Over the past few years, American drivers have seen a steady increase in electrified vehicles. Some of these are fully electric models. Others, like the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, combine gasoline engines and electric motors. The Fifth Generation Toyota Hybrid System brings Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and improved fuel economy without the need for charging stations or extra equipment.

While the automotive industry may be ready to go fully electric, there are still quite a few drivers who are learning the ins and outs of electric vehicles. For those who are interested in using less gasoline but are not quite ready to eliminate trips to the gas station altogether, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is an excellent starting point. Let's take a look at some of our favorite things about the 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid and what makes it a fantastic introduction to the world of electric driving.

What’s New With the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid?

The Toyota Corolla Cross was introduced to the American shores in 2022. Experts and drivers were immediately smitten with the SUV-ized Corolla. While the idea of turning one of America’s most beloved sedans into an SUV to keep up with the times could have been a risky move for Toyota, the public adored a sensible, practical favorite with more legroom, additional cargo space, and a taller ride.

The hybrid version of the Toyota Corolla Cross was introduced for the 2023 model year, again to great appreciation among the fans. As a result, there are just a few updates to the lineup for 2024; however, Toyota is celebrating the new model year with the Nightshade Special Edition, exclusive to the hybrid version of the Corolla Cross.

As the name implies, the Nightshade Special Edition is dark and mysterious, with blacked-out badges and dark exterior accents. Offered in Jet Black, Barcelona Red, or Celestite Gray––each with a Jet Black roof––the Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade Special Edition has an integrated rear lip spoiler, roof rack, frameless HomeLink rearview mirror, and wireless device charging in the cabin.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Lineup

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is offered in four total trims: the S, SE, Nightshade Special Edition, and XSE. Each vehicle has its own exclusive interior decor and personality. The S trim includes fabric-trimmed seats with manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats. The rear seat offers a 60/40 split fold-flat feature that expands the cargo space to an impressive 61.8 cu.ft. A total of four cup holders, two USB-C charging outlets, and rear-seat vents make the cabin comfortable for all.

Stepping up to the SE trim increases the comfort with wireless smartphone charging along with a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters. The fabric-trimmed seats are offered in two different two-tone options, and passenger accommodations are upgraded with four USB-C charging outlets and an optional moonroof. The Nightshade Special Edition and the SE trim share the same features.

The top-tier XSE adds more than a hint of luxury. From SofTex trimmed seating to a 10-way power-adjustable heated driver's seat and heated front passenger seat, the XSE trim expands upon the comfort factor for all passengers. This includes automatic dual-zone air conditioning along with a seven-inch customizable digital gauge cluster. Most impressively, everyone in the cabin can enjoy abundant leg, hip, and headroom, regardless of which trim you choose.

The Best of Technology and Safety

Toyota has long been known for producing vehicles that explore the cutting edge of technology. This includes advances in the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assistance features.

All 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid trims include an eight-inch touchscreen that connects drivers to the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. This allows drivers to enjoy Bluetooth connectivity along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through intuitive touch or voice-activated control. The new Integrated Streaming feature allows subscribers to link their Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts to the system for full control of streaming media. An available Wi-Fi hotspot can provide a connection for up to five devices simultaneously, allowing each passenger the access they need.

On the safety side, the 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid is loaded with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection also provides warnings about potential collisions with motorcyclists. Additionally, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist has received updates to allow for even more precise lane recognition. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package also includes beloved favorites like Automatic High Beams, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear-Seat Reminder. A small SUV is often a big investment, but the 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid offers plenty of peace of mind in addition to all of its other impressive features.

Power and Performance in the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

While we spend most of our time appreciating the interior of our vehicles, it’s also important to enjoy what’s beneath the hood. After all, it’s not just about seats and speakers! The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid trims are all equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid engine. Though the Corolla Cross shares its base architecture with the Corolla sedan we all know and love, the two vehicles do not share the same hybrid motor system. The Corolla Cross Hybrid powertrain has more in common with the Prius than the Corolla Hybrid sedan, producing 196 net system horsepower.

Even with its standard e-AWD system, the 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid has an amazing EPA-estimated fuel economy of 42 MPG combined. Broken down further, this equates to 45 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. Furthermore, a properly equipped Corolla Cross Hybrid can tow up to 1,500 lbs, adding a bit of extra versatility to the vehicle.

While there is not (yet) an off-road-rated Corolla Cross Hybrid, drivers who find themselves wandering onto dirt or gravel roads from time to time will appreciate not only the extra torque of electronic all-wheel drive but also the eight inches of ground clearance. Drivers appreciate the wide open view that places them significantly higher above the road than the Corolla sedan.

Driving Into an Electric Future With the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Driving has changed a lot since the start of the new millennium. SUVs are all the rage, but so is saving money at the fuel pump. To balance the desire for bigger vehicles with the amount of fuel it takes to keep them going, more and more automotive manufacturers are turning towards hybrid and electric power sources.

The all-electric future is drawing closer and closer, but drivers have plenty of familiar hybrid options to make the transition a little easier. The Toyota Corolla has been a popular choice for drivers since 1966. Over the years and over many different models, Toyota cars have earned and maintained their reputation of excellence. The Corolla Cross has established itself as worthy of the Toyota reputation, and now, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid follows.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross is easy to own and easy to love with the right balance of intuitive features, abundant comfort and convenience features, the latest in safety technology, and a driving experience that many drivers describe as “just right.”