Toyota has been expanding its lineup of hybrid vehicles in recent years, offering more options for drivers who want to save fuel and reduce emissions. One of the latest additions is the Corolla Cross Hybrid, a compact SUV that combines the practicality and versatility of the Corolla sedan with the performance and efficiency of a hybrid system.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid debuted in 2021 as a 2022 model and has been well-received by critics and customers alike. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, a smooth and quiet ride, a generous cargo capacity, and a host of standard safety and technology features. It also boasts an impressive manufacturer-estimated 42 combined miles per gallon for all grades, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.
For 2024, Toyota is adding even more style and flair to the Corolla Cross Hybrid with a Nightshade Special Edition. This model is based on the mid-level SE grade but features a distinctive blacked-out look that gives it a sporty and aggressive appearance. The Nightshade Edition is available exclusively on the Corolla Cross Hybrid and will arrive at Toyota dealerships this winter.
What Makes the Nightshade Edition Special?
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade Edition is designed to appeal to drivers who want to stand out from the crowd with a unique and eye-catching SUV. It features 18-inch gloss black sport alloy wheels, black and red fabric trimmed interior with red accent stitching, and black accented head and tail lamps. It also has blacked-out badges, black outside door handles and mirrors, and an integrated rear lip spoiler.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade Edition comes in three chic paint options: a stealthy Jet Black, Barcelona Red with Jet Black Roof, or Celestite Gray with Jet Black Roof. These colors contrast nicely with the black accents, creating a striking visual effect.
The Nightshade Edition also includes some standard accessories that enhance its convenience and functionality. It has a roof rack for extra storage, wireless charging for compatible devices, a frameless HomeLink rearview mirror, and standard carpet floor mats.
What Else Does the Corolla Cross Hybrid Offer?
The Nightshade Edition is not just about looks; it also delivers on performance and quality. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is powered by a Fifth Generation Toyota Hybrid System that consists of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The system produces a net output of 196 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, providing ample acceleration and responsiveness.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid also comes with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (e-AWD) system that enhances its traction and stability in different road conditions. The e-AWD system uses a separate electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed without requiring a center differential or other torque-apportioning device. This results in a lighter and more efficient drivetrain that can switch between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive seamlessly.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-C) platform, which provides a high level of rigidity, strength, and safety. The platform also enables the Corolla Cross Hybrid to have a low center of gravity, a balanced weight distribution, and an optimized suspension geometry. These factors contribute to its agile handling, smooth ride quality, and excellent crashworthiness.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard equipment across all grades. TSS 3.0 is a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems that help prevent or mitigate collisions, enhance visibility, and assist with driving tasks. Some of the features included in TSS 3.0 are:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) - This system can detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even animals in front of the vehicle using a camera and radar sensor. It can warn the driver of a potential collision and apply automatic emergency braking if necessary.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) - This system can detect lane markings on the road using a camera and alert the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. It can also provide gentle steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) - This system can maintain a preset speed and follow the distance from the vehicle ahead using a radar sensor. It can adjust the speed according to the traffic flow and bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB) - This system can automatically switch between high beams and low beams depending on the surrounding light conditions and traffic.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA) - This system can recognize certain road signs using a camera and display them on the instrument panel or head-up display.
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) - This system can help the driver stay in the center of the lane when using DRCC by providing steering assistance based on the road markings and the vehicle ahead.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid also offers a range of other safety and convenience features, such as blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera, smart key system, push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi Connect, and more.