This week, Toyota announced a whole new bunch of hybrid models. The all-new 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid — based on the fan-favourite Corolla sedan — made its North American debut. And for the Corolla sedan and hatchback lineup, the automaker has also added three new hybrid grades, installed updated safety tech, made all-wheel drive available and adopted a 169-hp engine for a major power boost.
The exclusive AWD system employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. This feature, which is called Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, works seamlessly to distribute drive force to rear wheels, suppress front-wheel slip, and enhance cornering agility. Drivers will also have the option to view ‘torque distribution’ directly on the vehicle’s Multi-information Display and infotainment screen.
Along with AWD, the Corolla Cross Hybrid offers enhanced brake control, while the SE AWD and XSE AWD grades feature Electronic Power Steering from the Corolla Apex Edition performance model.
With upgraded safety tech (Toyota Safety Sense 3.0), drivers can expect to benefit from the following, enhanced safety features:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)
• Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Toyota’s newest Hybrid also packs a punch in terms of performance, with 194 horse-power and an 8.2 second 0-100 km/h time. The hybrid will also offers a manufacturer-estimated combined fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100 km for all grades.
The all-new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid will begin production at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, which boasts a production capacity of up to 150,000 Corolla Cross vehicles per year.
