2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Review – Basic Transport, Complete Anonymity

There has been much handwringing lately among us keyboard warriors that the entry-level end of the new-car market isn’t well covered.

Overall, this is true – there are fewer cheap wheels than there used to be. But there are still some options for the first-time buyer or those with shallow pockets. Sometimes, though, there’s another kind of price to pay for snagging a bargain.

That price used to be quality, in many cases. Or feature availability. Thankfully that’s not usually the case anymore. Instead, you might simply find yourself blending in while feeling bored.

That was the case with the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross.

Driving it never felt like I was being punished, but I’d often get out and just realize there wasn’t much to remark upon, good or bad. The Corolla Cross just sorta worked.

Fast? No, no it is not. There’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder underhood making 169 horsepower and just 150 lb-ft of torque, and it provides just enough thrust for commuting, though you’re going to have to plan your passes carefully.

There’s a continuously-variable automatic transmission in use here, but it’s generally unobtrusive as it goes about its business. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available for $1,300 – that’s what my test unit had.

Handling is about as unremarkable as you’d expect, as well. I’ve driven much, much worse but I wouldn’t use words like “sporty” or “fun” or even a phrase like “surprisingly spry for the price point/class”. Again, there’s no penalty-box feeling at play here, but your family members won’t be clamoring for the keys, either.

The ride is acceptably comfortable for urban duty – not too stiff, not too soft. If this is your daily driver, you’ll feel just fine on the freeway haul to the office.

That feeling of “fine” extends to the bland, inoffensive exterior styling and the cabin that prioritizes simplicity over design. Fans of the old-school, rejoice – there are knobs here.

There are three trim grades to choose from, and as is often the case with test vehicles, I was sent the top-trim XLE. It was fairly well equipped with LED lighting all around, including fog lamps; satellite radio; wireless phone charging; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; three USB ports; dual-zone climate control; and heated front seats. Options included a power moonroof, an upgraded infotainment system with JBL audio, a power liftgate, and adaptive lighting. The base price was $27,625 and with the options and $1,215 destination fee, this well-equipped Corolla Cross ran $33,550.

Advanced safety aids included blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane-tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert with braking assist, automatic high beams, and road-sign assist.

It can be easy, especially for car enthusiasts, to hate on cheap, bland wheels. But the Corolla Cross has no pretension – it’s fairly inexpensive basic transport for those who want/need wheels without paying out the nose. It’s also fairly well equipped if you’re willing to pony up for the top trim – though even the two lower trims offer popular features.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is boring, basic, and completely anonymous. And that’s a good thing.

What’s New for 2022

The Corolla Cross is a small crossover based on the Corolla platform and is new for 2022.

Who Should Buy It

Anyone who needs a small crossover at a value price.

[Images: Toyota]

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