Two years ago, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) was at a crossroads of sorts, and it took the hybrid path when it announced that it would adopt hybrid electric technology as the ideal transition to vehicle electrification in the country, instead of jumping towards full electric vehicles (EVs). After all, it was the iconic Prius that led to the popularity of the hybrid electric vehicles in the Philippines when it was introduced in 2009.
That decision was quite understandable, owing to the proven success of its Prius hybrid models worldwide. All Toyota had to do was to make the technology more accessible and more attractive to more markets.
Now, with its hybrids offered in more models and priced more affordably, TMP takes big steps forward in playing its part in Toyota’s global commitment to push for sustainable mobility, as outlined in its Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.
Among the new generation of hybrids that has followed in Prius’ footsteps, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has led the way. With its competitive price point, established Corolla legacy, and strong and sophisticated design, the Corolla Cross has been seen as the “perfect road companion for owners looking for a stylish, functional, and efficient crossover.”
I’ve found at least five owners of the Corolla Cross Hybrid who wholeheartedly agree. Four of them are proud members of the Toyota Corolla Cross (TCC) Club Philippines, the other is a general sales manager of Toyota Global City.
Loraine Camille G. Tiratira, 31, a project specialist and an owner of a 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross (HEV) Hybrid Variant, describes her ride as “definitely my primary car for mid- to long drives.” For short drives, Loraine uses her 2006 Toyota Innova MT.
Ariseo Galang Bonifacio, 40, an operations support engineer, owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross (HEV) Hybrid. Like Loraine, Ariseo’s Corolla Cross is an everyday car.
Lailani Jocson, 40, a technical engineering manager, owns a 2020-21 Corolla Cross HEV, which has been driven more often for long out-of-town drives, like trips to Batangas, Pangasinan, and Vigan.
Michael Estialbo, 51, who’s involved in facilities management/business continuity/data privacy, owns a 2022 Corolla Cross HEV, is the newest owner of the group, considering he got his vehicle only this August, and as such his odometer is a fresh 3,496 km despite him using the vehicle every day.
Jose Medel “Adel” B. Delgado, 51, is a general sales manager of Toyota Global City, and despite having the full roster of Toyota vehicles available for his choosing, he decided to go for the 2022 Corolla Cross Hybrid GR-S as his daily driver.
No-brainer of a choice
For Loraine, who already had a tried-and-tested Toyota vehicle with the Innova, the choice for another Toyota to own was a no-brainer. “First, we all know that Toyota has proven itself to be one of the most trusted and qualified vehicle manufacturers in the world. Second, because the Cross exterior looks so sexy, gwapo, and macho at the same time,” Loraine stressed. “Upon understanding the Cross’ features and specs, I was certain that I would go for it.”
For Ariseo, the subcompact SUV design was the selling point. “The Cross’ ground clearance is sufficient to pass most flooded streets in Metro Manila.”
He revealed, “We were supposed to buy (another brand of subcompact SUV), but we chose the Corolla Cross Hybrid because it’s environment friendly, and in the long term, the cost of ownership would pay for itself due to savings in maintenance and fuel consumption.”
It was love at first sight for Lailani. “I just love everything about the Corolla Cross, most of all the Toyota Safety Sense. The moment I sat inside, I told myself, ‘this is my next car.’ The driver’s view is just perfect for my height, I don’t have blind spots and I can see the whole hood completely, which gives me confidence that I can manage to drive it on narrow streets,” Lailani said.
Michael recalled, “April 2022 was the first time I heard about hybrids, and after I researched its hybrid efficiencies and fuel economy, its electric motor functionalities and capabilities, and how its battery gets charged up during traffic, I realized only the Toyota Cross had such capabilities. And then it’s styled like a full-on Toyota SUV.”
Adel chose the Corolla Cross for its “comfort and sporty features,” which he said he could only get “from a crossover vehicle like the Corolla Cross.”
Perfect for the times
These owners see the Corolla Cross as a perfect fit not only for their personal tastes, but also for properly addressing their mobility needs, especially during these times of volatile fuel prices and environmental emergencies.
Loraine said that, apart from its being fuel efficient and environment-friendly, the Cross’ interior is “exquisite,” citing, in particular, the HEV dashboard. “The dashboard has this feature which guides me how to drive using the least possible amount of gas.”
Ariseo said that what makes the Corolla Cross’ hybrid system so fuel-efficient is that the electric motor kicks in when the battery has enough power, “thereby preventing more fossil fuels being burned, thus reducing carbon emissions.”
Points of improvement
Loraine said of the Corolla Cross, “It would be better if the model had more than one cigarette lighter socket, and additional USB ports in the dashboard. Though this can be customized, as there are slots for such, it would greatly help if there are more outright. Also, as discussed within our group being a common problem, the brakes have this tendency to generate squeaking sounds, sometimes when the brakes are gradually released. Perhaps this can be addressed by timely brake cleaning (during PMS).”
Ariseo added that TMP should “allow existing Corolla Cross Hybrid owners to install 360-degree cameras as an accessory. Currently, the feature is only available outside the Philippines.”
Lailani said: “The seats can be a bit softer to add more comfort to the driver. Moonroof would be great. The back seats are tight for three adults. And a tire pressure monitor would be very helpful.”
Michael and Adel said the Corolla Cross could also do with an electric parking brake, instead of just a foot parking brake. “It’s not much of an issue for me. It’s just a matter of getting used to it. After all, Toyota Corolla Cross’ 3Ps: performance, perfection, and price supersedes this improvement to make us decide to get one,” Michael said.
Mileage numbers
For Loraine’s highways/long drives, she averages 18km/liter. “The sub-20 figure is because I drive quite fast,” she said. In the city, her average mileage goes up to 22 km/liter. For her daily morning drive from her residence in Morong, Rizal to Makati City, she once achieved a personal best of 26.7 km/liter.
On the other hand, Aristeo’s personal best on the highway runs up to 27km/liter, while his city run in heavy traffic has averaged 19km/liter, 24 km/liter in normal traffic, and a remarkable 28km/liter in city driving with no traffic.
Lailani’s best run for an out-of-town trip was 28km/liter, from Caloocan City to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, to Agno in Pangasinan on normal and power drive modes. On her way to Tagaytay and Batangas, meanwhile, gives her a mileage range of 22 to 25km/liter.
Michael’s combined city and highway driving averages 14.50 km/liter, while Adel’s city drives yield up to 18 km/liter, and up to 25km/liter on the highways.
