2024 Toyota Corolla Cross HV Nightshade - Review by David Colman

Delightful throwback to an era when driving was more about you than automation.

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

Toyota has devised an all purpose tool for the motorist who is unwilling to deal with the inconvenience of EV ownership but still hopes to make a dent in global warming. Toyota's name for that tool is the Corolla Cross Hybrid HV. This little gem offers more blades than a Japanese Army Knife.

First off, it's handsome, in an understated way. The appearance of our test example was brightened up with a two-tone exterior color package ($500 extra) which combined Barcelona Red Metallic Paint on the lower panels with a piano black finish above the belt line. The contrast motif extends to the shiny black Nightshade finish of the following: external badges, roof rack and cross bars, heated outside rear view mirrors, housings for the LED headlights and LED stoplight housings. All these cosmetic tweaks distinguish the Nightshade model from all other versions of the Corolla Cross. The interior also receives special attention, with seating surfaces treated to black and red fabric with red stitching.

But even this dazzling visual presentation is outdone by the mechanical specification of the Corolla Cross HV's drivetrain. For starters, it's all-wheel drive, as discretely noted on both front fenders. All four wheels are equipped with piano black alloy rims shod with Goodyear Assurance all-season radials (225/50R18). These tires carry a lofty TW 540 treadwear rating that promises long intervals between tire replacements. The rims are bolted to Toyota's latest TNGA-C chassis platform, which is configured in Cross form to provide a healthy 8 inches of ground clearance. The double wishbone, multi-link rear suspension on this new chassis is particularly sophisticated, with sports-tuned shock absorbers providing a compliant and comfortable ride quality. A Drive Mode switch located at the front of the center console encourages you to select the ride comfort/performance setting that matches your mood, with my favorite being Sport.

We were eager to get a look at Toyota's fifth generation hybrid system. So we popped the hood, freed the prop rod from its parking place on the hood's underside, and searched in vain for a place to secure it. After 30 seconds of clueless scanning of the engine bay, we gingerly notched it into a spot that allowed us to spare our aching arm muscles from supporting the heavyweight hood. Only then did we ascertain the intended location for the support rod, unmarked with so much as an arrow or sticker for direction.

Luckily, the hybrid system is a lot better engineered than the spindly prop rod. Unlike the underpowered standard 169hp Corolla four-cylinder engine, the hybrid drivetrain in the Cross adds three electric motors to a 2-liter inline 4. This amalgamation produces 196hp. It may be hard to believe, but this hybrid arrangement not only bumps output by 27hp, but also improves fuel economy to 42MPG in overall driving. The engine propels all four Goodyears through a CVT transmission that effectively launches the Cross from 0-60mph in 8.0 seconds and posts a standing start quarter mile time of 15.6 seconds at 89mph. This engine loves to run hard, emitting an aggressive whine when prodded into full flight that is music to the ears. Out on the freeway, it seemed like every time we glanced at the speedo, we were unintentionally pushing 79mph without accounting for the Cross' laid back fast lane lope.

It's rather hard to equate this kind of straight line performance with the inherent practicality of a mini SUV that can haul 26 cubic feet of freight inside the cabin (when the rear seats are collapsed). I couldn't quite fit my mountain bike inside but with some extra padding to prevent interior scratches, one could probably accomplish the task. At any rate, I was astounded at how close the bike fit was to being successful given the Cross' modest exterior dimensions.

The interior of the Nightshade edition is mostly back to basics. If you want power adjustable everything, go for the top line XSE Corolla Cross. With Nightshade, you'll be sliding your seats manually, and tilting them back with cranky levers. However, simplicity has its virtues, and the Nightshade's lack of power accessories means the vehicle weighs less. This is an SUV that tips the scales at under 3,200lb., so every pound saved is a mile earned on fuel range. The absence of comfort overindulgence means you end up with a very responsive version of the nifty new Corolla platform. Because it's not burdened with the extravagant luxury touches we've been conditioned to expect, the 2024 Nightshade Cross proves to be a delightful throwback to an era of when driving was more about you than about automation.

2024 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS HV NIGHTSHADE

• ENGINE: 2.0 liter inline-4, 16-valve DOHC + 3 AC Motors and Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
• HORSEPOWER: 196hp
• TORQUE: 201lb.-ft.
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 45MPG City/38MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $34,498

HYPES: Economical, All Weather Practical

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman