The subcompact SUV segment is pretty crowded. And for many consumers looking for a reliable vehicle for daily use, the decision comes down to budget and features. The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offers pricing in line with rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Seltos. So if you’re less moved by performance and handling than, say, whether the Corolla Cross has Apple CarPlay, here’s a rundown of the tech features in the latest Toyota model.

What exaclty is the Toyota Corolla Cross?

You’ve probably heard of the Toyota Corolla. After all, it’s the world’s best-selling passenger car. But you might wonder, what exactly is a Toyota Corolla Cross?

Unlike the compact Corolla, which comes in sedan or hatchback body styles, the Corolla Cross is a crossover SUV. It resembles a mini Toyota Highlander from the outside, but it’s similar to the Corolla in interior styling.

Size-wise, the Corolla Cross falls between Toyota’s C-HR and RAV4. It is also manufactured using the same Toyota New Generation Architecture-Compact (TNGA-C) platform as the Corolla and the C-HR. The TNGA-C platform not only makes it easier for Toyota to mass-produce these and other models, but it also provides them with better quality assurance capabilities when it comes to things like steering systems, chassis stiffness, and seat frames.

The Corolla Cross is ideal for car shoppers looking for more practical alternatives to the tiny C-HR. And as such, it features comparable amenities to the C-HR and its namesake.

Does the Toyota Corolla Cross come with Apple CarPlay?

All three Toyota Corolla Cross trims — the L, LE, and XLE — come with Apple CarPlay compatibility. And for riders outside the Apple ecosystem, all three trims also have Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. In addition, all Corolla Cross trims come with a free three-month SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription. But that’s not all.

In the base-model L, you’ll find a 7.0-inch touchscreen and USB port for charging, while the LE and XLE come with 8.0-inch touchscreens, wireless charging, and two additional USB ports for backseat passengers. XLE buyers can also see essential driving data through a 7.0-inch multi-information display screen.

Plus, all trims come with remote keyless entry, while the LE and XLE also get a smart key and push-button start. The LE also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and auto climate control. But a fully loaded XLE boasts dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats.

What else do you need to know about this new small crossover SUV?

With a starting MSRP of $22,195 for the standard model, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a highly affordable crossover SUV. Though it’s more powerful than some competitors, such as the Chevy Trax, it’s far from the most powerful in its class.

Every Corolla Cross trim packs a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. Expect about 31/33 mpg city/highway on the standard front-wheel-drive configuration. All-wheel drive is available on the XLE trim, though fuel economy drops to 29/32 mpg.

The L also has several advanced safety features, including automatic high beams, lane-keep assistance, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. But upgrading to the LE brings additional driver assists, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. And if you get the XLE, front and rear parking assistance come standard as well.

Still, those are respectable numbers for this segment. And given its pricing, the Corolla Cross is a bargain. Its relatively low price may inspire budget-conscious shoppers to splurge on higher trim levels. The LE starts at $24,545, while the fully loaded XLE starts at $27,645. But considering all the additional features with an XLE, spending the extra cash is probably worth it.