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The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a new crossover from the Japanese automaker. The Corolla Cross is essentially a more spacious Corolla model capitalizing on the demand for compact SUVs. Here’s everything you need to know about the Corolla Cross’ weirdest feature.

Does the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross include a subscription service?

The Toyota Corolla Cross includes an odd feature that few competitors include. The Corolla Cross features active DCM (data communication module) when the lock button on the key fob is pressed in a specific pattern. This feature allows Corolla Cross owners to experience remote start for a limited amount of time as part of a trial period.

After the trial period ends, Corolla Cross owners will have to pay for a subscription service to regain the remote start ability. This subscription is odd, to say the least. It’s easy to grow accustomed to remote start, especially for drivers living in colder areas of the country or the world. If drivers consistently use remote start on the Corolla Cross, they will miss the feature once the trial run expires.

This feature will cause many Corolla Cross owners to subscribe to keep remote start, nearly forcing consumers into a subscription (move over Netflix).

The Corolla Cross is a Corolla for folks who need a little more room but don’t want a RAV4. The question is, is the Toyota Corolla Cross actually a good crossover?

Is the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross a good SUV?

Blue Crush Metallic 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross driving on a city street.
Blue Crush Metallic 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $22,195. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 169 horsepower. The Corolla Cross achieves 31 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The crossover comes in three different trim levels: the L, LE, and XLE. Car and Driver recommends the XLE because of features like blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and heated front seats. The XLE trim also comes with an upholstery upgrade. It starts at $26,325.

Should you buy a Toyota Corolla Cross?

A red 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is on display.
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross | Eva Marie Uzcategui Trinkl/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is far from the best compact SUV option. It isn’t even the best compact SUV option from Toyota. The Corolla Cross competes with a new generation of subcompact SUV models. It is larger than the problematic Toyota C-HR but smaller than the RAV4.

If you’re in the market for a small SUV, there are several better options on the market, like the 2022 Kia Soul or the 2021 Mazda CX-30. If you want a Toyota Corolla upgrade with more room, the Corolla Cross XLE is a decent option. The crossover may be appealing to fans of the Corolla but as far as subcompact SUVs go, there are just too many alternatives with better acceleration and better cabins.

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