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This week I'm back behind the wheel of the Toyota Corolla Cross - a subcompact SUV that's proven to be popular in the compact SUV segment thanks to its style, roominess, fuel efficiency and value. There are two powertrains - gas-only and hybrid. This week I bring you a 2026 hybrid-only XSE Pre-Production Prototype. New for 2026, the Corolla Cross receives front end tweaks, a newly designed center console and a newly available 10.5-inch touchscreen.
Exterior
The 2026 Corolla Cross hybrid arrives with a new body-colored front grille for 2026. Plus, my tester wears a new color combo option - Cavalry Blue paired with Jet Black roof.
Like the 2025 Nightshade I reviewed recently, the two-tone look really adds style to this compact SUV. The XSE rides on new 18-inch wheels with a Gloss Black Finish. Gloss-black power outside mirrors are heated, the windows feature chrome side molding, and the top is fitted with black roof rails.
The XSE is also equipped with adaptive headlights and LED fog lights and for 2026, the entire lineup receives new LED daytime running lights.
Powertrain
Toyota's hybrid powertrain's sure are terrific when it comes to fuel efficiency, but they can be loud when accelerating, as is the case here. That is my chief complaint of the 196-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain. Overall, power feels good and certainly a lot better than the gas-only variant's underpowered 169-ponies. All-wheel drive is standard on the hybrid and the Corolla Cross hybrid is equipped with an electronically controlled variable transmission (ECVT).
Interior
The top-of-the-line XSE cabin is well-designed and spacious. It features a Black/Blue SofTex-trim with Mixed Media interior. You'll find your typical mix of soft-touch materials and plastic on the dash and door panels. I do wish Toyota would add some heft to their interior door handles.
Three favorite things about the interior: the comfortable 10-way power driver's seat with nice side bolstering, the newly available larger touchscreen and the new center console design. It not only ditches glossy black but also adds storage space, a new shorter leather-trimmed gear shift, and a uniquely located built-in USB-C port. At the front end of the console, a large storage tray is divided into 2 sections - the driver's side half reserved for the available wireless charger. The new look is all-in-all more refined.
The XSE features a bright and colorful 12.3-inch digital driver display with nice drive mode graphics. A newly available 10.5-inch touchscreen runs the current Toyota Multimedia System with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Connected Service Drive Connect trial or subscription is required to utilize Intelligent Assistant "Hey Toyota", Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. An optional 9-speaker sound system sounds great in the space. A WiFi Spot is available
In the second-row, comfortable 60/40 split seats and soft-touch seat backs greet passengers. Legroom is good but you'll lose some headroom due to slightly stadium-style seating. Second-row passengers get their own A/C vents, USB-C ports and drop-down center armrest with cupholders.
The spacious cargo area is nicely done with a Tonneau cover, a spider cargo net and large carpet mat. An optional power liftgate offers height adjustability.
Standard XSE features include a Cold Weather Package which adds heated front seats and steering wheel. Other standard features include, ambient lighting, four USB-C ports, rearview camera, and dual-zone front climate.
Ride and Drive
The Corolla Cross hybrid is an easy-going, practical daily driver with a smooth and comfortable ride. The hybrid model benefits from a sport-tuned suspension and handling is enjoyable, especially in Sport mode.
I do love the ride height in here, thanks to its 8-inch ground clearance. The down sides, the loud engine when you accelerate and a highway ride that's on the noisier side.
Safety
Safety is great - and I especially like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Proactive Driving Assist, both part of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which is standard. It also includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. Rear Seat Reminder and Safe Exit are also standard.
Additional standard XSE safety includes Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Blind Spot monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Options and What You'll Pay
As my tester is a prototype there is no Monroney available. So I used Toyota's configurator (based on my zip code) to tally up options and pricing. Options include Calvary Blue and Black Roof ($500), a Convenience Package (moonroof/power rear liftgate for $1250), and JBL Audio ($800). MSRP as equipped: $35,375.
Verdict
The 2026 Corolla Cross continues to evolve adding refinement and convenience features.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE
- What I liked most: Two-toned exterior, seats, larger screen and center console design.
- What I would change: Quieter cabin with less engine noise.
- MSRP: Base: $33,330. As equipped: $35,375, with destination.
- Official Color: Cavalry Blue with Jet Black Roof ($500).
- Fuel Economy: 45 city/38 highway/42 combined.
- Odometer when tested: 438 miles.
- Curb Weight: 3,373 pounds.
- Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches.
- Spare tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 176.8” long/ 71.9” wide/64.8” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons with filler on driver's side.
- Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds.
- 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE Hybrid: Great updates for 2026 are sure to please compact SUV shoppers.
- Warranty: 10-year/150,000-mile Hybrid Battery Warranty, 8-year/100,000-mile Hybrid System Warranty, 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain, 5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation.
- ToyotaCare factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles.
- Final Assembly Location: Huntsville, Alabama.
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Manufacturer's website: Toyota
