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2024 Toyota Corolla Cross: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

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The Corolla Cross is kind of a bizarre mannequin within the Toyota Lineup. It’s not precisely a Corolla hatchback with raised suspension but it surely’s not precisely a smaller model of the Toyota RAV4, ether – two issues that actually stop cannibalization within the lineup. With a novel mix of styling borrowed from the Corolla, RAV4, the Highlander, the Corolla Cross has its personal character however below the pores and skin it shares numerous mechanicals with the Corolla hatchback. This implies that it naturally carries alongside the identical legacy because the Corolla it’s in the end derived from, so you possibly can count on the standard reliability, effectivity, and all-around good manners for day by day use.

With that in thoughts, the Corolla Cross is basically geared toward attracting a brand new, youthful consumer base in addition to younger households that want one thing a bit of larger than a sedan however nonetheless need to keep within the sub-compact section. With an entry value of only a hair over $25,000 and accessible AWD, this is among the most affordable sub-compacts in the segment.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Model
Toyota Corolla Cross
Engine
2.0-Liter Inline-Four
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
169 Horsepower
Torque
151 Pound-feet
Driveline
FWD | AWD
MSRP
$23,860 – $29,385
Fuel Economy
Up to 33 MPG
Towing Capacity
1,500 Pounds
Pros

  • Affordable
  • Available as a hybrid
  • Capable of towing as much as 1,500 kilos
  • Amazing suite of security options commonplace
Cons

  • The base mannequin may be very fundamental
  • AWD is simply accessible on the XLE and hybrid fashions
  • Very comparable cabin to the Corolla makes it not that distinctive
  • A bit underpowered
Robert Moore-Managing Editor
Expert Opinion

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a superb sub-compact crossover for individuals and small households which are on a funds and need not carry numerous baggage with them. For these which are extra acutely aware of gasoline financial system, the entry-level Hybrid S is basically the mannequin to get as it’s totally well-equipped and returns glorious gasoline mileage within the metropolis and on the freeway. The solely actual draw back to the Corolla Cross is that it is not as partaking to drive as a few of its opponents.

What’s New For 2024

The Toyota Corolla Cross was launched for the 2022 mannequin yr within the United States, and to date, it has modified little or no. The solely replace for 2024 is an up to date Qi wi-fi charger within the LE and XLE trim ranges. This is following an up to date 8.0-inch infotainment system that was added for the 2023 mannequin yr.

Highlights

  • Standard 8.0-inch infotainment system
  • Plenty of bodily knobs and buttons for the analog crew
  • A toned down however nonetheless attention-grabbing cabin
  • Available 7-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Optional JBL 9-speaker premium audio system
  • Long checklist of ordinary security options

Exterior Dimensions

Length

176.1 Inches

Width

71.9 Inches

Height

64.9 Inches

Ground Clearance

8.1 Inches

Front Track

61.3-61.7 Inches

Rear Track

61.8-62.2 Inches

Engine Specifications And Performance

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross-46
Toyota

The Toyota Corolla Cross is offered with only one engine choice – a 2.0-liter inline-four with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated solely to Toyota CVT transmission, which to date has a status for being one of many higher CVT models available on the market. Power is shipped to the entrance wheels by default, and whereas the Corolla Cross is offered with AWD, you possibly can solely have it when you purchase the range-topping, non-hybrid Cross XLE or transfer as much as the hybrid trim ranges, wherein case AWD comes commonplace. As of the time of this writing, AWD shouldn’t be even an choice on the L lor LE trim ranges.

There are additionally a number of hybrid trim ranges of the Corolla Cross, all of that are powered by the identical 2.0-liter inline 4. In this case, nevertheless, the transmission is an ECVT with a built-in electrical motor. In these fashions, energy output is a extra respectable 196 horsepower. Even the bottom Corolla Cross Hybrid S comes with AWD as commonplace.

Robert Moore-Managing Editor
Expert Opinion

While the frequent consensus is that the Toyota Corolla Cross is under-powered, its 169-horsepower four-cylinder is highly effective sufficient for day by day driving. If you need a bit of extra oomph throughout acceleration, the the hybrid mannequin’s 196 horsepower makes an enormous distinction and will increase the fun-to-drive issue you may miss within the gas-only fashions.

