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.

Nissan unveils new 2021 Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition

For the 2021 model year, Nissan is releasing the 40th Anniversary Edition of the Maxima "four-door-sports car." This new trim level will feature special touches that are not available on the Platinum model Maxima that the 40th Ann. Ed. is based. For starters, the Maxima 40th will feature two-tone paint in Ruby Slate Grey Pearl and black (roof, trim, 19-inch wheels, exhaust tips, and badging). The interior is fitted with unique Red semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with 40th Anniversary embossing and Red contrast stitching (see pic right and dash pic after the "read more" jump). So for the most part, the 40th Anniversary Edition 2021 Maxima is an appearance package, but what an appearance. Surprisingly (to me), I really like the look especially the red interior which on most cars today, the red choice is usually burn-my-retinas red. Like the Platinum model on which it is based the Maxima 40th will feature Nissan's 300-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine and Xtronic transmission (CVT). I wish Nissan would go back to using geared transmissions like other automakers have, abandoning what I call "rubber-band transmissions." Not everyone will notice the "buzzing" difference, but since the Maxima is Nisssan's "Four-door-sports car" shouldn't the transmission reflect that? Steal some from Infiniti. This a nice-looking package that should include just about everything Nissan offers and a few "special touches." Pricing will be announced closer to the Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition's intro later in the fall. More to come...

Source: Nissan - Pics and media release