2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE Review – Worth The Price of $35k?
In a time when everything is getting electrified, you would think that there would be a plethora of options under $40,000 and for small crossovers, but believe it or not, Toyota is in this game alone. Now, it gives Toyota a great advantage, but for buyers, maybe not so much, especially on the higher end with the XSE. In today’s video, we’re going to check out what the new 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross XSSE has to offer us. We have a brand new design here for the exterior, a better interior, some really cool features, and also more importantly, a great overall vehicle coming in under 40 grand. But is it the best choice though for you and your family? Well, if you want that answer, you’ve come to the right place. Now, before we get in this video, I want to give a huge shout and thank you to Autofair Toyota in Tukbury, Massachusetts for letting come down here to check out this new Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. Their link will be in the description below so you can check out their extensive Toyota inventory. So, as always, let’s begin with that pricing for the 2026 Toyota Corolla XSE hybrid. You’re looking at a starting cost of just over $33,000. Doesn’t seem all that bad, does it? I mean, you’re getting all-wheel drive. You’re getting a top trim. What could possibly be wrong here? Well, if you want optional packages, you also want a different color option. It can get pretty pricey. You want a two-tone look on the XSSE, you’re spending close to $1,000. You want a power moonroof and power liftgate, that’s another $1,200. You want the better audio system, $800. It’s just those options that really come back to bite you at the end of the day. But I think you could be happy with an XSSE like this one without the power moon roof and power liftgate, or you could just go with an SE and save some money here and there. But this is really all due to the fact that there is no rivals in this class. Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, they’re not here. Now, Subaru will have a Cross Track hybrid coming very soon, but that’s also using a Toyota hybrid system. So, Toyota’s really got their hands in this class altogether. And because of that, this is going to be your only option here, unless you want to go with a RAV 4 hybrid for 2026. More on that later in the year or whenever that RAV 4 arrives. But the real talking point here for the new 2026 model is its design. Toyota did a really good job here for the hybrid more specifically because as you guys remember with the 2026 full gas powered model, I wasn’t really happy with that front grill design, but I think they have nailed it here with the hybrid. They have taken some design elements from other vehicles in the lineup and they’ve incorporated this into the front fascia, especially for an older model. This vehicle’s been around for about four or five years now. So, pretty impressive stuff. To begin with, you will have LED headlights and LED fog lights for better visibility at night or in adverse weather conditions. For me, I love this grill design, which incorporates into the front bumper and front fascia almost seamlessly. We’ve seen this same style on the new Toyota Camry. It’ll be making its way on the RAV 4. Also, of course, the Crown Signia. I love this touch because sure, it is electrified, but it still looks like a full gas powered model. Sure, you will have some plastic cladding here. I think Toyota is trying to make this more of an adventurous vehicle, especially with Subaru bringing out the Cross Trek hybrid. They got to make this a bit more versatile looking and that cladding will make its way along the side profile and the wheel arches. Now, I don’t think you’ll be going off-road here with this vehicle, but there’s enough ground clearance to take on some snow covered roadways. What I also love too is that Toyota did finish off the front fascia with some color matching accents here for the lower portion of the front bumper. I like that. It gives you more of a classier touch here to this vehicle. The last thing I want to point out though is this accent that runs the length of the front fascia into the Toyota emblem here. Unfortunately, it’s not illuminated. I would love to see that in future model years. It’s just screaming for that just the way it’s designed. Unfortunately, it’s a plastic material, but you really wouldn’t notice that here on this particular shade for the exterior color. And then one final thing up front is that it looks like you have functional side air curtains. That’s not the case here. It’s just for decoration, but still looks pretty cool on the total crawler across hybrid. Then, as you make your way over to the side profile, you’re going to notice that by going with the XSSE, you get a sportier looking vehicle. So, first off, you will have the 18-inch alloy wheels and a gloss black finish. We’re going to find out if this is going to be the ideal choice, though, because larger tires do create a bit more road noise and harshness to the overall ride quality. I don’t think that’s going to be too much of an issue here, though, with the Corolla Cross hybrid. Now, these 18-in alloy wheels will match the gloss black side mirror caps, which will go with your turn signal indicators and blind spot detection. But keep in mind here that by going with the XSSE, you can go with a gloss black top here. So, a two-tone look, giving you that sinister look here out of this hybrid. And then the last thing I want to point out here along the side profile is that you will find your Corolla Cross badge here in this chrome design. Kind of looks pretty cool. I prefer that in gloss black though to match everything else. And then up top, you will have your roof rails here. So, if you’re maybe going on a camping trip or maybe going biking, you can do so here with the Corolla Cross. And then finally, for the