The Toyota Corolla Cross is a small crossover utility vehicle with big ambitions. A lasting impression from a week-long test drive: this CUV can handle cargo, lots and lots of odd-sized cargo. Available in front wheel drive and all wheel drive configurations, the AWD Corolla Cross provides more than 24 cubic feet of cargo space with the 60/40-split rear seat upright. That cargo space tops 65 cubic feet with second row seat folded. Introduced in the 2022 model year, the 2023 model is essentially unchanged with an 8-inch touchscreen now standard fare on all trims (L, LE, and XLE). The CUV also serves up ample legroom with more than 42 inches for front occupants and 32 inches in the rear.

Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 169 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque from 4400-4800 rpm. Engine mates to a CVT (continuous variable transmission). The 103.9-inch wheelbase CUV’s lone engine option isn’t zesty, so passing maneuvers require driver patience. Vehicle occupants have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 provides a slew of active safety features, including automatic high-beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision with pedestrian detection, and road sign assist. The tested Toyota Corolla Cross XLE with AWD collects estimated mpg of 29 city and 32 highway and carries a MSRP of $28,465.