Fuel Economy

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross-25
Toyota

Like the Corolla it’s primarily based on, the Corolla Cross is comparatively environment friendly for what it’s. Non-hybrids can manage 30-32 mpg combined, however the hybrid fashions are good for as a lot as 42 MPG mixed or 45 MPG throughout metropolis driving due to the hybrid system.

City

Highway

Combined

Annual Fuel Cost

Toyota Corolla Cross FWD

31 MPG

33 MPG

32 MPG

$1,700

Toyota Corolla Cross AWD

29 MPG

31 MPG

30 MPG

$1,800

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD

45 MPG

38 MPG

42 MPG

$1,300

Off-Road Capability And Towing

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross-19
Toyota

Toyota did inject the Cross with a touch of off-roading functionality, but it surely’s not meant for doing something too wild. The Corolla Cross can maintain its personal off the crushed path and even down some less-than-stellar forest roads, however even then you definitely nonetheless must have the AWD mannequin. If you propose to do something past this off the asphalt, you could need to take into account shifting as much as the extra succesful RAV4.

In phrases of towing functionality, you could be stunned to know that, when correctly geared up, the Corolla Cross has a towing capability of 1,500 kilos, which isn’t dangerous for a crossover this dimension. This specification holds true for each hybrid and non-hybrid fashions.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features

  • Functional, comfy cabin
  • Decent base infotainment system
  • Available digital gauge cluster
  • Nice inside supplies on XLE trim
  • Good cargo capability

The inside of the Corolla Cross is nearly equivalent to that of the Corolla sedan, and certainly numerous elements carried over, although the cabin has extra passenger house on the whole. You’d be arduous pressed to identify something not carried over, together with the dashboard and inside supplies. The entrance of the cabin is mostly the identical dimension because the sedan, although the rear passenger space is a little more spacious, one thing that’s actually commendable for a sub-compact crossover.

With the Corolla Cross being decrease on the reasonably priced scale, the bottom mannequin has loads of plastic supplies, although they don’t actually come off as low-cost. The material seats additionally exhibit the standard you’d count on from Toyota. He XLE mannequin actually kicks issues up a notch, although, with issues like fake leather-based seats, leather-wrapped shift knob, rear arm relaxation, heater entrance seats, and some different niceties.

Technology

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross-49
Toyota

The Corolla Cross isn’t precisely a tech-heavy car, but it surely does come commonplace with an eight-inch multimedia infotainment system with 6 audio system and built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Beyond this, non-safety know-how is virtually non-existent, although from the LE trim up you possibly can go for the 9-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier.

The XLE mannequin does include a number of extras which you could get within the base mannequin, together with an auto-dimming rear view mirror, ambient lighting, 4 USB-C charging retailers, and a seven-inch totally digital gauge cluster. The LE mannequin does include the QI-compatible wi-fi charger and entrance automated local weather management, nevertheless, so even shifting past the bottom mannequin offers you a bit additional when it comes to facilities.

Interior Dimensions

Front

Rear

Headroom W/O Moonroof

39.5 Inches

39.1 Inches

Headroom W/ Moonroof

38.6 Inches

39.0 Inches

Shoulder Room

52.7 Inches

52.4 Inches

Hip Room

52.6 Inches

43.8 Inches

Leg Room

42.9 Inches

32.0 Inches

Cargo Capacity

24 Cubic-Feet

Safety And Reliability

Toyota_Safety_Sense_Milestone

The Toyota Corolla Cross fall into the very reasonably priced class, however even the $23,980 base mannequin L comes with almost every bit of security tools that Toyota gives within the lineup. The spotlight is, after all, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, however you additionally get different issues just like the Star Safety System (the same old stability management, traction management, and lively brake distribution, hill begin help, and a backup digital camera.

TSS 3.0 Features

  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
  • Proactive driving assistant
  • Dynamic cruise radar management
  • Lane departure alert with steering help
  • Auto excessive beams
  • Lane tracing help
  • Road signal help

As far because the NHTSA is worried, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross doesn’t have an overall safety rating, however that’s as a result of it hasn’t gone by rollover testing fairly but. It has been examined for entrance crash security, wherein it earned 4 begins general with entrance driver facet and entrance passenger facet carrying the identical ranking. It did ace the facet crash ranking, nevertheless, with five-star scores throughout the board for entrance and rear passengers on each side of the car.

