Toyota Australia are using the well known Corolla nameplate to enter the small SUV market and capture sales in a segment they don’t yet dominate. Though, can you shrink a RAV4, call it a Corolla, and ride the wave of success both models have enjoyed in Australia?
For Fleet Managers dealing with rising costs and the long wait times that are experienced with the RAV4 hybrid, a Corolla Cross might offer an alternative. Looking at the Corolla Cross next to a RAV4, the silhouette is very similar and if you’re not carrying passengers in the rear seats, there’s no need for the larger RAV4.
I drove the fully loaded Corolla Cross Atmos AWD hybrid which will set you back $54,645 if purchased in white from a dealer in NSW. Fleet buyers can get the GX 2WD hybrid Corolla Cross under $40k compared to $45k for a GX 2WD hybrid RAV4. Though when researching both models the message was, “Indicative model and pricing only. Due to extended wait times, the final vehicle we can offer you and its price are likely to be different.”
It’s hard when reviewing Toyota’s because they do everything well. I had complained about the outdated infotainment system and instrument clusters with older models though these are evolving over time. They have now embraced Apple CarPlay so jumping from a competitor into a Toyota isn’t as obvious and USB C sockets are now included.
The Corolla Cross fits naturally into the model line up with the RAV4 and the Yaris Cross. Toyota buyers now have light, small, medium and large SUVs to choose from depending on family size and budget. The lineup also provides options to fleets because they can consolidate with one brand and pick the vehicle best suited to the job role or task.
Fuel economy was great as promised at 5.1 L/100km (4.4 L/100km in the brochure) and it felt like a long time between visits to the petrol station even with a small 36 litre fuel tank. Definitely long enough to ride out the peaks in the pump price cycle. As much as I love an EV, the fuel efficiency of any Toyota hybrid does explain why they are so popular with fleet buyers.
I did have one complaint about the Corolla Cross hybrid – the CVT. Normally I’m not in the anti-CVT camp but the Corolla Cross and the Yaris Cross both have the same issue when you press hard with your right foot. They are a little noisey until the CVT and engine work out their relationship.
Stopping for a coffee during one time while I had the car, a stranger walking by paused to take a closer look and asked some questions. The first was, “how long did it take to arrive?”. The second was, “did I like it?”.
Yes, I did like it except for the CVT. When I explained I was only borrowing it for a week because I was a motoring journalist, the stranger said, “you journos have never liked CVTs. I drive like Mr Magoo so it doesn’t bother me.” Well I guess I’ve been told.
Another missing feature for the fleet buyer is fold in mirrors when locked. This was ranked in the top five things a fleet car must have back in 2021. It reduces anxiety, and martial spats, when you can turn around and see the mirrors folded in because you know it’s locked.
The one feature my wife and I both agreed on was the gear selector. After spending time in several different electric vehicles recently, having a T-bar instead of a dial is very comforting.
The RAV4 hybrid is a great fleet vehicle and arrived at a time when wagons disappeared from dealerships and SUVs were being demanded by staff. The Corolla Cross might provide an opportunity to satisfy the same requirements while keeping a lid on the fleet budget.
