2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Toyota Corolla is the most popular automotive nameplate in history, but the compact cars it’s attached to are slowly being usurped by crossover SUVs. So, Toyota is trying to achieve the best of both worlds by launching a new Corolla model that’s also a crossover.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross seeks to expand the Corolla lineup in much the same way that the Corolla Matrix hatchback did two decades ago, adding all-wheel drive (AWD) and more upright bodywork but keeping the Corolla name for familiarity. The Corolla Cross shares the TNGA-C platform, as well as a powertrain, with the Corolla sedan and hatchback, but the exterior styling is all SUV.

The Corolla Cross launches into a crowded market segment. At its media preview, Toyota said it’s counted 20 competitors, including the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru is likely the Corolla Cross’s closest rival, as it’s also a small SUV derivative of an existing compact hatchback.

Built at a new factory in Huntsville, Alabama, the Corolla Cross is scheduled to reach dealerships in October. It will be available in L, LE, and XLE trim levels, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). We got a chance to sample all three during a day of driving.

Everybody wants more driving range from an EV, and now the Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium trim level offers up to 500 kilometres of it. In addition, the California Route 1 comes only with all-wheel drive and 502 kilometres of estimated range this year, while the all grades but the base Ford Mustang Mach-e Select model gets a standard panoramic glass sunroof. New Carbonized Gray and Vapour Blue paint colours also debut. The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a world-class electric vehicle providing style, performance, technology, and utility in equal measure.

However, the big news is that Ford has introduced an enhanced version of its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology.