With their relatively low prices, small SUVs are appealing for budget-minded automotive shoppers. In times of high inflation, shoppers are also increasingly drawn to hybrids to save money at the pump. However, there’s only one affordable subcompact SUV that’s a hybrid: the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which gets high fuel economy.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is the only affordable hybrid subcompact SUV

Subcompact SUVs are all the rage these days. Popular choices include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Chevy Trailblazer, Kia Seltos, Kia Soul, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Kicks, and Volkswagen Taos. However, in the United States, none of these small SUVs offer hybrids. While some, such as the HR-V and Kona, offer hybrids in international markets, they don’t have one in the U.S.

For American shoppers that want an affordable non-luxury subcompact SUV with an efficient hybrid powertrain, the only option is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The starting price of the Corolla Cross Hybrid is $27,970 MSRP.

While the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek offers a hybrid model in America, it’s relatively expensive. It starts at $36,845 MSRP, which is out of the price range for most budget-minded SUV shoppers. The higher price is mostly due to its more complicated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. There are also luxury subcompact hybrid SUVs, but those are expensive, too. The most affordable one is the 2023 Lexus UX, which starts at $36,490 MSRP.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid gets high gas mileage

Toyota has long been the automotive industry leader for hybrid vehicles. It started with the Prius more than two decades ago — and has since expanded to its SUV lineup, including the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. It debuted for the 2022 model year with only a fully gas-powered model, but in 2023, the affordable small SUV goes hybrid.

The most obvious benefit of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is its high fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 42 combined mpg. This is actually higher than Toyota’s earlier estimate of 37 combined mpg when it first announced the model.

The end result is drivers can save a great deal of money at the pump over the long haul. Considering that fuel is one of the biggest costs of vehicle ownership, the high gas mileage is quite appealing. Additionally, there’s the convenience element of not having to stop at gas stations as often as most other SUVs.

2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid is also the best-performing model in the lineup

In the past, hybrids had a reputation for not being fun to drive. They were great for gas mileage but not so much for performance. However, that’s changed — as shown by the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. It’s the best-performing model in the lineup. 

With its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, it generates 194 horsepower, compared to 169 horsepower for the fully gas-powered model. The Corolla Cross Hybrid also delivers respectable acceleration. It has a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, while the fully gas-powered model clocks in at 9.2 seconds.

For those that desire a budget-friendly small hybrid SUV, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a solid pick. It’s the only affordable non-luxury subcompact SUV that offers a hybrid powertrain. Plus, it gets high fuel economy with an estimated 42 combined mpg — while providing respectable performance.