The Toyota Corolla Cross broke the mold when it was first introduced into the local automotive landscape in August of last year.
Not only did we see a Corolla badge on a compact crossover, it also brought with it a hybrid brother. And while it came into a segment packed with a slew of strong contenders, the Toyota Corolla Cross stood its ground and still managed to sell 598 units in 2020, not bad for an SUV in its first year.
Powering the Corolla Cross is a 1.8-liter 16-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder, in-line chain drive with dual VVT-i engine mated to a continuous variable tranny. The hybrid model has the same powertrain but is backed by a motor generator.
The gasoline variant put out 138hp and 172Nm of torque while the hybrid model was capable of generating a total of 122hp and 142Nm of torque.
It sits on a combination MacPhersons and torsion beams coupled with disc brakes front and rear. The Toyota Corolla Cross rode on 17-inch alloy wheels.
When it comes to style, the Corolla Cross offers a black front grille with halogen projector headlamps, bulb-tyle DRLs, and LED front fog lamps on the side. Inside sits an eight-inch display audio head with T-Link plus Smart Device Link (SDL) for Android smartphones and Apple devices.
It also comes with a rear camera, a suite of airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist and EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).
The upscale hybrid model comes with the same set of safety features plus the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
Overall, Toyota’s subcompact crossover isn’t too shabby. The 1.8 G CVT model comes with a sticker price of P1,285,000 while the greener hybrid model has a price tag of P1,650,000.
For potential car buyers not quite sold on what the Corolla Cross brings to the table, here are a few alternatives.
Like the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Honda HR-V comes in two variants. Both variants sport a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC gasoline mill mated to a CVT tranny and can produce 140hp with 172Nm of torque.
Honda’s subcompact SUV is supported by MacPhersons at the front (with stabilizers) and an axle-type setup at the rear. They are paired with disc brakes front and back. The HR-V rides on 17-inch wheels (sport black alloy).
Those who own Hondas would agree that style is one of the brand’s strongest suits. The HR-V sports auto-leveling full-LED headlights with LED DRLs flanking the dark chrome grille. In the cabin sits a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety-wise, the Honda HR-V packs ABS with EBD, vehicle stability assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and a multi-view reverse camera.
The 1.8 E CVT is priced at P1,296,000 while the Navigation-equipped RS Navi CVT is at P1,515,000.
Ford launched the Territory almost the same time as Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross. And like the Corolla Cross and the HR-V, it also comes in two variants.
The Ford Territory draws power from the carmaker’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine which puts out a modest 141hp and 225Nm of torque. The diesel powerplant is mated to a CVT tranny with Sport Mode.
Stability is handled by MacPhersons at the front and a multi-link independent suspension layout at the rear with disc brakes front and back. Depending on the variant, the Ford Territory can wear 17-inch or 18-inch wheels.
Like most Ford trucks and SUVs, the Territory boasts an imposing gloss grille with LED headlamps, DRLs, and foglamps. Inside is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay (with wireless connection) and Android Auto.
When it comes to safety, Electronic Stability Control including ABS, EBD, Traction Control, and Hill Launch Assist comes as standard. Cruise Control is included in the Trend base variant while Autonomous s Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning, and other driving nannies are available only with the Titanium Plus model.
The 1.5 EcoBoost Trend CVT variant has a price of P1,277,000 while the 1.5 EcoBoost Titanium + CVT is at P1,310,000.
Photos from Toyota, Honda, and Ford
Also read:
The Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, and other options in the same price point
Hyundai Veloster vs. other compact sports vehicles in the same price point
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