The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Is Still The Cheapest US-Built SUV
If you want a cheap American SUV, you’ll have to buy one from Toyota.
The updated, Alabama-built 2026 Corolla Cross has a $26,130 starting price, which maintains its position as the most-affordable SUV that’s made in USA.
The cheapest made by an American brand is the Ford Escape, which starts at $31,845, but isn’t certified to be sold in Calif., Mass., Ore., N.Y., Wash., and Vt. due to their strict emissions rules However, the subcompact Corolla Cross is a size class smaller than the Escape.
Toyota also happens to build the cheapest car in the USA, which is the Mississippi-made $23,920 Corolla sedan.
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The Corolla Cross comes standard with a 169 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, CVT and the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive , but an all-wheel drive 196 hp hybrid model is also available for $30,490. Estimated combined fuel economy ratings are 32 mpg and 42 mpg, respectively.
The biggest styling difference between them is the grille, with the standard model featuring a more conventional one and the hybrid a body-color fascia punctured with hexagonal holes. Inside, the center consoles have been updated and a larger, 10.2-inch infotainment system screen is available above the base eight-inch version.
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Three trim levels are offered with each powertrain and all models get the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package of electronic driver aids standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing and pedestrian-detecting automatic brakes. 2026 Corolla Cross shipments are already underway.
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