IIHS crash testing revealed that the Corolla Cross is kind of protected with preliminary testing bringing “Good” ratings (the best you can get) across the board. During up to date entrance overlap and facet crash testing procedures, nevertheless, it acquired solely “Acceptable” scores. Despite this, the Corolla Cross was awarded a Top Safety Pick Award in 2023 for the 2024 mannequin yr.

IIHS Crash Test Video

Warranties

The Toyota Corolla Cross comes with a reasonably commonplace fundamental guarantee – the standard 36 months/36,000 miles. There’s additionally a 60-month powertrain, corrosion, and restraint system guarantee. The Hybrid fashions additionally embody a 96-month hybrid system guarantee and a 120-month hybrid battery guarantee.

Months

Mileage

Basic Warranty

36 Months

36,000 Miles

Powertrain

60 Months

60,000 Miles

Corrosion Perforation

60 Months

Unlimited Miles

Restraint System

60 Months

60,000 Miles

Hybrid System Warranty

96 Months

100,000 Miles

Hybrid Battery Warranty

120 Months

150,000 Miles

2024 Toyota Cross Versus Its Competitors

The sub-compact crossover section isn’t precisely sluggish shifting. In reality, due to the affordability side of small crossover, it’s a very popular section. As such, the Corolla Cross is pressured to compete in opposition to extra fashions than you possibly can depend on two fingers. That being the case, we’re going to give attention to two of its hardest opponents, each of that are constructed by corporations that come straight from the land of the rising solar: the Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-30.

How the Toyota Corolla Cross Compares To The Honda HR-V

Like most subcompact SUVs, the Honda HR-V serves because the gateway to Honda’s crossover lineup. It may not be the most effective geared up crossover on the planet, or one which offers you a cut-throat driving expertise, however it is comfortable and does a great job of getting you and the family from point A to point B every day. The exterior design of the HR-V can also be fairly trendy and extra according to what you’d count on from a crossover twice its value, although it does have it’s personal set of drawbacks.

Like the Corolla Cross, the HR-V is simply supplied with one powertrain, on this case a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. You can have FWD or AWD, and also you’ll stand up to 32 mpg in gasoline financial system, however there’s no potential for towing – placing it behind the Corolla Cross, which may tow 1,500 kilos. A CVT transmission can also be the one choice right here, however it’s arguably among the best within the enterprise, so it’s not essentially a deal breaker. All instructed, the HR-V does honor Honda’s legacy of reliability with a JD Power, consumer-verified rating of 83/100. Pricing for the HR-V begins at $24,600 and maxes out at $28,150.

2024 Honda HR-V Parked in front of a house

Buyrer’s Guide

2024 Honda HR-V: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

The Honda HR-V is a protected and dependable competitor within the subcompact section, however the competitors is hard and it is not the most cost effective choice on the market.

How The Toyota Corolla Cross Compares To The Mazda CX-30

Despite having an analogous entry-level value to different sub-compact crossovers just like the Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-30 really sets a standard in terms of what an affordable premium vehicle should be. Now, this isn’t as much as par with say Audi or BMW, but it surely’s very shut with nice, sturdy supplies on the within, respectable tech, and sufficient house to cater to small households that don’t have to hold round a ton of luggage in all places they go.

Essentially a raised Mazda 3 at coronary heart, the CX-30 offers the same sporty driving characteristics you’d count on from every other Mazda, and it has the powertrain choices to take advantage of out of its tuned chassis. The 2.5-liter engine is available in naturally aspirated or turbocharged kind and is sweet for 191 – 250 horsepower and 186-320 pound-feet of torque, placing it effectively forward of opponents just like the Corolla Cross. It can tow as much as 1,500 kilos as effectively, and it has a standard six-speed automated transmission to go together with commonplace AWD throughout the lineup. Pricing for the Mazda CX-30 begins at $24,995 and climbs to as excessive as $36,800.

CX-30 in red color

Buyer’s Guide

2024 Mazda CX-30: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Pricing, And Specs

The Mazda CX-30 is, basically, a barely taller Mazda 3 with comparable driving dynamics, a premium inside, and high-end know-how.

