Gas prices are hovering around all-time highs, but Toyota is coming to the rescue with the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid. Designed to be affordable and fuel-efficient, the Corolla Cross Hybrid will be built at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, and go on sale in the United States later this year. Toyota didn’t release many specifications but confirmed the model will have a fifth-generation hybrid system as well as standard all-wheel drive. That isn’t much to go on, but the crossover will have a combined output of 194 hp and that’s 25 hp more than the standard model.

This will enable the Corolla Cross Hybrid to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 8.0 seconds and return an estimated 37 mpg combined. The latter number is 7 mpg better than all-wheel-drive versions of the Corolla Cross as well as 5 mpg better than front-wheel-drive variants. Full details will be announced closer to launch, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid will be offered in five different trims including the familiar LE and XLE grades. They’re being joined by new S, SE, and XSE trims that feature sportier styling and a sport-tuned suspension.

 

The S comes equipped with LED lighting units, a passive entry system, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Buyers will also find an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new infotainment system will come standard on all 2023 Corolla Cross models and offer cloud-based navigation, an intelligent assistant, over-the-air updates, and integrated Amazon Music and Apple Music streaming. The SE trim adds privacy glass, roof rails, and paddle shifters, while the XSE is distinguished by premium LED lighting units, fog lights, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The latter grade also boasts heated SofTex front seats with power adjustment on the driver’s side.

The SE and XSE trims offer two-tone exteriors with a black roof that is contrasted by Acidic Blast, Barcelona Red Metallic, Blue Crush Metallic or Sonic Silver Metallic bodies. Customers can also opt for a monotone exterior in a number of the aforementioned colors as well as Cypress, Jet Black Mica, and Wind Chill Pearl.

 

Getting back to equipment, all 2023 Corolla Cross models come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It replaces the previous 2.0 system and features a number of enhancements as well as improved detection capabilities. In particular, the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection can now detect motorcycles in certain conditions. The model also boasts intersection turning assist and “improved lane recognition” for enhanced Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Other highlights include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and a Rear Seat Reminder. They’re joined by a Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.