2022 Toyota Corolla Cross SUV has arrived

Australia’s favourite car brand is about to get even more popular as it launches a new car that will tick the boxes for a wide range of buyers.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL Hybrid AWD.

One of the world’s best selling nameplates has morphed into a softroader.

Toyota has released the new Corolla Cross SUV, which is based on the long-time favourite Corolla hatchback.

The compact SUV will slot in between the RAV4 and Yaris Cross in the brand’s local line-up.

The Corolla Cross is the missing piece in Toyota’s line-up.

It’s about the same size as the current C-HR, but wears a more conventional SUV body.

Prices start at $33,000 (before on-road costs) for the base petrol GX grade. Adding hybrid power costs an extra $2500.

Petrol versions use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that drinks 6.0L/100km and makes 126kW and 202Nm.

Hybrid variants add an electric motor and a small battery to make a combined 146kW and slash fuel use to 4.3L/100km.

The compact SUV is smaller than the RAV4 but bigger than the Yaris Cross.

All versions can run on regular unleaded petrol and both are matched to a CVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

GX versions have 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting and power folding side mirrors.

Inside is a fairly bare bones set-up with manually adjustable cloth seats and plenty of hard plastic surfaces used throughout.

It comes with petrol or hybrid power.

An eight-inch central touchscreen is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. This is complemented by digital radio and Bluetooth.

There is only one USB-C charging point.

The GX doesn’t skimp on safety equipment, though, as Toyota ticks all the boxes.

It’ll automatically brake if it detects a potential collision with a car, pedestrian or cyclist.

A range of hi-tech sensors will keep you centred in your lane and look out for cars in your blind spot. It will also sound an alert if a car approaches from the side as you reverse out of a driveway.

Higher end models are well equipped.

Eight airbags, a reversing camera and radar cruise control add further peace of mind.

Step up to the GXL grade and prices start at $36,750.

Buyers can choose between two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for the hybrid. All-paw grip costs an extra $3000, taking the total cost of the GXL Hybrid AWD to $42,250.

Adding all-wheel drive also increases fuel use slightly to 4.4L/100km.

If you choose AWD Toyota ditches the temporary spare tyre in favour of a repair kit to make room for the rear axle-mounted electric motor.

Cloth seats make way for a mix of faux leather and fabric. The steering wheel and gear shifter are also wrapped in faux leather.

Hybrid models can be had with all-wheel drive.

More USB-C ports, a 10.5-inch touchscreen with in-built satnav and dual-zone aircon further elevate the cabin.

Top spec Atmos versions start at $43,550. Hybrid power adds $2500 and AWD another $3000.

The extra spend buys 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and a power tailgate with a kick sensor.

To further entice buyers Toyota has thrown in electronically adjustable faux leather seats that are heated in the front row, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger and 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

Toyota covers the Corolla Cross with a five year/unlimited km warranty and services cost $230 every 12 months/15,000km for five years.