2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vs 2023 Chevrolet

A typical subcompact spends its day taking people to work, to school or on important errands. It needs to be efficient as well as comfortable and technologically advanced.

So how do these two subcompact SUVs fill the role of the daily commuter? Which one is better for your lifestyle? How does the hybrid model fit into the Corolla Cross lineup? Keep scrolling to find out.

1. Which One is an SUV?

   People often think that the Corolla Cross and/or Corolla Cross Hybrid are cars like the standard Corolla. However, these are definitely SUVs. They have a high seating perch and a higher ground clearance than the Corolla cars. Plus all-wheel drive is available or, in the case of the hybrid, standard.

   Like Corollas and other Toyotas, the Corolla Cross lineup has a pleasant ride quality. Sound insulation helps keep noise out of the cabin, and a smart suspension absorbs the bumps.

   The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is classed as a subcompact SUV as well. Replacing the Chevy Trax, the Trailblazer claims the higher driving perch despite the look of its cutdown roofline. Like the Corolla Cross Hybrid, Trailblazer ride height is elevated more than a typical sedan.

2. Small SUV Trim Levels

   The Trailblazer is offered with LS, LT, Activ and RS trim levels. The Corolla Cross is offered in the well-equipped L, LE and XLE.

   Both have standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with its 7-inch touchscreen. This system has Amazon Alexa connectivity. The two have driver assistance standards such as an emergency autobrake, pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings and more. Adaptive cruise control is an option on both.

   Adding more value, the Corolla Cross L includes full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. Plus these Toyotas have lane tracing assist and road sign assist. You’ll find adaptive cruise control on higher Trailblazer trims.

   The Corolla Cross LE trim adds blind spot monitoring, a rear cross traffic alert and a wireless charger. XLE models have even more driver assistance, dual zone climate controls, a 7-inch digital instrumentation display, SofTex upholstery, and a 10-way driver’s power chair.

   If you go for the Corolla Cross Hybrid, it is offered in S, SE, and XSE trim levels. These all-wheel drive models are offered with two-tone paint jobs. A black roof can be combined with fun colors like Barcelona Red and Blue Crush Metallic.

3. Utility and Hauling

   When it comes to utility, the Corolla Cross cargo hold offers 24 cubic feet of space while the Trailblazer hold offers 25 cubic feet.

   If you fold the rear seats, the Trailblazer has 55 cubic feet of space. The hybrid manages a helpful 70 cubes, and the gas-powered Corolla Cross has a remarkable 88 cubic feet.

   

   When it comes to payload and towing capability, the Corolla Cross edges ahead of the Trailblazer. Plus, the Toyota has a bit more ground clearance.

4. Performance and Handling

   The Trailblazer has a 137-horsepower engine that generates 162 lb-ft of torque. Automotive journalists frequently complain that this engine is underpowered. Edmunds adds that the transmission downshifts too slowly sometimes.

   The Corolla Cross has a well-liked 169-horsepower standard engine. If you step up to the Corolla Cross Hybrid system, the engine and electric motor together generate 196 horsepower. Even better, the electric motor contributes 139 lb-ft of torque while the gas motor contributes 152 lb-ft. This gives it the best torque rate of the bunch.

   If you want to step up to the more advanced Trailblazer turbo engine, it generates 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This is still not a big mover and shaker, but it is more competitive than the base engine.

   The Corolla Cross has a well-liked 169-horsepower standard engine. If you step up to the Corolla Cross Hybrid system, the engine and electric motor together generate 196 horsepower. Even better, the electric motor contributes 139 lb-ft of torque while the gas motor contributes 152 lb-ft. This gives it the best torque rate of the bunch.

   

   EPA estimated fuel economy is superior for the Hybrid. This all-wheel drive SUV is capable of earning 45 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel drive gas-powered Corolla Cross earns 32 mpg combined. In third place, the Trailblazer earns 30 mpg combined. An AWD turbo Trailblazer can get 28 mpg combined.

   Another way to view gas mileage is to see what you may spend and what you could save. Using the fuel calculator at fueleconomy.gov, it shows the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid saves $550 a year compared to the gas-powered Corolla Cross. It saves $600 or $650 a year compared to the two Trailblazer engines.

Conclusion

The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid and gas-powered Corolla Cross are both excellent affordable SUVs. They have more nerve, better fuel economy, and a good package compared to the Trailblazer.

It just takes a second to schedule a test drive of the remarkable Corolla Cross Hybrid at your Earnhardt Toyota dealer.

REVIEWS

”Making its debut this year, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid is an all-new small SUV. It’s the more fuel-efficient variant of the regular Corolla Cross that launched for 2022.”

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