rear fascia, you will find LED tail lights here matching what you have up front for a modern and upscale appearance. But going with the XSSE though, you have gloss black badging here for the Toyota emblem. Then your Corros badge and the XSSE and HEV all-wheel drive. Then for the lower portion of the rear bumper, you will find that cladding once again, which is pretty aggressive here. Again, this is supposed to be a bit more rugged and a bit more capable. So, that is to be expected. And you have some gloss black trim for the rear diffuser, which looks pretty cool here. Now, what is a bit surprising though is that with this being a hybrid, you are going to have an exhaust outlet that is visible. I am a bit surprised by that. Usually for a hybrid, they would go for more of a cleaner look, but Toyota decided not to go with that for 2026. Powering the Totac Corolla Cross hybrid is going to be a 2 L 4-cylinder engine and electric motors to produce a total of 196 horsepower. And this engine is paired with an ECVT. This boost in performance is most certainly going to be noticeable because the full gas powered version gets about 169 horsepower and 151 pound- feet of torque. And the CVT isn’t quickshifting. And I think overall it’s a bit slow and lethargic. Even though it’s going to be reliable, it’s going to be practical. the performance will be lackluster. Whereas with the hybrid, sure, you’re spending a little extra, but you’re getting so much more when it comes to the overall driving experience, driving dynamics, and that straight line speed. Also, by going with the XSSE, all-wheel drive does come standard. So, you will have better year- end capability and versatility. But a lot of you are waiting for the fuel climb statistics, and right there, you’re not going to be disappointed. You’re looking at right around 46 MPG in the city and 39 mp gallon on the highway. Now, you don’t necessarily have to go with the XSSE if you don’t want to spend close to $35,000 or close to $40,000 like we have here today. Go with an SE. Get a well equipped model and you will be very happy here at around 30 to 32 grand. Hopping inside the Toyota Corolla Cross XSSE hybrid, you are greeted by heated soft tech seats for both the driver and passenger with the driver’s side having power adjustability whereas the passenger will have to manly find their ideal seating position. The best part about going with the XSSE isn’t the exterior design with that sportier look. It’s the fact that the cold weather package is included. It’s a standard feature. So, it also gives you a heated steering wheel. So, during those winter months, you will be nice and warm. Whereas with the SE, that is an optional package. So, keep all of that in mind. Now, we do have optional packages for this XSSE, such as the convenience package, and we have the JBL audio system, which will amplify the audio of your favorite music. But when it pertains to the comfort though for this crossover, it does feel really nice. The seats are plush. They’re comfortable and supportive, necessary to keep you relaxed on those longer road trips or weekday commutes. Then in front of you with that heated steering wheel, no aggressive 10 and two or firm 9 and three grips, but still feels pretty good in the hands here. So it gives you a sense of quality more importantly. In front of you will be a full digital gaze cluster, which we have seen numerous times in the Toyota product line. Now, it does give you more of a futuristic look here, and it’s a bit more of an upgrade over the SE and the lower trims and the tota crawler across lineup. From here, you can scroll through a variety of information and customize this layout to your liking. You’ll have information such as your fuel economy statistics, adaptive cruise control settings, and then probably more importantly for those longer road trips, the tire pressure monitoring system. I’m not going to say it’s super in-depth or intuitive, but it gives you just enough to remind you that this is a 2026 model, so it doesn’t feel outdated being behind the wheel of this vehicle. Then, as you make your way over to the infotainment system, this is Toyota’s current software, which we have seen in a number of products. So, their technology does carry over from one model to the next. So, no learning curve whatsoever if you are upgrading from say a Toyota Corolla hybrid. Now from this screen you will have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There will be onboard navigation which you can subscribe to but you can also use Google maps or ways through that smartphone connectivity just like we have seen 100 times at this point. On the left side of the screen will be quick access icons which will get you different menus efficiently such as that navigation system, your radio, Bluetooth, then your vehicle settings and general settings. It’s really not that difficult. It’s also not going to create any confusion. So, if you’re not someone who’s techfocused or techsavvy, you’re going to find yourself right at home here with this vehicle. Then, beneath the screen, you will have physical buttons here for your volume. And then you can also turn off the screen if you don’t want that getting in your way or drawing your attention. What I also like too here, cuz we’re seeing this now in the subcompact crossover market, you’re still going to have physical buttons and dials for your dual zone climate control, your AC, front rear defrosters, fan speed, and fan directions. So, really good stuff here. It’s tactile. It’s analog. Exactly what you’re looking for in the 2020s. Now, when you do place the CorollaCross hybrid in reverse, you’re going to have a rear backup camera with trajectory. Surprisingly though, for a model that comes in close to $40,000, at least for our model today, you don’t have a top view camera. I am a bit surprised by that. But then again, that would be reserved for the RAV 4 and more expensive models in the product line. However, you will