America’s most popular non-truck category is the compact SUV segment. Mid-sizers are a close second. Toyota seeks to define both categories by tweaking its offerings just above and below (size-wise) from the best-selling RAV4. All come with a great suite of included features such as Toyota Safety Sense driver assist packages.
The Toyota Corolla Cross SUV introduced in 2022
A new Corolla Cross Hybrid (HV) rolled out for the 2023 model year. We drove the HV, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system. That gives the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving! And the hybrid powertrain is more powerful than its non-hybrid sibling. Toyota loads up the Corolla Cross Hybrid at a starting price of $29k for the base S model including standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The top shelf XSE is its best-seller, still a value at just under $32k MSRP. Our XSE sported some extras that put it just over $37K including delivery.
Comparing the Three-Row Options
RAV4 shares the same basic construction with the mid-size Highlander. But the Highlander is 14 inches longer than the RAV4 allowing third row seating. Like the RAV4, Highlander starts as a front-wheel-drive unit-body vehicle with AWD as an option. A new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine helps make it one of the most fuel-efficient mid-sizers, still with acceleration quicker than some comparable V6-equipped mid-sizers. Highlander’s MSRP starts under $40k. Our tester was the Limited with AWD, starting at $48K and topping $53K with a few options and delivery.
It’s been said that the regular Highlander is good for carpool duty, while the Grand Highlander is the one to pick when you take a family road trip.
It’s still considered a mid-size SUV in the Toyota SUV line-up, but the Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, 2 inches taller and 2.3 inches wider than the smaller Highlander. The extra space adds 5.5 inches more legroom in the third row and more storage space behind it. That gives it bragging rights for having some of most cargo space in its segment.
Only sold in the upper shelf XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, our Grand Highlander was the 4WD Limited HV (Hybrid Vehicle) with a 2.5-liter inline-4 plus two front motor generators combining to make 243 hp and 175 lb-ft. A nickel-metal-hydride battery pack allows the system to juggle energy for more efficiency and power. Hybrid AWD models add a third motor at the rear to provide power on its own. Grand Highlanders start at about $44K. Adding $1,600 each for AWD and Hybrid, MSRP on our mid-level trim vechicle was $51,060. Adding a tow hitch, several more minor add-ons and delivery its final price was just over $54K