Toyota Corolla Cross Pricing And Trim Levels

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross-18
Toyota

In non-hybrid kind, the Toyota Corolla Cross is offered in three trim ranges: L, LE, and XLE. Pricing ranges from $23,860 to $28,085. The hybrid fashions function an extension to the lineup with a complete of 4 different trims accessible beginning with the Hybrid S, and shifting on to the Hybrid SE, Hybrid Nightshade, and Hybrid XSE. Pricing for the hybrid fashions ranges from $28,220 to $31,405. AWD is commonplace throughout the hybrid lineup, however solely the XLE within the gas-only vary may be geared up with AWD.

Toyota Corolla Cross L

$23,860

Toyota Corolla Cross LE

$26,190

Toyota Corolla Cross XLE

$28,085

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S

$28,220

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SE

$28,540

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade

$30,465

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE

$31,405

Is It Worth It To Buy A Toyota Corolla Cross?

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross-12
Toyota

The Toyota Crolla Cross is priced very competitively with its fundamental opponents, and it’s largest claims to fame are the Corolla identify, the flexibility to tow, and the general comfy cabin. If you’re somebody who likes numerous tech, extra energy, and a sportier driving dynamic, you could be higher off with one thing just like the Mazda CX-30. The Corolla Cross’ reliability is on par with that of the HR-V as is the pricing. Our greatest suggestion could be to check drive the Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, and Honda HR-V to see which one fits your driving fashion higher, as all of them supply their very own distinctive expertise behind the wheel.

In phrases of which Corolla Cross is best, we discover that the Hybrid S is basically the candy spot. It comes commonplace with AWD, it’s almost the identical value because the range-topping, gas-only XLE, and you may profit from as a lot as 45 mpg when pushed correctly. With fashions just like the CX-30 and HR-V not accessible as hybrid, this hybrid powertrain, regardless of the CVT transmission, is an enormous promoting level. The gasoline financial savings alone – particularly when you do numerous driving – can go a great distance towards getting the most effective bang in your buck.

Motorsport

This Autonomous Vehicle Looks Like a Terminator however It Actually Fixes Potholes

Should you end up traversing the streets north of London and occur upon a bizarre black automobile creeping alongside at a snail’s tempo, give it some house. Don’t fear, it would not have lasers. But it does have the flexibility to detect cracks within the pavement and seal them up, all by itself. It’s referred to as the Autonomous Road Repair System—ARRES for brief—and it is at present present process real-world testing in Hertfordshire.

Yes, it seems a bit scary. New Atlas likens the angular physique to the Tesla Cybertruck, although we get extra of a Syd Mead / Blade Runner vibe from its odd proportions. And let’s overlook the truth that its acronym-formed identify is shared with the god of battle in Greek mythology. There are not any oscillating purple lights that we are able to see, so presumably it is secure from changing into an evil murder-bot bent on destroying humanity. It does have some fairly cool wheels, although.

 

Kidding apart, the actually cool stuff is what we will not see. Developed by researchers on the University of Liverpool and a tech firm referred to as Robotiz3d, it makes use of quite a lot of sensors, cameras, and different tech at the side of patching tools that fills cracks all by itself. That stated, ARRES might be remotely managed by a human operator, however the entire level of the challenge is to develop one thing that may autonomously conduct highway repairs 24 hours a day.

According to the Hertfordshire County Council, the challenge has been in growth since 2020 and lately accomplished its first real-world take a look at. Specific particulars on precisely the way it works aren’t revealed simply but, however trials will proceed within the area to additional fine-tune the system for official use. There are additionally plans to construct a bigger model that may lead a military of terminators accomplish much more automated highway restore duties.

“We are devoted to our mission to assist construct a secure and sustainable highway infrastructure by clever, and automatic upkeep and restore,” stated Sebastiano Fichera, co-founder and technical director at Robotiz3d.

“ARRES Prevent is designed to autonomously perform crack sealing tasks by combining the groundbreaking features of ARRES Eye, our cutting-edge AI-powered road survey solution with state-of-the-art robotics and unmanned mobility, to proactively reduce the number of potholes. Working with Hertfordshire County Council has accelerated our development pace, propelling us towards our goal of revolutionizing road maintenance practices.”