have a 180°ree view as well, giving you better visibility. Then beneath the head unit and also your climate control settings, you will find a wireless stone charging pad here and another cubby for an additional smartphone or wallet. For the center console itself, it is flanked by some gloss black trim, but it’s not dominating this design. So, with that plastic material, it’ll be easier to clean and maintain throughout the years of ownership. You’re going to find a single row of buttons here for your two-level heated seats, your heated steering wheel, your drive mode selector, so sport, normal, and eco. Then you have EV mode. Now, this is not a plug-in hybrid, so you can’t run on electric battery only for like 20, 30 mi. That’s not what this model is. If you want that, go with a plug-in hybrid. Wait for that new RAV 4. But if you’re just looking for a vehicle that can maximize fuel range, this is going to be the choice to go with. That EV mode, it’s a bit tricky. It makes you think that you can run on electric battery the entire time. That’s not the case here with the Corollos hybrid. Now, you will have your traditional gear shifter here, and then you will have electronic parking brake and auto vehicle hold. You have two cup holders. And then for the standard storage compartment, you have enough room for some smaller items, maybe a couple gizmos and gadgets. You have a USBC outlet and 12vt outlet. And then to round out the front seating area above will be a power moonroof, which brings in a lot of natural light to the interior. That is part of the convenience package, and that will give us a power liftgate. Now, for passengers in the second row, much like we saw with the full gas powered model a couple of months ago, there is no improvement for the interior dimensions for 2026. You’re still going to have 32 in of legroom, which I still believe is a bit deceptive here because I think there’s a lot more room than what you are seeing on paper. Also, when it pertains to headroom, a good amount of it, too. So, a bit more flexible, a bit more practical than that Corolla sedan. However, if there were more brands and manufacturers in this class, the Corollross hybrid would fall a bit short. But like we talked about before, Toyota is the only one in this game right now. So, if you’re looking for an efficient crossover that’s a bit more familyfriendly than a sedan or hatchback, this is really your only choice right now. So, what you see is what you get. Now, I will say though that by going with the XSSE and having the soft tech seats, this is a huge upgrade. It’s much more comfortable back here. There’s a good amount of back support and I think that for taller passengers, they will be very comfortable. Now, you might be able to squeeze in a third person in the center, but I would probably steer you towards a RAV 4 hybrid if that’s something you’re really looking for and demanding. Now, surprisingly, you’re not going to have climate patrol back here, nor are you going to receive heated outboard seats, but you will have two center-mounted air vents to go along with two USBC inputs. And then to round out the second row seating area, you are going to receive a center armrest with two cup holders. Now, returning to the rear fascia to take a look at the cargo area for the 2026 model, but going with the XSSE and do the convenience package, which is $1,200, you are going to receive a power liftgate. I personally think that’s a bit of a hefty cost here for this particular feature along with that power moonroof, but it is what it is. Behind the second row seats, you’re looking at right around 22 cubic feet of room, which would fall in line with a lot of smaller crossovers in this class. But remember, Toyota does have an advantage because they’re the only hybrid option in this particular market. Now, I do think this is enough room for some weekday tasks and probably 8 n 10 bags of luggage if you are going on a road trip with the family. This right here though is why you’re going to want to upgrade from that Corolla hybrid to the Cross because it’s a bit more flexible and also much more familyfriendly. Now, when you do lower the second row seats, you are going to have right around 61 cubic feet of room, which would fall right in line with many vehicles in this class. So, it’s fuel efficient, it’s flexible, and practical. It’s hitting all the points here. It’s why this vehicle has become very popular and why I’ve had a lot of difficulty over the last few years trying to get one of these to film and feature for you guys. Now, unfortunately, and there’s no surprises here, beneath the floor mat, you are not going to find a spare tire. Now, we see this a lot in the hybrid segments, including from Honda, and that’s just one of the drawbacks about going with a hybrid right now in the 2020s. Hopefully, at some point, all these brands address that because I think a lot of you are looking for that safety and also that reassurance if you do encounter a flat, you’ll be able to get back on the road and continue on with your journey. Every so often I have someone ask me on a channel, should I go with the Corolla Cross or Corolla Cross hybrid? And immediately without hesitation, I always say go with the hybrid. Now, it does come at a hefty cost. I’ve kind of complained today that with the XSSE we have for this review is close to 38 grand. But then you get behind the wheel and it’s all worth it in the end because what you have out of this 2 L 4-cylinder engine is a more enjoyable crossover, better performance, close to 200 horsepower. With the electric propulsion, it’s smoother, it’s quicker, more refined. Also, you’re going to notice a bit more weight to the chassis because it is a hybrid. And because of that, it handles better, it steers better, and it just feels a bit more agile and athletic than the full gas powered model. Also, like I’m right now experiencing when you’re on throttle, sure, there is some drone, but you don’t get that