Toyota unveils new 2022 Corolla Cross as it arrives at dealerships

This is what happens when carmakers continually make the next generation of vehicles larger than the last...they have to intro new models to fill in the gaps in their line-ups that previous vehicles have vacated. As a result, we have the compact Toyota Corolla Cross crossover. It's an attractive crossover but why the Corolla connection (are they going to count sales numbers together with the sedan/hatch)? Anyway, the Corolla Cross is well-equipped and competitively priced and will come in three trim levels, L ($22,195 + taxes, license, fees, destination, options), LE ($24,545+) and XLE ($26,325+). Prices jump by $1,300 for All-wheel drive. The only engine combo at this point is the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four that makes 169 hp mated to a CVT (continuously-variable transmission) for efficiency. As equipped the Corolla Cross can tow up to 1,500 lbs. There's lots of standard equipment and each trim level adds more equipment. Options include premium audio, sunroof, and the STAR safety package. Obviously you can spend bucks, but it won't break the bank and that's the idea. Click on "read more" to view the extensive media release for equipment levels and options, two additional pics, and an overview video. The 2022 Corolla Cross is in production now at the Mazda Toyota plant in Alabama. The vehicles should be at your local dealer any day, Choices, choices... Where's the hybrid model, BTW?

Source: Toyota - Media release, pics, and video

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross compact crossover revealed

This was a bit of a surprise not only because it is a compact crossover (the RAV4 ain't no compact), but also that they attached the vehicle to the Corolla family (for marketing/bragging reasons?). Just add an X or Cross, or some other moniker and voilá, you've got a new vehicle. (Ford even considered calling the current Escape the Focus Activ.) But since most of the previously compact SUVs and crossovers have moved up in size, automakers found they had misread the market and are now coming out with new compact crossovers, like VWs new Taos to name one The Corolla Cross shares some underpinnings with its sedan brethren. The engine is a 2.0-liter four that makes 169 hp and gets mated to a higher capacity CVT. Expect about 30 mpg combined with the all-wheel-drive versions and add 2 mpg for the front-wheel-drive only Corolla Crosses. Features include Toyota's safety suite either standard or optional depending on the grade chosen (L, LE, XLE), an available JBL audio system, SofTex-trimmed seating, a 10-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more depending on your needs and wallet. (Check out the media release for more). No word on exactly when the Corolla Cross will hit your local dealer, but they are calling it a 2022 model which would mean deliveries should start this year. One question though...where's the hybrid version?

Source: Toyota - Media Release, pics, and video after the "read more" jump.