2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.

Toyota Corolla Cross
Pictured: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE 4WD in Wind Chill Pearl, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Horsepower
169 hp
Transmission
CVT
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
42 combined · 45 city / 38 hwy
Length
175.6 in
Curb weight
3,098–3,263 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 68% better than the average 2023 small SUV (25 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints179 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 58 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,263 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (45 city / 38 highway), 68% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2023

  • New hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 32 to 42

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Corolla Cross →

Trims, performance & features

Engine169 hp2.0L 4-cyl
TransmissionCVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

XLELEL

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Huntsville, Alabama

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Corolla Cross configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD175.6 in72 in64.6 in103.9 in64.6 / 64.6 in3,263 lb59/41
4dr SUV FWD175.6 in72 in64.6 in103.9 in64.6 / 64.6 in3,098 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive45 / 38 / 42+68%$1,600209
Corolla Cross2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S10)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 33 / 32+17%$2,100275
Corolla Cross 4WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S10)All-Wheel Drive29 / 32 / 30+20%$2,250293
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2023 Toyota COROLLA CROSS SUV AWDNot rated★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
2023 Toyota COROLLA CROSS SUV FWDNot rated★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2023 Toyota COROLLA CROSS SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2023 Toyota COROLLA CROSS SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2023 Toyota COROLLA CROSS SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2023 Toyota COROLLA CROSS SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2023 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross (this car)42 MPGNot rated7
2023 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★3
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPG★★★★★2
2023 Honda CR-V40 MPG★★★★★8
2023 Hyundai Tucson38 MPG★★★★★2
2023 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★1
2023 Mazda CX-526 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (7)

Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert · Mar 31, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V203000 · 73,528 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles. The vehicles may fail to make sufficient pedestrian warning sounds when in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk
Insufficient pedestrian warning sounds may fail to alert pedestrians of a reversing vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will update the software for the pedestrian warning sounds, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 1, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB08 and 26TA08.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette · Jan 29, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V040000 · 1,716 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Solenoid/Actuator · Sep 20, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V708000 · 145,383 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid and 2023-2025 Corolla Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the skid control electronic control unit (ECU) may result in a loss of power brake assist when turning a corner.
Risk
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the skid control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2024. Additionally, notifications to owners of the Corolla Hybrid vehicles were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TA11.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 23, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V548000 · 33,848 vehicles

Problem
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Dec 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V864000 · 12,575 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Corolla Cross vehicles that were previously inspected at a dealership under recall 23V-384. The instrument panel may have been produced without the required perforation, which could result in the front-passenger air bag not deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA16. Vehicles previously inspected under 23V-384 will need to return to the dealership for additional inspection.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette · Jul 12, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V480000 · 152,927 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · May 30, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V384000 · 96,007 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Corolla Cross vehicles. The instrument panel may have been produced without the required perforation, which could result in the front-passenger air bag not deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safey Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the instrument panel, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 10, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB04/23TA04.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

179Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
2,800 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine104
Electrical System69
Steering44
Visibility/Wiper26
Unknown Or Other24
Exterior Lighting13
Service Brakes12
Power Train11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/03: 324/04: 224/05: 524/06: 324/07: 124/09: 424/11: 324/12: 325/01: 125/02: 125/05: 125/06: 125/07: 325/08: 125/09: 625/10: 126/01: 126/03: 226/04: 126/05: 226/06: 126/07: 126/08: 126/10: 324/0324/0624/1125/0225/0725/1026/0426/07max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 104 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 69 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 44 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Corolla Cross years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Corolla Cross42175.6 inNot rated129
2025 Corolla Cross42175.6 in★★★★★121
2024 Corolla Cross42175.6 inNot rated352
2022 Corolla Cross32175.6 inNot rated249

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →