When automakers launch a brand new vehicle or a refreshed model, they usually only have the top-of-the-line version available for testing. While having that kind of variant shows all of a vehicle’s quirks and features, that doesn’t mean it’s the most popular. More often than not, it’s normally the base model or mid-grade version of a specific nameplate that takes the lion’s share of the sales.

While they come with a shorter list of features, automakers normally carry over the powertrain, as well as some key amenities to make lesser variants still appealing to buyers. So when we found out Toyota had the entry-level G model of the Corolla Cross HEV, we jumped on the chance to test drive it and find out if it’s worth getting over the Yaris Cross HEV.

First things first, let’s check out what Toyota changed on the exterior. Instead of giving it an extensive makeover, Toyota decided to keep things simple and subtle. Perhaps the most noticeable change on the updated Corolla Cross HEV is the redesigned front fascia. While it still gets the familiar LED headlights & daytime running lights, the grille is sleeker and features honeycomb-style inserts, which look like the ones on the all-new RAV4 Limited.

Combined with a redesigned front bumper and new LED foglights, the Corolla Cross G HEV gets a slightly sharper appearance, while still keeping the familiar profile. The rest of the vehicle largely remains the same, including the 17-inch alloy wheels and LED taillights. Overall, I like the subtle revisions Toyota made for the Corolla Cross G HEV. While they could have gone all out, Toyota practiced restraint and only made changes where it’s necessary.

Hop inside, and Toyota was busy giving the electrified crossover additional features. Sure, it’s not exactly the whole nine yards like the Corolla Cross GR Sport, but it has all the essential amenities one would need. These include a dual-zone climate control with rear A/C vents, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, smart keyless entry, a wireless charging pad, a 6-speaker sound system with surround sound function, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

For a base model, the Corolla Cross G HEV sure has plenty of amenities. However, it does lose some niceties since it only comes with fabric seats, analog gauges with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, manual-adjust front seats, and no sunroof. It also doesn’t come with Toyota Safety Sense, which serves as its advanced driver assist system (ADAS). However, you still get front & rear parking sensors, a digital video recorder (DVR), and a reverse camera to help you park with ease.

What the Corolla Cross G HEV lacks in sheer features, it makes up for with the essentials one would expect from a stylish compact crossover. It’s also quite spacious, comes with ergonomic controls, not everything is buried in the touchscreen, and still has a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel complete with controls for the audio and multi-info display.

7 photos

For those who like a relatively feature-packed cabin with a simple and ergonomic layout, the cabin of the Corolla Cross G HEV is somewhat of a throwback to simpler designs. It’s not the most cutting-edge, but it doesn’t have to be.

Under the hood is the tried-and-tested 2ZR-FXE 1.8L four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i that’s assisted by an electric motor and a small battery pack. It delivers a combined 122 PS and has 142 Nm of torque at 3600 rpm. Power is then sent to the front wheels via a CVT. It’s not the most high-tech powertrain, but it has proven to be easy on the fuel bills and is relatively quick if you know what you’re doing.

Like most hybrids, a push of a button starts the powertrain, but all that you will hear is a beep. That’s because the Corolla Cross always starts in EV mode, as long as there’s charge on the battery. That means quiet mornings and the ability to run on just battery power, which saves on fuel. This is great when you’re just tooling around town or going around a parking area. The more time the engine remains off, the more fuel you save.

Once you reach city speeds, the engine will automatically kick in to assist the electric motor, as well as recharge the battery. However, you can still save on fuel if you keep a light foot on the accelerator. Once the vehicle builds up enough forward momentum and there’s sufficient charge on the battery, you can ease your foot off the accelerator and allow the Corolla Cross to run in EV mode. Keep doing this method, and you’ll be surprised that the Corolla Cross HEV can easily average up to 17 km/L or more in light city driving.

Out on the highway, you may notice the 1.8L engine working more since hybrid systems are more efficient while in the city. But just as I mentioned earlier, the key here is to have a light foot on the accelerator. Once you reach your desired highway speed, you can ease off the accelerator to allow the electric motor to take over. Keep a steady right foot on the accelerator, and you can keep driving with just the electric motor powering the vehicle. I was able to do this at speeds between 80 and 90 km/h. Keep doing this, and the Corolla Cross HEV can sip fuel at 23 km/L or more.

But don’t mistake its hybrid powertrain for being slow. While it’s not the fastest crossover in the segment, the hybrid powertrain can be quite fun to wring out. Put your foot down, and the Corolla Cross can deliver power when needed. The CVT can immediately adjust to send torque to the wheels, which makes overtaking easier. 

Also worth mentioning is the handling of the Corolla Cross. It’s no performance crossover, but its steering is precise. This makes the Corolla Cross somewhat agile through the turns. You can take the gentle curves along NAIAX or along Skyway at 70 to 80 km/h with ease, and you know what the front tires are doing. Sure, it has some body roll, but this is still meant to be a comfy crossover, not a track car meant to carve corners.

Then there’s the ride comfort and Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH) deadening, which are perhaps its best attributes. Pockmarked roads, bumps, and rutted streets pose no problem for the Corolla Cross G HEV, as it easily dampens the rough stuff. Then there’s the impressive sound and harshness deadening. It’s no Lexus, but for the price you’re paying, it easily keeps outside noise and vibration from creeping into the cabin. Even the noise from the powertrain is kept to a minimum, which is something the Yaris Cross (and Yaris Cross HEV) can only wish to get.

Last but not least is the build quality and refinement. Since this uses the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) instead of the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) from the Yaris Cross, the Corolla Cross has a more refined cabin. Combined with its top-notch NVH deadening and build quality, the interior seldom rattles, unlike the Yaris Cross, which can suffer from that after several thousand kilometers.

With a price tag of PHP 1.514 million (extra PHP 25K for White Pearl Mica paint), the Corolla Cross G HEV is more affordable than the top-of-the-line Yaris Cross S HEV. It also has better NVH deadening, is easy on the fuel bills, is surprisingly agile, and still has the essential features one would find on more expensive vehicles. Yes, it loses some niceties, but for those who prefer something simpler, the Corolla Cross G HEV still ticks all the boxes you would need in a hybrid compact crossover.

There are plenty more options in the hybrid compact crossover segment, particularly from Chinese brands, but the Corolla Cross G HEV is still a solid choice, in my opinion.