Well, Toyota’s finally decided to grace Australian shores with the Corolla Cross, and honestly, it’s about time. But, with other markets having a head start, the question is: does this newcomer bring anything new to the table, or is it just rehashed dinner?

Engine:

Under the hood, you’ve got two choices: a 2.0L petrol engine that’s kinda ‘meh’, or a hybrid that actually gives you a reason to nod. The petrol version pulls out 126kW of power which is alright, but with fuel consumption at 6L/100km and a 0-100km time that will have you growing a beard at 9.2 seconds, it’s not shattering any records. The hybrid, on the other hand, is where the party’s at. It pairs a 2.0L Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motor, totaling 146kW of power. Plus, you’ll be breezing past the petrol stations with its 4.3L/100km fuel consumption.

Performance / Drive:

The Corolla Cross handles like a grocery getter. It’s smooth and will get you from A to B without fuss. But if you’re looking for some excitement behind the wheel, you might want to look elsewhere. The petrol engine sounds like it’s begging for mercy during quicker accelerations. The hybrid does a bit better but don’t expect your heart rate to go up.

toyota corolla gr

Exterior Design:

First things first, let’s talk looks. The Corolla Cross parks itself somewhere between the Yaris Cross and the RAV4. While we can’t help but see glimpses of the RAV4, it’s like the RAV4’s little brother who borrowed his clothes – a little oversized in some areas (yes, we’re looking at those side mirrors) and snappy in others, with slimline LED lights and a somewhat imposing grill. Not quite the black sheep like the CHR, but let’s just say it won’t be winning any beauty contests.

Inside the Cabin:

Inside, Toyota didn’t skimp on space. You’ve got decent headroom and a fair boot space (436 liters for the GX and GXL petrol, a bit less for the hybrid). The infotainment screen sizes range from “why even bother” at 8.0 inches to a more respectable 10.5 inches. Weirdly, the passenger seat adjustments are manual even in the top trim. That’s like buying a smartphone that still has a rotary dial.

PRICING:

For the base GX Petrol, be prepared to shell out around $33,000. Want the fancier Atmos Hybrid AWD? That’ll be closer to $49,050, thank you very much.

Safety Features:

Thankfully, Toyota doesn’t joke around with safety. The Corolla Cross features the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane change assist and safe exit assist, which are pretty neat. Go for the GXL and Atmos trims, and you get extra perks like a panoramic view monitor.

So, is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross worth the wait? It’s got some redeeming qualities, especially if you opt for the hybrid. But, for a late entry, we kinda hoped for a bit more pizzazz. It’s like showing up late to a party with store-bought dips – not bad, but not exactly a showstopper either. Alright, Australia, let us know what you think about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Just another SUV, or the Cross you’ve been waiting for? Drop your thoughts and don’t forget to check out our video review for more insights.