Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota has been consistently recognized as the most reliable brand for nearly a half a century, appearing in nearly every “best of” list, citing reliability, safety, economy and resale value. 

Take, for example, the Toyota Corolla. The small sedan debuted in 1966 in Japan and made its way to the U.S. in 1968. By the mid-1970s, the Corolla was the best-selling car in the world.

The Corolla is still around and still breaking sales numbers. The Corolla is now offered in an SUV called the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross launched in 2022 with the first refresh for the 2026 model, which is this month’s Cars in the City review.

The Corolla Cross is the smallest in Toyota’s SUV lineup of nine, and the XLE model we drove was $36,098. It is similar to the popular RAV4 but is a bit smaller and costs about $5,000 less. The Cross is also available in a hybrid model, which bumps up about $5,000. No base-priced, stripped-down models were available.

The Corolla, in “soul red crystal” color, stood out in the white snow. It was toasty after the salesperson warmed it up on a 20-degree day. The first thing I noted was the heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel, a perfect selling point for that day.

Heated seat warmers and dual climate controls ensure each person remains in comfort. They are an extra cost, sure, but on an Iowa winter’s day, they are worth it.

The entertainment options appeared on the 10.5-inch touchscreen. Crank it, is my motto, and if it has a tin-like sound, you definitely want an upgrade. So, an extra $1,000 for a booming JBL 9-speaker stereo with subwoofer and amplifier is well worth the thumping bass — especially when driving across Nebraska.

Another dealer-installed item on the Corolla is a door edge guard. This handy durable piece is made of either rubber or vinyl and is applied to the door’s edge. It protects the car from chips, scratches and dings, when opening the door into other objects, especially in close-quarter garages. Inevitably, when I open my car door, I tend to knock down my garden tools that are mounted on the wall. So, paying a couple hundred bucks might be worth it for one less scratch. 

The back seat holds two adults comfortably, if not a bit snug. Even if you are an occasional passenger, it is still better than traveling in an airplane. These seats are like flying in coach, and you can carry more than 3.4 ounces of liquid anytime you want. 

If you’re considering purchasing a new car, Toyota’s reliability, economy, safety and resale value are four great reasons to consider the Corolla Cross. And, most likely, you will be glad you paid for all those extras. ♦