​​Motor Trend’s Test of the 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid​ 

You have to appreciate the opening line of Motor Trend’s review of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE: “Opting for a modern hybrid powertrain is like adding garlic to any savory dish: It just makes things better. Case in point: the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.” And so begins their review, which received much praise and a few quibbles, summarized in this Sharp Automotive post. 

As the name suggests, the Corolla Cross is a crossover based on the Corolla platform. The hybrid model uses the Corolla Hybrid drivetrain, the Corolla’s available all-wheel drive system, and inside, you will find the Corolla dashboard. On the outside, you will find the model line’s newest front-end styling.   

Since its debut as a 2022 model, the Corolla Cross has seemingly received a new front design every year. For 2026, the headlights haven’t yet adopted the “Hammerhead” front-end design seen on most of Toyota’s sedans and crossovers. However, the rest is in place, such as the integrated fade-in perforations below the logo that form the front grille. The model features a clean, no-fuss design that looks even better when the long roof is black, contrasting with the rest of the exterior color. 

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter engine combined with front and rear-mounted motors, providing standard AWD. The power is managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system power reaches 196 horsepower, which is 27 more than the non-electrified model. 

Motor Trend found the non-hybrid Corolla Cross a bit slow for their tastes, but the electric motors help decrease its 0-60 mph time by over 1.5 seconds to 7.6 seconds during testing. They note, “It’s loud when you demand full acceleration, but there’s good low-end power that gets you started and lends it some cheerful urgency.” They also observed that the CVT revs quite high quickly and helps the car accelerate by steadily adjusting ratios. Additionally, they noticed some variability in the regenerative braking, which is less noticeable in other Toyota models.  

That is mostly where the dynamic complaints end, and it’s hard to argue with the model’s EPA estimated mpg ratings of 46 city / 39 highway / 42 combined, the latter being a full 10 mpg better than the non-electrified front-drive model and 12 mpg better than the AWD model. 

Regarding handling, they opined, “…it’s clear the suspension setup and chassis both contribute sprightliness to what easily could have come off the assembly line as merely another errand-runner. There’s some spunky playfulness here that matches its happy face and bite-sized dimensions.” 

At the XSE level, the dash features a 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted high on the dashboard and a 10.5-inch digital gauge cluster. Motor Trend noted that at least one of the digital driver’s displays was a bit cluttered, but added that it can be configured to show only what you want. They also praised the XSE’s dual phone-charging pads and physical climate buttons and knobs, which seem almost luxurious in this digitally focused industry. 

They found the rear seats typical of the category, which is fine for kids but can be a bit cramped for adults over 6 feet tall. On the other hand, they found the cargo area to exceed category expectations, with 21.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 61.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, all accessible through a power liftgate on the XSE. 

Motor Trend concludes their review with this: “In the end, the SUVs in this class need to balance good fuel economy, modern technology, solid cabin materials, and practicality—all at a reasonable price point. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers all of that, and it’s also one of those rare economy cars that you’d actually want to drive rather than being forced to.” 

That is high praise for Toyota’s most affordable hybrid crossover. While their model had an as-tested price of $37,780, the hybrid version with its 43 combined MPG and standard AWD has a starting MSRP of $29,395. That should make it accessible to any new car shopper. If you are such a shopper and live in the eastern portion of South Dakota, check Sharp Automotive’s inventory for the Corolla Cross Hybrid. If one isn’t available, contact one of our sales professionals and let them know you’re interested in a test drive.