Until recently the name "Corolla" made you think about Toyota's compact sedan that is giving the Honda Civic a lot of headaches. Well, as of June, 2021 Toyota added a new version to the Corolla lineup: a compact crossover that will go after cars like Kia Seltos or Subaru Crosstrek.

The 2022 Corolla Cross will go on sale in October, 2021 and prices will range from $22,195 to $27,625, depending on the trim level and driveline.

Exterior

For the exterior, the Cross version took the Corolla design, but updated it to a more crossover-like feel. The car's ride has been increased, and most of the elements received a more aggressive look.

If you take a look at the crossover's front, you will immediately recognize the Corolla roots, but a few distinctive elements give it a more confident appearance. The black grille is a little bit wider, with chrome surrounds, and flanked by LED lighting with black body accents - an approach very common in Toyota's crossovers.

The rear is also a little bit different, with an integrated rear spoiler and LED lighting. Depending on the trim level, there will be a choice of 17-inches to 18i-inches wheels.

There is also a choice of seven exterior colors: Wind Chill Pearl, Celestite, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Barcelona Red Metallic, Cypress, or Blue Crush Metallic.

You will be surprised to hear that the Cross version is actually shorter than the sedan. Wheelbase is also shorter: 103.9 inches in the Cross version, versus 106.3 inches in the sedan. The only dimensions where the Cross is bigger are the width and height. And not by much! The Cross version if 71.9 inches wide, while the sedan measures 70.1 inches. As for the height, the Cross version is 64.8 inches and the sedan 56.5 inches.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross exterior dimensions

Interior

The similarities with the sedan version continue on the interior, which is a very good thing, as the sedan offers a lot of high-end Lexus-style cues. Depending on the trim version for example, you can get glossy bits, silver accents, piano black surrounds, and optional contrast stitching for the upholstery.

And again, in true Toyota spirit, the 2022 Corolla Cross if offered with a power moonroof and either single- or dual-zone automatic climate control. Based on the trim level, the seats can be ordered in: Light Gray fabric for the L version, Light Gray or Black fabric for the LE version, while the top version - the XLE will offer SofTex®-trimmed seats in Macadamia/Mocha or Black.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross interior dimensions

While we do not have full information on the cargo room numbers, we do know it offers 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row for the FWD versions and 24.3 cubic feet for the AWD ones. If we were to compare, the Seltos offers 26.6 inches and the Subaru Crosstrek a total of 20.8.

Powertrain

Unlike the sedan, the Corolla Cross is offered with only one engine. The base 139 horsepower, 1.8-liter four cylinder engine is not offered for the crossover.

The engine is paired with a CVT gearbox and has an estimated 32 combined MPG for the FWD model and 30 combined MPG for the AWD model.

Suspension was also modified, and there is a choice of fully independent for all-wheel-drive models or brand-new torsion beam system in the rear for the FWD models.

The new Corolla Cross has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds - a number similar to the Crosstrek, but under Seltos' towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

Toyota Corolla Cross specifications

Prices

The 2022 Corolla Cross is offered in three trim levels: L, LE and XLE. All trims are offered in both FWD and AWD. Sales will begin in October, 2021.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross prices

Standard features

L Grade:

- 7” Multimedia Display

- 4.2” MID

- Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and Amazon Alexa

- SiriusXM® trial

- Rear HVAC Vents

- TSS 2.0

- Remote Keyless Entry

- Two USB ports

- LED headlights and taillights

- 17″ Steel wheels with silver wheel covers

LE Grade – L features plus:

- 8″ Multimedia display

- Qi-wireless charging

- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

- 17″ alloy wheels

- Roof rails

- Smart Key with Push Button Start

- Leather wrapped steering wheel

- Auto climate control

- Three USB ports

- Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signals

XLE Grade – LE features plus:

- 18” alloy wheels

- 7” MID

- SofTex®-trimmed seats

- 10-way power driver seat with lumbar

- Heated front seats

- LED DRLs and fog lights

- Rear Cross-Traffic Brake

- Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking

- Dual zone climate control

- Rear folding armrest with two cup holders

- Leather shift knob

- Tonneau cover

Conclusion

A third addition to the Corolla lineup - next to the sedan and the hatchback, the 2022 Corolla Cross wants to help further increasing the popularity of the Corolla name. And, thanks to its low price and the very long list of standard equipment, it may actually end up being a very successful model.