The Toyota Corolla cross is one of SA's most popular SUVs - and it deserves to be. It has everything the modern driver needs, drives like a dream, and offers a variety of modern safety features to keep you and your family safe. The short answer is yes, it is excellent for small families, and is excellent value too.
In order to fully grasp the importance of this model, one has to know where the Toyota Corolla Cross falls into the Toyota lineup. It slots in between the subcompact C-HR and the compact RAV4, offering customers even more choice. The C-HR falls into the B-segment while the RAV4 slots into the C-segment crossover category. The Corolla Cross now straddles that line, offering C-segment sizing and equipment at a B-segment price. - Chad Luckhoff
You can read his first drive impression of the Toyota Corolla Cross (2021) right here.
Space
It goes without saying that there's plenty of space up front, but the second row offers ample elbowroom and legroom too, along with three three-point safety belts for the three rear passengers. The rear middle seat can certainly host a slim adult for short periods of time but is a little narrow for longer journeys, and because of the floor bump, the central passenger will have to put his/her legs on either side.
There are four cupholders on board and enough storage binnacles for smaller items, and all models have a central armrest binnacle. XS and XR models have a leather interior ideal for messy kids who prefer to eat their sandwiches or KFC on board.
The boot is a lovely large 440 litres that will serve most families and their daily or holiday needs well, and will fit a baby stroller along with smaller items or bags.
On-board tech and safety features
XS and XR models offer 3 USB ports each to keep devices powered up, and satellite controls can be found on the steering wheel to control the large infotainment touchscreen in all models. (XI models have one USB port.) Every Toyota Corolla Cross is equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
All models offer ABS, EBD, hill-start assist, stability control, cruise control, keyless access, child locks, daytime running lamps, and a light sensor. Top-spec XR models also have a lane-keep assistant, a blind spot monitor, and adaptive cruise control, along with 7 airbags, while both the XS and XR have rear-park distance control and a rearview camera. The rest of the lineup features 5 airbags per model. Isofix anchorage points (on the outer rear seats) are standard across the board and fitting a child seat into the Corolla Cross is easy.
The towing capacity for the non-hybrid Corolla Cross is 800kg braked and 700kg unbraked, while the hybrid model can safely tow 400kg (braked and unbraked).
Search AutoTrader here for all Toyota Corolla Cross models, new and used.
Verdict
The Corolla Cross is ideal for families with up to four members, and can even seat 5 at a push. If you live in the city, hybrid models are adept at keeping fuel costs to a minimum, which means you'll also have more money to spend on your loved ones.
