2027 Toyota Corolla Cross HybridMotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendQuicker than non-hybridMore fun than gas SUV12 MPG higher than gas SUVAwkward brake tuningSmall backseatNo FWD hybridThe 2027 Toyota Corolla Cross shines brightest as a hybrid. Still one of only three subcompact SUVs with an available hybrid model, the 2027 Corolla Cross Hybrid is a good choice for when a RAV4 won't fit in your parking space, or if you just prefer smaller cars.Rivals to the Corolla Cross Hybrid include the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Kia Seltos Hybrid and, of course, low trims of the Toyota RAV4 (now a hybrid on every trim).What's NewFor 2027, the Corolla Cross Hybrid says goodbye to the base S trim. The SE and XSE continue. This does raise the entry price a bit, but keep in mind that on the hybrid, AWD is standard.Last year, the Corolla Cross saw light exterior and interior updates, plus larger available screens inside.What We ThinkThe 2027 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid excels exactly where you'd want it. Sure, it's slower than the also-AWD Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, but the Toyota is 6-mpg more efficient. That means more money in your pocket over time thanks to savings on fuel.Other than that, the 2027 Corolla Cross Hybrid is a great option for a very specific buyer. The Toyota doesn't have the driving range of the Subaru, but compared to the gas Corolla Cross it's longer and thus, more convenient. Cargo space is the same on the hybrid as it is on the regular Corolla Cross, which is still not true for all hybrids.The hybridized Toyota, which is only offered with AWD, is also noticeably quicker than the non-hybrid AWD variant. MotorTrend testing pegs the hybrid at 7.6 seconds to 60 mph, which is perfectly decent. The AWD non-hybrid comes in at 9.3 seconds, while the FWD non-hybrid splits the difference at 8.7.That's a great advantage, but is it worth the brake feel? We found the brakes a bit spongy in a recent test, making it more difficult to come to a smooth stop. The transmission also lets the engine drone when you press hard into the throttle.So it's not perfect, but as a slightly less-expensive RAV4 alternative, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a good addition to the Toyota SUV lineup.Top-Ranked CompetitorsSubaru Crosstrek HybridKia Seltos HybridToyota RAV4 (all trims are now hybrids)ValueWith the loss of the base S trim, the 2027 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid carries a higher starting price than before. That lifts the 2027 Corolla Cross Hybrid MSRP closer to that of the RAV4, but remember that the smaller SUV has AWD standard and the RAV4 does not. So the Corolla Cross Hybrid still retains a slight price advantage.To us, though, there's more to value than just a low base price. There's value to the quality of the experience, as well, so if you really like sitting higher up and want a larger backseat and cargo area, try a lower-trim RAV4 in addition to the Corolla Cross Hybrid.Recommended TrimOur pick is the 2027 Corolla Cross SE Hybrid with the 10.5-inch touchscreen upgrade and, if we're in a state with a real, cold winter, the package with heated seats.The XSE looks special, but with options gets so high in price we start thinking about the Kia Sportage Hybrid, which is quicker, bigger for people and their stuff, and offers enough features even on the base trim to feel comfortable.