When UMW Toyota, the local distributor and assembler of the popular Japanese vehicle in Malaysia, informed BusinessToday that they have a car for review, we expected either the Vellfire or the Alphard, after all, we are a business media read by CEOs.
But to our surprise, the vehicle arranged for us was the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, the latest lineup by the group under the increasingly in-demand crossover category that Malaysians are starting to warm up to. Despite not being the MPV we wanted, we had the feeling that this vehicle is about to fill the roads and we were curious on what Toyota has to offer in the Corolla Cross HEV.
The HEV here stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicle, and the 5-seater SUV features a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine (2ZR-FXE) paired with a 4th-gen hybrid system and e-CVT. It produces 137hp and 172Nm of torque, boasting a fuel consumption of 23.3 km/L
Upon collecting the unit, we quickly realised that it wasn’t just another hybrid SUV; the Corolla Cross HEV was a well-thought-out car designed for the young family, as it offers efficiency, comfort and practicality, especially with rising fuel prices these days.
Before even stepping on the pedal, we took a while and admired the car. From its roomy cabin to its clever boot design, every detail is aimed at making daily drives and weekend getaways effortless. Add the self-charging hybrid system into the mix, and you get an SUV that keeps fuel costs down while still delivering a smooth, confident ride.
Cabin and Comfort
Stepping inside, we were immediately impressed with the cabin’s generous sense of space and thoughtful layout. Headroom and legroom are generous, making long drives a pleasure, while the 12.3-inch full-colour Multi-Information Display puts key vehicle info front and centre with customisable layouts and mode-specific colour changes between different modes (Power, Eco or Normal) add both style and clarity.
Connectivity is seamless thanks to the 10.1-inch Display Audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and practical touches like the Electronic Parking Brake, automatic rain sensors and kick-activated rear door show Toyota’s focus on making life behind the wheel simpler and more intuitive.
One of the Corolla Cross HEV’s standout features is its uncompromised cargo space. Its clever battery placement ensures the boot remains generous, ready for luggage, sports gear or groceries.
The hands-free kick-open tailgate is a small but practical feature, making loading and unloading effortless, especially for drivers juggling groceries or other items.
Hybrid Efficiency
Next is the Toyota’s 4th Generation Hybrid System that impresses on the move. At low speeds, the car runs on electric power alone, saving fuel during city driving, while petrol power joins in smoothly when acceleration is needed. Regenerative braking recaptures energy efficiently, keeping the battery charged without any plugs.
Taking it out for a spin, the Corolla Cross HEV feels composed and confident. Its lower centre of gravity enhances stability through corners, while a best-in-class 5.2m turning radius makes city manoeuvres effortless.
At the same time, the 18° approach angle of the Corolla Cross HEV lets drivers tackle rough urban roads and oversized speed bumps with confidence.
Tried out the hybrid system, and it works perfectly well. Undoubtedly, it delivers responsive, unstrained acceleration, combining fuel efficiency with driving enjoyment, a hybrid that genuinely makes you want to drive.
Verdict
With its spacious, well-appointed cabin, versatile boot and intelligent hybrid system, the Corolla Cross HEV is more than just a practical SUV; it’s a daily driver that blends comfort, efficiency and clever design.
We would strongly recommend taking the car for a test drive and seeing what it offers before booking another brand in its class, you might be in for a surprise.
Below are the full specifications and pricing details for the Corolla Cross.
