2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade Review

Written By: Amy Plemons | Oct 3, 2025 9:43:19 AM

This week I'm back behind the wheel of the Toyota Corolla Cross - a subcompact SUV that's proved to be very popular with consumers. Especially the gas-only variant which is currently outselling the Highlander gas-variant as of the end of the third quarter, as just reported this week in Toyota's sales data.

Thankfully, I have the hybrid variant which makes a lot more sense to me, even if the gas variant does bring nearly triple the sales. Specifically, I bring you the 2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade that slots just below the top-of-the-line XSE. Since the 2026s are already on sale, I'd be remiss not to mention the 2026 hybrid arrives with two new front fascia designs with color matched grills, along with updates in the interior, and a newly available 10.5-inch touchscreen.

Exterior

If you like sporty, blacked-out looks, the Nightshade Edition is the way to go. It looks terrific in Soul Red Crystal with a Jet Black Roof and 18-inch black alloy wheels. The Nightshade also sports black badges, heated black side mirrors, black rear liftgate varnish, black rear spoiler and roof rack with black cross bars.

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Nightshade-exclusive black housing encases the LED headlights and daytime running lights, as well as the taillights in back. Adaptive headlights are only available on the XSE. As noted my review of the 2023 model, it bears repeating that the hood is on the heavy side so prepare to use some muscle there.

For 2025, the AWD badge moves to the rear and the hybrid adds an Electric Vehicle “HEV” badge on the rear liftgate.

Powertrain

A 5th-generation 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain with standard all-wheel drive delivers 196-horsepower, which feels a lot better than the gas-only variant's 169-horsepower which feels underpowered. The three-motor hybrid system's electric torque is the big difference, giving the sub-compact crossover added pep. The engine - which does have a tendency to drone - is mated to an electronically controlled variable transmission (ECVT).

Interior

The cabin will appeal to Corolla sedan fans. It's comfortable, well-designed and spacious with generous headroom. You'll find a lot of fabric material along with some plastic. I wish Toyota would invest in heftier door handles.

Stylish Nightshade-exclusive black and red fabric seats with side bolstering feature contrast red stitching. Unlike in the XSE there is no power seating or heated seats. The driver's seat is 6-way manually adjusting and the passenger's seat is 4-way.

A leather-trimmed steering wheel with sport paddle shifters has a great feel to it. The small 4.2-inch color digital driver's display definitely looks antiquated (thankfully that changes for 2026.)

The 2025 Corolla Cross lineup features an 8-inch touchscreen and the Toyota Multimedia System with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You'll need a Connected Service Drive Connect trial or subscription to get all the great features like Intelligent Assistant "Hey Toyota", Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. A WiFi Spot is available. A 6-speaker sound system is standard, but I'd opt for my tester's optional JBL 9-speaker upgrade.

A narrow center console trimmed in glossy black is where you find a leather-wrapped gear shift knob, two cup holders and drive mode select, along with an electric parking brake and brake auto hold.

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Slightly stadium style seating in back means you lose a bit of headroom. The 60/40 folding rear seats are comfortable but the cushions are on the flatter side. Second-row passengers get their own A/C vents and USB-C ports but you have to get the XSE for a drop-down center armrest with cupholders

Cargo area is impressive and an optional Tonneau cover hides valuables. A power liftgate with height adjustability is an option.

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Standard Nightshade features also include front-zone climate, carpet floor mats, wireless charging, and four USB-C ports split between the two rows.

Ride and Drive

If you're a fan of the Corolla's ride and drive, you'll be a fan of the Corolla Cross hybrid. It's an easy-going, practical daily driver with a comfortable ride. While not exactly engaging, the hybrid does feature more acceleration than the gas variant as well as a sport-tuned suspension. Ride height and visibility are both good thanks to 8 inches of ground clearance, but the ride can be a bit noisy due to road noise and the engine drone.

Safety

Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a fantastic driver assistance suite that includes Proactive Driving Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.

Other standard Nightshade safety includes Blind Spot monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert along with Rear Seat Reminder, Safe Exit and a backup camera.

Options and What You'll Pay

Options include the premium ($475) and two-tone paint($500) along with JBL Premium audio ($800), moonroof/tonneau cover package ($940), door sill protectors ($179), mudguards ($155).

This brings the total MSRP to $35,039, which is pricier than the top-line 2023 XSE I reviewed.

Verdict

The Corolla Cross hybrid isn't for driving enthusiasts, but its stylish design, well-executed interior and excellent fuel economy are sure to please Toyota Corolla fans looking for something roomier than the tried-and-true sedan. Just know that is does miss out on the convenience features of the top of the line XSE.