2027 Toyota Corolla CrossDarren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendAvailable hybrid modelStarts under $30KAvailable 10.5-inch touchscreenCramped backseatForgettable driving experienceLoud engineIf "just fine" were a subcompact SUV, it might be this 2027 Toyota Corolla Cross. Because in a field of more than a dozen competitors, the 2027 Corolla Cross' most standout features may be its Toyota badge and available hybrid model.For Toyota buyers who balk at the RAV4's MSRP that starts higher than $33,000, the Corolla Cross could be a great fit. The 2027 Corolla Cross does battle with the Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and plenty of other sub-$30,000 SUVs.What's NewAfter a 2026 refresh that includes a light restyling and a newly available 10.5-inch touchscreen, the Corolla Cross is mostly unchanged for 2027.On the hybrid model, the base S has been dropped from the lineup, leaving the SE and XSE trims to choose from.What We ThinkAt the end of one year in a 2022 Corolla Cross LE, we admitted the Toyota wasn't the most exciting vehicle around, and suggested it might would work for buyers who simply want reliable daily transportation. That still applies to the 2027 model; this is a decent SUV with a good price tag.With destination, the 2027 Corolla Cross and Corolla car are the only new Toyotas left that start under $30,000. Given that relatively low price, maybe we can forgive the 2027 Corolla Cross' forgettable driving dynamics. There's nothing special about the way it drives. In its enormous segment, it's not particularly quick but at least the steering feel on the FWD model is good.One important note: Keep in mind that the ride quality may vary between FWD and AWD models thanks to the AWD model's multi-link suspension (versus the FWD's torsion-beam set-up). Go with AWD, however, and the Corolla Cross is slightly slower.When the new Camry arrived a couple years ago, we were impressed by the way it combined an engaging driving experience with style. The 2027 Corolla Cross isn't like that. This is a practical and well-priced Toyota with a cramped back seat. Even so, it could be just what buyers are looking for, but probably not much more than that.Top-Ranked CompetitorsSubaru CrosstrekKia SeltosHonda HR-VToyota RAV4ValueRecommended TrimIn the non-hybrid 2027 Toyota Corolla Cross lineup, we'd select an LE with the upgrade to the 10.5-inch touchscreen. The base L trim doesn't have push-button start or a smart-key system, so that alone would get us to consider the LE.Anything higher than that and we begin to consider alternatives that feel more upscale inside. These include the slow but impressive Kia Seltos, the also-slow Honda HR-V, and the Mazda CX-30 if we're more after a premium feel than mpgs.