2024 Corolla Cross review

I test drove a 2024 Corolla Cross XLE. The verdict is to not buy one. Here is why.

• The interior is the almost same as my 2020 corolla sedan.
• The cabin is not much roomier than corolla sedan.
  
• It has auto start-stop.
• The infotainment screen still cannot display CJK chars correctly.
• Very slow acceleration.
• The engine requires hard to find 0w8 oil.
• Much more body roll when cornering than corolla sedan.
• Suspension is too soft.

The corolla cross did have some nice things,

• JBL sound system.
• improved ADAS (TSS 3.0).
• Wireless carplay.
• AWD
  

But it is more expensive ($4000) than a similarly equipped corolla sedan.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV review

I drove a 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 on a weekend trip between Sacramento and Truckee.

Good things,

• Fast acceleration
• Quieter than my Corolla sedan
• Spacious cabin
• Plenty USB charging ports
  
• Powered lift gate
• Powered folding side mirrors
• Auto brake hold is always enabled. 
• Audio quality is good.
• Handling is better than similar ICE SUV.
• It notifies me when it is stopped and the vehicle ahead drives away.
  

Meh,

• Range is not as good as similar ICE cars, especially when going uphill.
• The infotainment screen is also too big with the left edge blocked by the wheel.
• The rear turn signals are red. 
• Regenerative braking is too aggressive. I find it hard to modulate the pedal to maintain a speed on local roads.
• I don't like the toggles on the steering wheel.
  

Bad things,

• The LCD instrument cluster has a white background in the day, lowering contrast.
  
• The instrument cluster puts indicators on the screen edges.
• The LCD instrument cluster is too big. The edges are blocked by the steering wheel.
• The infotainment UI has latency.
  
• It has too many driver assistance features.
• Lane change assist is too conservative.
  
• "Smart cruise control" often disengages on its own.
  
• User manual does not explain the features well enough.
  

EVgo fast charging was expensive and not as fast as expected. The car charged 55 kWh over 1 hour. I paid 39 USD.