What kind of gear is the Toyota Cross?
In short: the Toyota Cross uses automatic gearboxes, not a manual; petrol variants rely on a CVT, while hybrid variants use an e-CVT, with front‑wheel drive standard and some trims offering all‑wheel drive in certain markets.
Overview of the Toyota Cross
The Toyota Cross—often marketed as the Corolla Cross in many regions—is a compact crossover SUV built on Toyota’s TNGA platform. It is designed to balance efficiency, practicality, and everyday usability, and it is offered with gasoline and hybrid powertrains. Transmission choices reflect this design, emphasizing automatic gearboxes for ease of use and smooth performance.
Transmission options
Below is a general guide to how the Cross is equipped across different variants and markets.
Petrol variants
Gasoline versions are paired with an automatic transmission geared toward smooth operation and efficiency.
- Gasoline variants use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available on some markets and trims.
- No manual transmission is offered on current petrol Cross models.
Petrol Crosses with a CVT are designed for quiet, economical driving, with the CVT providing seamless acceleration rather than distinct gear shifts.
Hybrid variants
Hybrid versions pair the gasoline engine with electric motors and use Toyota’s electronic CVT (e‑CVT) to blend power smoothly. AWD is available in some markets via an electric all‑wheel-drive system (AWD-i) on hybrid trims.
- Hybrid Cross uses an e‑CVT to manage power from both the gas engine and electric motors.
- Front-wheel drive is standard; AWD-i is available on certain trims/markets.
- Traditional manual shifting is not offered; gear changes are handled by the e‑CVT.
Hybrids emphasize efficiency and smooth power delivery, with the electric motor assisting at low speeds and during acceleration to boost fuel economy.
Market variations and takeaways
Transmission availability and naming can vary by region and trim. Across most markets, the Toyota Cross is offered with automatic transmissions only — CVT for petrol models and e‑CVT for hybrids — with AWD being optional on certain regions or trims. Always check local specifications for the exact drivetrain options.
Performance and driving experience
Expect a quiet, refined drive from both CVT and e‑CVT configurations. The petrol CVT aims for smooth acceleration and efficiency, while the hybrid’s e‑CVT focuses on integrating electric motor assist for improved city-driving efficiency. There is no traditional manual gear option in current Cross lineups.
Summary
The Toyota Cross, commonly the Corolla Cross in many markets, is a compact crossover that uses automatic transmissions across the lineup. Petrol variants employ a CVT, hybrids use an e‑CVT, and front‑wheel drive is standard with AWD available on select trims in some regions. Manual transmissions are not offered, and market-specific details may vary.
What is a Corolla Cross classified as?
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact crossover SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with the efficiency and value of a Corolla sedan. It offers a higher ride height and more cargo space than the standard Corolla, with a choice of gasoline or hybrid powertrains, available front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and comes in various trim levels like L, LE, and XLE.
- Vehicle type: The Corolla Cross is a subcompact or compact crossover SUV. The "Cross" in its name signifies that it is a blend between a car and an SUV.
- Positioning: It is positioned in Toyota's lineup between the smaller C-HR and the larger RAV4.
- Platform: It is built on the same modular platform as the Corolla sedan, called the TNGA-C (Toyota New Global Architecture-C).
- Powertrain options: You can get it with a traditional gasoline engine or a hybrid powertrain for better fuel efficiency.
- Drivetrain: It is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Key features: It offers an elevated ride height for better visibility, a versatile interior, and is available in multiple trim levels, such as the entry-level L, mid-range LE, and top-tier XLE.
Is the Toyota Corolla Cross AWD or FWD?
Toyota offers the 2025 Corolla Cross in L, LE and XLE trim levels. Each has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque), a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. An all-wheel-drive system is optional.
Does the Toyota Cross use a CVT transmission?
Yes, the Toyota Corolla Cross is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Both the non-hybrid and hybrid versions of the Corolla Cross use a CVT to help maximize efficiency.
- Non-hybrid: The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a CVT.
- Hybrid: The hybrid models also come with a CVT, specifically an eCVT (electronic Continuously Variable Transmission).
What kind of transmission is in the Toyota Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for its gasoline models and an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) for its hybrid models. The gas version is called a Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S), and it has a physical first gear for better acceleration.
You can watch this video to learn about the eCVT system in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: 43sspeedkar99YouTube · Nov 25, 2024
Gasoline models
- Transmission type: Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S).
- Key feature: Includes a physical first gear for a more responsive initial launch before the CVT engages.
- Drivetrain: Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Hybrid models
- Transmission type: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).
- Key feature: Part of the Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system, which uses three electric motors in addition to the gas engine.
- Drivetrain: Comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
