Road Trip Rides - 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Published November 3rd, 2025

Photos by Jay Kana.

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The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is, like anything wearing the Corolla name, quite the popular vehicle for the brand. It’s the second highest selling crossover/SUV for Toyota behind the famous RAV4.

2026 sees some updates for this subcompact crossover, a mid-cycle refresh as its called in the industry.
This hybrid trim now comes with a 10.5-inch infotainment screen, up from eight-inches in 2025 and there’s a new front fascia that’s the same colour as the body, where it used to be black.

Toyota’s smallest hybrid crossover boasts low fuel consumption, plenty of modern technology and a comfortable ride feel over short and long distances.

Key Info

Body type: Subcompact crossover, five seats
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 196 horsepower, e-CVT
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 5.6 litres per 100/km combined
Fuel tank size: 40 litres of regular 87 octane
Total range: 715 km
Cargo space: 609 litres
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

The Corolla Cross was released in Canada as a 2022 model and since then, it’s been quite the success for Toyota. It’s right-sized for urban life with decent cargo space. Its small footprint increases maneuverability and makes parking in any spot easier.
I did a Mississauga to Prince Edward County and back road trip with the base SE model and was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the seats are and, for a vehicle under $40,000 CAD MSRP, how quiet it was at highway speeds.
The audio system here is good but upgrade to the XSE trim with nine speakers for an enhanced audio experience, plus the higher trim comes with a sunroof to brighten up the cabin.
Blending large physical buttons for the climate controls, heated seats and steering wheel and more with an easy to use 10.5-inch infotainment touch screen increases user friendliness.
There’s a gasoline version of the Corolla Cross if a hybrid isn’t your thing but keep in mind the gasoline version has higher fuel consumption and you’ll travel approximately 100 kilometers less per full tank of fuel compared to the hybrid.
For a subcompact crossover, there’s decent space in the rear seats, so much so that I can easily and comfortably fit behind myself.
There’s lots of standard safety, a good amount of cargo space and an overall pleasant driving experience.

Standard features highlights

Heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, 10.5-inch infotainment touch screen, four USB-C ports,

Standard safety highlights 

Lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert.

3 Perks

Excellent fuel economy, base SE trim is well-equipped, small footprint makes it highly maneuverable in urban conditions.

3 Irks

Dual-zone climate control only on top XSE trim, no rear armrest on base SE trim, heated steering wheel is only heated on the left and right sides, not the top and bottom, approximately 50% truly heated.