CVT rubber band effect. So, with the ECVT, it’s smoother. It feels like a traditional automatic. What I really like, though, is that unlike the gas powered model, this feels a bit more enjoyable to drive. And it’s the driving dynamics. It’s the handling and the overall performance that makes this a no-brainer. Like I talked about before, Toyota’s in this class all by themselves. Subaru will be coming out with that Cross Track hybrid very soon. It might be a better choice if you’re someone who does go off-road. You’re going to need that ground clearance super symmetrical all-wheel drive system. However, Subaru is using an older hybrid software. And you’re going to notice that the droning is, I think, pathetic. I mean, especially with that Forester hybrid, not enjoyable. It really left a lot more to be desired. Since Toyota’s using their up-to-date software, you’re not going to have that here. This is not going to be a boring, sedated, and numb experience. You’re really going to enjoy this crossover, not only when it comes to the accelerations, but also as well. And you got to remember, too, if you’re someone thinking, well, there’s got to be something better out there. Really not. There really isn’t. You know, Honda doesn’t have a hybrid HRV. So, it’s not like you could look at Honda and say, “All right, they have a better hybrid software at this price range. I’m going to go in that direction.” Toyota’s all you got. You either go with the Corolla Cross hybrid or then you start looking at the Rav for over $40,000. And I think if you’re looking for something like this at around 30 grand, go for it. I just don’t think the XSSE is worth it because you’re spending over $33,000, then you have to spend extra for the power liftgate, power moonroof. I would say just go with an SE. That would be my choice, but that’s up to you to decide cuz these soft tech seats, the heated seats, this makes a world of a difference for sure on a colder day like today. On the brakes, not too bad here. Pretty strong, pretty decent for a vehicle in this class. But I like the fact that it feels very wellrounded, more well-rounded than the gas powered version. [Music] Now, this four-cylinder does drone in a little bit. makes a bit of noise, but again, this is still somewhat of an economical crossover. So, you got to take that into consideration. You want more refinement, go with the RAV 4. But I think that for a small crossover like this, it’s exactly what a lot of Americans are looking for. You have a small family, you want to maximize your budget, but you also want to get good fuel economy. This checks off all those boxes. And that’s where I think Toyota has a huge advantage here. instead of going in the full EV direction, they decided to invest in hybrids and we’re seeing that come to fruition where this is actually a great product into the corners. Actually handles them pretty well on throttle. Not bad. Not bad at all. At highway speeds, we safely merge onto the highway. Now, with the 18-in wheels, we have road noise. That’s to be expected. Interiors insulation is not going to be premium here for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. So, you will be yelling a bit when you have a passenger next to you. Feels nice and composed on the roadways, and you at least have that power at your disposal to pass over drivers if necessary. One last thing I want to point out here before we wrap up today’s video. When it comes to the overall vision here, nice panoramic view. Apillars really aren’t that aggressive, so you shouldn’t have any blind spots when you are approaching intersections or red lights. Taking a look at your side mirrors, they are decently sized. I can’t see what’s in my blind spots and the lane next to me. And looking out back, we have that nice clear view there. So, a lot of visibility. Also, one thing I want to point out, too, is that the seat positioning is really good. You sit very high up in this model, giving you a nice commanding feel and presence over the roadways. You’ve probably heard me say numerous times on this channel that with the Toa Corolla Cross hybrid, it’s not a lifted hatchback. It feels like a traditional crossover. And that is one thing I think a lot of you are going to love here about this crossover is that it doesn’t feel small. It doesn’t feel cramped. It’s going to be exactly what you’re looking for for you and your young family. So, all in all, after this quick test drive, after spending some time today with the totacross, finally getting a review for you guys on the channel, this is such a great vehicle. Yes, it does need to be updated cuz you can feel for the interior that, you know, like the technology, everything’s starting to get a little old, but there’s no incentive for Toyota to do any of that. There’s no incentives for them to update anything because there’s no rivals here. There needs to be some rivals to continue development. And I think we’re a couple of years away from that right now. So, if you’re looking at buying a vehicle today in 2025, heading into 2026, you want a crossroad that’s going to be fuel efficient, economical, I say go for it with a Toyota crawler cross. Maybe not the XSSE. I think you can find better values for the other trims. But either way, I don’t think you can go wrong here with this model. You’re getting everything. You’re getting the practicality. You’re getting interior space, also some modern tech. So, it checks off all those boxes. And at the end of the day, this is going to be an efficient and economical vehicle. So, you’re not going to get a premium or luxury experience. So, guys, I hope you enjoyed this quick review for the 2026 Toa Chola Hybrid. If you did, please like, comment, share, and subscribe for more. And I will see you guys next time.
Huge thank you to AutoFair Toyota in Tewksbury, MA for providing this 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid for this review.
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