Familiar name, new vehicle enter crossover market

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I've run into more than a few folks who are, well, mystified by the all-new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross compact crossover sport-utility vehicle.

Everyday motorists and auto industry experts end up asking the same question: What is it exactly?

It borrows the venerable Corolla name, but it's different from that monster-selling passenger car.  It's positioned between Toyota's C-HR and RAV4 models, but it has its own distinct charms. It competes in a brutally competitive vehicle segment and is priced attractively in the 20-thousands across all trim levels.

So, with so many small crossovers out there, why should you buy the Corolla Cross?  After a week in the primo 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD, I think I get where Toyota is going with this one.

First off, it's a Toyota, which has a loyal buyer base.  Add the Corolla name, and now you really have their attention.

My tester had a nice mix of rugged good looks and aerodynamic lines, so it feels fine parked in the driveway.  Interior spacing and comfort is good, and my loaded version presented a vehicle that's a long-haul dream.

Optional additions included a tilt/slide moonroof with a powered back door, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a primo JBL audio system and an auto-leveling adaptive front lighting system.

Excellent, standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a state-of-the-art tech package that includes adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection and emergency braking.

Power is supplied by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 169 horsepower.  This handles most of the typical driving chores easily, although you do have to put your foot in it on steep hill climbs.

Fuel mileage is very good at 29 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The bottom line on my loaded Corolla Cross came to a still-reasonable $33,550.

So, there you have it.  Will the Corolla name, the vehicle's solid engineering and Toyota's reputation make it a hit?

I'm guessing that Toyota fans are sold already.  Luring those folks driving Hondas, Subarus, Kias and various American makes will tell the tale over the long term.