Last edition we introduced Company Vehicle readers to what could be the next step in Corolla’s evolution as a fleet favourite, the slightly taller, slightly roomier Corolla Cross GXL, but what if you wanted something more?
Introducing the top end of the Corolla Cross range; this is the Corolla Cross Limited with full time all-wheel-drive capability – and given Auckland’s weather, it’s the one we would recommend!
We’d be paying a premium on list price, but then, we’d be getting more technology, a few more fruity bits and a more intangible – but nonetheless real – improved ride overall.
As with all Corolla Cross models, the Limited is a self-charging hybrid – Toyota’s primary powerplant of choice for now – and has more in common than not with the GX, GXL and Limited 2WD models.
Physical length, height and width are all the same as is the five-star safety rating. There are some subtle visual differences like the 18-inch alloy wheels which goes some way to explaining the increased weight –1550kg over the 1435/75kg – of the lower grade vehicles.
Outputs are also standardised across the Corolla Cross range, which should come as no surprise as the two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine is the same, and it’s mated to an electric motor with the resulting combination driving the front wheels.
What is different is the second electric motor mounted on the rear axle completing the all-wheel-drive equation.
The AWD system is not as robust as a 4WD, which means the Corolla Cross isn’t up to off roading with any serious intention. The additional traction is handy to have in the face of a cyclone, however.
And because the system is partially hybridised, fuel consumption is low, which is not typical of a conventional AWD system.
Toyota claims a conservative 4.9 litres per 100km which means – even if you drive outside the ‘everyman’s 29km per day’ average – a visit to melt that plastic fuel card is maybe a fortnightly occurrence. It helps that the Limited hybrid AWD has a slightly larger fuel tank than its stablemates.
The e-CVT gets a little raucous when you push for rapid acceleration, but since Waka Kotahi would prefer us all to walk anyway…
…sorry, acid in the coffee. Scintillating performance is not on the cards for 90 percent of SUVs, but the Corolla Cross is far from disappointing.
You do notice the switch from hybrid to ICE if you’re listening for it, but Toyota’s audio suite can fix that problem for you, especially with the premium JBL speakers offered on the Limited.
And that brings us into the cabin. Any regular ‘Rolla rider is going to be in very familiar territory here, but there is a different feel to the Corolla Cross’ cabin.
Given the height of the Corolla Cross is more in line with a RAV4, spatially speaking, you might expect a RAV4 cabin width and there have been some who have come back with the cabin width as a criticism.
I’m calling BS on that, because for me, the Corolla Cross cabin was well balanced in terms of its width and height, this last going a long way to making the cabin feel spaciously comfortable.
No doubt the panoramic roof with power sunscreen helps as does the 12.3-inch full digital colour meter multi-informational display.
This is most visibly and physically demonstrated in the leather accented – and heated – seats. These – on the driver’s side anyway – are well suited to accommodate any shape driver with eight-way power adjustability. Passenger seat has four-way power adjustability which is a tad disappointing, given the rest of the appointment.
Overall, our verdict is that the Corolla Cross Limited hybrid AWD is the one to opt for, at least it would be if it were possible to place an order for one. Limited availability of the Corolla Cross range along with consumer demand has meant Toyota NZ can only take orders for 2024 at this point.
That should tell you all you need to know about an SUV which has only been in our market for 19 months.
