The Toyota Corolla Cross is turning heads as a newcomer to the compact SUV market. Even Consumer Reports has been impressed with a number of its features. If you’re considering a crossover as your next vehicle, there are some perks you could get from this modified Corolla. 

The Toyota Corolla Cross scores high on braking

The Corolla Cross is one of the more affordable compact SUVs on the market, with a base MSRP of $22,195. You might wonder whether you can rely on it to keep you safe at such a low price point. According to Consumer Reports, at least in the area of braking, the answer is a resounding yes. Consumer Reports gives the Corolla crossover sibling the maximum score of 5/5 for braking. 

Consumer Reports determine scores in the category of braking by basing much of the score on how much distance the vehicle covers in going from 60 mph down to 0 mph. In dry conditions, the Corolla Cross can brake in just 128 feet. In wet conditions, the distance increases slightly to 140 feet. 

For comparison, Consumer Reports indicates the Mazda CX-30 has a braking distance of 133 feet, the Nissan Rogue Sport comes in at 134 feet, and the Honda HR-V at 132 feet in dry conditions. The only vehicle in its category to beat the Corolla Cross was the Subaru Crosstrek. 

This compact SUV has excellent fuel economy

Another primary consideration for many car buyers is the vehicle’s fuel economy. The Corolla Cross shines here as well. It has an overall fuel efficiency of 28 mpg, which isn’t bad for a compact SUV. 

The Corolla Cross gets 21 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It provides a total cruising range of 370 miles. 

All of this adds up to a solid overall score of 4/5 in the area of fuel economy for the Corolla Cross. What brings its score down just slightly is its 6/10 score in greenhouse gas emissions and a smog rating of 7/10. 

Consumer Reports gives the Corolla Cross high rankings for cabin access

Cabin access is an area Consumer Reports ranks highly regarding the Corolla Cross. It noted that most of its drivers could find comfortable positions for driving, even though overall roominess in the small SUV is limited. Headroom is also plentiful in the vehicle, so even taller drivers should feel relatively at ease.

In the crossover, visibility is enhanced by an elevated seating position and large windows, contributing to a feeling of spaciousness that belies the crossover’s actual size. 

Another advantage the Corolla Cross offers in the cabin is the roominess of its seats, which Consumer Reports calls “reasonably wide.” In this Toyota SUV, you can count on easy access to the vehicle. As Consumer Reports puts it, “The front doors open wide, and the tall, square opening means only minimal ducking to get in.”

The seat cushions ride low, making it relatively easy for the mobility-impaired to slide into the Corolla Cross rather than hoist themselves up. 

All in all, anyone interested in a fuel-efficient and easy-access crossover will undoubtedly want to take a look at the Corolla Cross.