, side mirrors with built-in turn-signal and blind-spot indicators, front door handles with touch-sensor lock/unlock, a rear window wiper, rear privacy glass, roof rails, two more USB-C charging ports, wireless phone charging, illuminated vanity mirrors, push-button start, and single-zone automatic climate control.

The XLE is well appointed with LED daytime running lights and fog lights, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, SofTex-upholstered seats that are heated in the front row, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo-area tonneau cover, and a folding rear armrest with two cupholders.

Active Safety Technologies

The ’23 Corolla Cross comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the brand’s latest bundle of advanced active driving aids. It groups a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit assist are added at the LE level, while the XLE alone gets front and rear parking sensors and automatic braking.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The standard multimedia system in the ’23 Corolla Cross is contained within a refreshed 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the highlighted feature; the setup also has SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system. The LE and XLE both qualify for an enhanced audio system, a deluxe JBL unit with nine high-quality speakers.