Toyota has been selling hybrid cars globally for quite some time now. In fact, the Japanese marque is among the pioneering companies when it comes to launching this method of car propulsion into the mainstream.
Here in the Philippines, Toyota is selling the Prius, Prius C, Corolla Altis Hybrid, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
The Prius is the car that started Toyota's journey into hybrid propulsion
Despite numerous advantages over traditional powertrains, people still believe some myths about hybrid cars. To clear these up, Toyota Philippines has released several truths which might help dispel these myths. Once you read this, it might even sway you into getting a hybrid or convince you of getting one in the future.
Myth 1: Hybrid and Electric vehicles are the same
The truth is, hybrid vehicles are very different from electric vehicles. The latter uses only one power source, a battery, to power its electric motor. Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, combine an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.
>>> Related: Toyota finally caves in – will start making full EVs alongside hybrids
Myth 2: You’ll get electrocuted when driving a hybrid through flooded areas
There is simply no truth behind this myth. That’s because when the hybrid propulsion comes in contact with water, it shuts off. That said, they are as safe as regular combustion-powered cars when it comes to dealing with floods. For more proof, check out this video:
Myth 3: Hybrids are too expensive
Hybrid models are priced so that they can compete effectively against the prevalent combustion-powered cars. On top of this, the operating costs of hybrids tend to be lower since they consume less fuel.
Myth 4: Hybrids are expensive/difficult to maintain
This myth stems from the fact that hybrid technology is still seen as a new and novel way of powering a car, so it will need more work. However, maintaining a hybrid car is no different from a regular combustion-powered car. The batteries of a hybrid don’t even need special maintenance.
The Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid
To eliminate all your apprehensions though, Toyota also offers a five-year warranty on hybrid batteries. This is on top of the standard car warranty. A typical hybrid battery however usually lasts longer. After all, they were designed to do as such.
>>> Related: How long do hybrid car batteries last?
Myth 5: Hybrids are harder to drive
There is simply no truth behind this myth. In fact, as long as you know how to drive a normal car, you can drive any of Toyota’s hybrid models. You don’t need to learn how to charge and there are no special start-up methods. All you need to do is fill them up with gas, and press that push-to-start button. Easy as pie.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Toyota Philippine's latest hybrid model
Did these eliminate your doubts about hybrids? Are you convinced now that hybrids are just as convenient as regular cars? You can view our car guide page containing more details on Toyota’s lineup of hybrid cars. For more automotive news, car reviews, and helpful car maintenance tips, keep it here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Toyota Corolla Cross 2024
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross is a hybrid-powered five-seater crossover. For the Philippine market, it has three variants - the G, mid-spec V, and the top-spec GR-S. These are offered with a price ranging from Php 1,498,000 to Php 1,917,000.
Size-wise, the Corolla Cross HEV is 4,460mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,620mm in height. The R-S trim is slightly shorter in length at 4,455mm. All trims have a wheelbase length spanning 2,640mm.
Propelling all variants of the Corolla Cross HEV is a 1.8-liter engine paired with an electric motor. Together, this system can output 121 horsepower and 142 NM of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
Locally, the Corolla Cross HEV competes against the Geely Azkarra, Ford Territory, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, and Mazda CX-30, among others.
Toyota Corolla Cross Launch
The refreshed Toyota Corolla Cross HEV was launched in the Philippines on April 12, 2024. It entered the local market with three variants, all of which are hybrids. At launch, its price ranges from ₱1.498 - 1.917 Million.
Toyota Corolla Cross Exterior
On the outside, the updated Corolla Cross HEV’s V and G trims get a new front end which reflects its status as a hybrid model. It gets a slicker grille, a pair of sharp LED headlamps with new LED daytime running lamps, as well as LED front fog lamps.
Other exterior features found on the Corolla Cross HEV include rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, LED taillights, as well as LED rear fog lamps.
The top-spec GR-S trim also has those features, but it boasts a sportier look thanks to a different grille and unique front and rear bumpers. The GR-S also gets smoked LED lamps, a panoramic sunroof, and roof rails. Standard on both the GR-S and the V is a power tailgate with a kick sensor.
Toyota Corolla Cross Interior
Inside, the 2024 Corolla Cross HEV can comfortably seat up to five occupants. Plus, it has room to spare for cargo.
UP front, it gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a push-to-start button, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and a leather center armrest. Depending on the trim, it also features a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a digital meter cluster, as well as an electrochromic rear-view mirror.
The rear cabin of this Toyota crossover meanwhile, gets rear USB charging ports, and a folding center armrest. The rear seat also has a 60:40 split-fold functionality.
Keeping everyone inside the Corolla Cross HEV cool is a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Higher-spec trims like the GR-S and the V also get leather upholstery.
Technology & Safety Features
For the driver, the top-spec GR-S provides a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, while the mid-spec V has a seven-inch TFT instrument display. The entry-level G meanwhile, gets a smaller 4.2-inch TFT instrument display.
On-board entertainment for this Toyota model is handled by a 10-inch touchscreen for all trims. This infotainment system provides wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. It is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Powering up one’s smartphone is done easily on the Corolla Cross HEV thanks to a wireless charging pad. Plus, it gets type A and type C front USB ports on top of the two type C ports positioned for the rear cabin.
Safety on the 2024 Corolla Cross HEV is provided by a total of seven airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view (or 360-degree) camera, and parking sensors, among others.
Those aforementioned features are reinforced by the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assist suite. These include dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane trace assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system.
Platform & Chassis
The 2024 Corolla Cross HEV uses a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Stopping power meanwhile, is provided by disc brakes for all four wheels.
Toyota Corolla Cross Engine & Drivetrain
Propelling all three 2024 Corolla Cross HEV variants is a 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. In total, this hybrid system can output 121 hp and 142 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels through a CVT.
To optimize its power and efficiency, the updated Corolla Cross features a drive mode selector. Its available modes include Eco, Power, and electric vehicle (EV) modes.
Available color options for the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross HEV include Emotional Red 2 or Platinum White Pearl Mice combined with an Attitude Black Mica top. These two are only available for the GR-S.
The V and G trims meanwhile, may come in Platinum White Pearl Mica, Celestite Gray Metallic, or Metal Stream Metallic.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross HEV one-ups most of its rivals by having an entirely hybrid-powered trim lineup. It isn’t the most powerful in its class mind you, but this might go a long way in terms of fuel efficiency.
Toyota Corolla Cross Pros & Cons
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Toyota Corolla Cross Q&A
1. What engine will the Toyota Corolla 2024 use?
The Toyota Corolla 2024 will have 2 Dynamic Force engine options: a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter.
2. How many seater is a Toyota Cross?
Corolla Cross 2023 has 5 seats.
3. How much does Corolla Cross 2024 in the Philippines cost?
The price of the Toyota Corolla Cross 2023 ranges from ₱1.498 - 1.917 Million, depending on the variant.
4. What will the Toyota Corolla 2024 make different?
The Toyota Corolla 2024 will have safety feature improvements, which are front junction support and Proactive Driving Assist.
5. Is the 2024 Corolla cross a hybrid?
Yes, it is but not quite right. Because the new crossover is giving users 2 engine options with different experiences including: The G variant is equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that delivers 138 hp and 172 Nm of torque. The V Hybrid and the GR-S variant are powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline hybrid engine that generates a maximum power output of 120 hp and 142 Nm of torque.
₱ 1,498,000 - ₱ 1,917,000
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