News

2024 Yamaha FZ-X Is A Sporty Retro Commuter Exclusively For India

The Asian market is filled with strange bikes a number of people within the west have by no means seen earlier than. In India, for instance, motorbike producers roll out bikes designed particularly to suit the wants of Indian commuters, and as such, we don’t see these bikes wherever else on the planet. Take, for instance, the Yamaha FZ X, a retro-inspired commuter which has been refreshed for the 2024 model-year.

The Yamaha FZ X is the retro mannequin in its FZ line of commuters in India. You could also be conversant in the FZ moniker from again within the day, when bikes just like the MT-07 and MT-09 have been referred to as this. Prior to the increase of the bare bike sibling, there was the FZ6 and the Fazer. These days, the FZ title lives on, albeit in compact, single-cylinder kind, and unique to the Asian market.

2024 Yamaha FZ-X Is A Sporty Retro Commuter Exclusively For India

The 2024 Yamaha FZ-X is available in a swanky chrome end that provides a contact of flamboyance to its retro enchantment.

As for the FZ X, it’s most carefully associated to the XSR household of bikes merely due to the way in which it appears. It will get a signature spherical headlight, teardrop-shaped gasoline tank, and single-piece saddle with a ribbed sample. Indeed, at a look, it may be straightforward to mistake it as its barely extra premium cousin, the XSR155. However, beneath the floor, it’s utterly completely different.

From a efficiency perspective, the FZ X is powered by a 149cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine with 12.2 horsepower and 13.3 Nm (9.8 pound-feet) of torque. While it’s down on energy, its easy building means it is properly and actually a workhorse appropriate for India’s less-than-ideal highway circumstances. The FZ X’s underpinnings are equally easy, rolling on non-adjustable suspension, a metal body, and entrance and rear disc brakes. The bike suggestions the scales at 139 kilograms (305.8 kilos) moist, and has a 10-liter gasoline tank capability.

When it involves options, Yamaha has decked it out with the necessities for a succesful city commuter. It will get a USB charging port to energy your units on the go, in addition to fundamental security options consisting of single-channel ABS, a side-stand cutoff swap, and traction management.

2024 Yamaha FZ-X Is A Sporty Retro Commuter Exclusively For India

The Metallic Black colorway of the 2024 Yamaha FZ-X is a extra subdued but elegant choice.

For the 2024 model-year, the retro-inspired commuter is obtainable in two new colorways consisting of Chrome and Metallic Black. The Chrome model stands out because of its in depth use of chrome on the gasoline tank and headlight bezel, in addition to its gold-painted alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the Metallic Black variant is a way more subdued choice, that includes an all-black end from the tank, to the minimalist bodywork, to the 17-inch alloy wheels. Other colours embody Matte Copper, Matte Black, and Dark Matte Blue. In India, pricing for the Yamaha FZ X begins at Rs 136,000, or about $1,634 USD.

Motorsport

This One-Off Toyota Crown Convertible Is Oddly Compelling

As buttoned-up as Toyota could appear, the automaker has no concern being slightly bizarre from time to time. Its newest oddity depends on a design development that many had hoped died with the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet however continues to exist within the type of the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio. Toyota determined to run with it, turning its Crown crossover right into a high-riding, four-door convertible.

The black-and-bronze Crown isn’t the primary crossover to lose its roof, however it’s uncommon to see such a physique fashion with 4 doorways. Toyota designers had a number of hurdles to beat in constructing the one-off convertible, counting on a 3D printer to supply many new parts, which movement seamlessly into the remainder of the bodywork.

The new rear deck elegantly connects the fashionable exterior with the white cabin. The four-door structure retains the drop-top Crown from trying too stubby, preserving the fashionable proportions not like different convertible crossovers. 

The construct required the engineers to weld new elements by hand, and the extra reinforcements made it difficult to assemble. The completed product appears prefer it rolled off the meeting line alongside the remainder of the Crown lineup.

Toyota has constructed convertible variations of the Crown up to now, providing the vehicles for parades and different occasions, and the corporate is already churning out variants of the newest mannequin. It’s already obtainable as a sedan, a wagon, and a standard crossover, and the automaker is curious about bolstering the lineup with extra physique kinds depending on reception.

