Toyota's Cross SUV hits the target for value shoppers

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 -- You have needs.  We all do, especially when it comes to putting down substantial cash for a new motor vehicle.

You're looking for a target.  Let's say you're a relatively young human being looking to buy a small sport-utility vehicle that doesn't cost $50,000 (or more), and you want the gas-saving convenience of a hybrid power plant. You crave style and reliability.

As targets go, you've pretty much hit the bull's eye with the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.  My tester was the comparatively fancy XSE model, with a bottom line on the sticker of $37,339.

For that money, one gets a liberally loaded compact crossover SUV with a Toyota pedigree.  Not a bad way to go these days.

On the tester, I was struck by the interior comfort.  Sure, freeway rides were silky smooth, but so were aggressive jaunts in suburban gridlock and downtown traffic.

A tight turning radius came to my rescue numerous times.  I felt comfortable behind the wheel within minutes of hopping into the cockpit for the first time.

A 2-liter, four-cylinder hybrid power plant is rated at a combined net 196 horsepower, and I found it to be a capable engine in all conditions.  Cabin noise, even at full song, is minimal.

The big payoff comes in fuel mileage: 46 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.  A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster enables the driver to handle everything with ease, and the neighbors liked the sleek profile and 18-inch alloy wheels ... their praises offered unprompted.

Keeping in mind that alternative versions of the Corolla Cross come at a more-affordable price, Toyota touts the advantages to be had by "entry SUV customers."  Pretty hard to argue with that.

This Corolla radiates style and value, with a hybrid bonus to take to the bank.