So, there’s an opportunity the Crown convertible would possibly leap from being a one-off idea automotive to coming into mass manufacturing. However, the Murano solely lasted a couple of mannequin years, and the Land Range Rover Evoque Convertible was only a blip, so the playing cards aren’t stacked in Toyota’s favor. But the idea is an efficient first shot we wouldn’t thoughts seeing on US roads.

News

Place A Bid On This Fresh 2018 Honda NM4

Honda has made fairly a couple of bizarre bikes through the years. From the dorky but ultra-functional NC750X to the oddly cute Cub EZ90 “motocross scooter,” it’s clear that Honda’s a model that’s not afraid of some good outdated experimentation. Such can be the case with the NM4, a wierd cruiser that looks like it’s not precisely certain whether or not it needs to be a bike or a spaceship.

The NM4 was a part of Honda’s catalog from 2014 to 2019, and was created particularly to draw non-motorcyclists into the world of two wheels. I bear in mind very clearly after I first noticed this bike. Quite frankly, I didn’t get it at first, as its styling appeared otherworldly and outlandish – even by right now’s requirements. That stated, it’s comprehensible why the bike was discontinued for the 2020 model-year, because it simply wasn’t raking within the gross sales figures of its different extra standard siblings.

Place A Bid On This Fresh 2018 Honda NM4

The bike acquired numerous criticism exactly due to its odd styling, with some reviews going so far as saying it’s essentially the most hideous bike they’d ever seen. Other reviews had been barely kinder, stating that the bike was “futuristic” and “way ahead of its time.” Back in 2014, RideApart did a review on this bike, and whereas Jesse had loads of praises for it, its small baggage area (Honda used its built-in baggage area as a promoting level) proved to be too small even for city using.

Nevertheless, like many different automotive oddities, the NM4 will certainly pique the curiosity of sure lovers trying to stand out. If you occur to be a type of lovers, now’s your likelihood to put a bid on a reasonably good instance of this bike. Listed on Iconic Motorbike Auctions is that this 2018 Honda NM4 with pretty low miles of simply 7,764. According to the vendor, the bike has up to date upkeep data, all of which had been carried out at a certified Honda seller. It’s additionally price noting that the bike has an prolonged windscreen, Givi high case, and battery tender lead.

For reference, the Honda NM4 is supplied with a 670cc parallel-twin engine, a technology behind the engine discovered within the current NC750X. It sends energy to the rear wheel through a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), making it preferrred for newbie riders or of us searching for a no-frills cruiser with distinctive styling. This specific bike comes with two keys, and even two Bell helmets in measurement giant. There’s additionally a Sena X-10 communicator with a digicam on one among these lids, in addition to two bike jackets, a set of using pants, a bike cowl, and a battery charger – a reasonably complete package, when you ask me.

The bike is at present situated in Ridgecrest, California, and comes with a clear title with present registration legitimate till January 2024. Feel free to test the bike out on Iconic Motorbike Auctions’ official web site.


Place A Bid On This Fresh 2018 Honda NM4

5 Photos

News

10 Weirdest Japanese Imports Sold In America

There was a time when the idea of even buying a Japanese car was weird. Americans loved their roomy rides with powerful engines and couldn’t understand why anyone would buy a small underpowered car from another country. Then, in the early 1970s, a global oil crisis hit, and suddenly it seemed reasonable to purchase a cheap, reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle from anywhere, and it just so happened that Japan had the best offerings.

Japanese cars began hitting American shores in the late 1950s but really started taking off in the ’70s thanks to their quality and MPG. There were also some cars like the Datsun 240Z, that weren’t just solid, but also sporty and cool. Nowadays it would seem weird if there weren’t Japanese imports, as they have become as much a part of our culture as the Big Three Detroit automakers.

While Japanese cars are among the greatest sets of wheels to ever roll down American highways, not everything imported from that country was a huge success. Sticking with the weirdness theme, there have been some utterly bizarre imports from Japan that completely flopped, while offending most of the five senses. With odd styling cues and unwanted features there have been some seriously weird Japanese imports sold in America.

Orange 1969 Datsun Fairlady
Mecum

Related

10 Japanese Imports That Aren’t Hondas Or Toyota’s, Ranked By Power Output

While Toyota and Honda were both responsible for some truly sensational import cars over the decades, Japanese automakers had so much more to offer

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Automobile Catalog, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend. We’ve done our best to rank vehicles based on a sliding aesthetics scale from weird to weirdest.

10 Mazda REPU

Rotary Failure

1977 Mazda REPU
Bring a Trailer

From a styling standpoint, the Mazda Rotary Engine Pick-up (REPU) isn’t the wierdest thing ever made. It’s not the greatest-looking truck in existence, but it’s perfectly serviceable as a compact pickup and isn’t likely to cause retching. The name ain’t great and what it stands for, specifically the rotary engine, is why it lands on the list of weird Japanese imports.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.3-liter rotary engine

Transmission

Four-speed manual

Horsepower

110HP

Torque

117 pound-feet

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

11.0 seconds

Top Speed

135 mph

Towing Capacity

1,800 lbs

Payload Capacity

1,400 lbs

(Data was collected from Road & Track)

The first pickup with a Wankle Rotary Engine is also the only one because it wasn’t a spectacular fit. The idea of a rotary motor is cool, but in practical terms, they use way more gas than a traditional cylinder engine and tend to blast un-ignited fuel out of the tailpipe. Sold only in North America from 1974 to 1977, the Mazda REPU was a failure, selling just 14,366 units, mostly in the first year.

  • 632 Mazda REPUs sold in 1976
  • The Mazda REPU was discontinued in 1977

9 Subaru 360

No Style, No Substance

Red Subaru 360
Bring a Trailer

The Subaru 360 probably doesn’t even qualify as a passenger vehicle and that’s not just mean-spirited trash-talk. Weighing under 1,000 pounds, it was not subject to U.S. highway safety regulations, the same as golf carts and mopeds. Also, with a two-stroke engine it was powered (underpowered) by essentially a chainsaw motor.

Performance Specifications

Engine

356cc two-stroke inline two-cylinder

Transmission

Four-speed manual

Horsepower

25HP

Torque

25 pound-feet

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

37.0 seconds

Top Speed

60 mph

(Data was collected from Conceptcarz)

The 360 was imported by oddball businessman, Malcolm Bricklin, who also brought the equally awful Yugo to America. While the Subaru import would have been fine on the links, its complete lack of size and safety features made it a deathtrap on the roads. It also had the disadvantage of being an eyesore on four tiny wheels.

8 Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak

Draggin’ Too Much Wagon

Red Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak
Tx3/Wikimedia Commons

There was nothing inherently wrong with the styling of the Nissan Pulsar NX that was imported to the U.S. starting in 1987. It was a wedge-shaped sporty coupe that fit in with cars of the 1980s, but for some reason, Nissan made it with a removable hatchback. Again, this isn’t the odd part, but then they offered it with a drop-on station wagon canopy, known as the Sportbak.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.6-liter I-4

Transmission

Four-speed automatic

Horsepower

118HP

Torque

99 pound-feet

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

10.0 seconds

Top Speed

125 mph

(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)

Not only was that some poor spelling, but it was also a completely horrendous design. The Pulsar NX Sportbak is a regular on every list of ugliest cars, and it’s not one of those things that were ahead of its time and have since become appreciated. It was strange-looking three decades ago, and it hasn’t matured with age. It was replaced in 1991 by the Nissan NX, sans the weird back end.

  • The Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak had a removable T-top roof
  • Despite being a Japanese import, the Pulsar NX Sportbak was designed in the U.S.

Black 1997 Lexus LS 400
Bring A Trailer

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10 Most Significant Japanese Luxury Cars

From old-school stately limos to the tech-laden cars of today, here are some of the most noteworthy JDM luxury models of all time

7 Suzuki X-90

Too Little, Too Late

1997 Suzuki X-90
Via Bring a Trailer

Suzuki has been selling killer motorcycles in the U.S. since the early 1960s, and their foray into passenger vehicles with the Samurai was the cult hit of the 1980s. Not everything the Japanese company has tried to sell in North America, however, has been a hit. To follow up on the Samurai, they came out with the X-90, which is such a weird vehicle, that it defies classification.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.6-liter four-cylinder

Transmission

Four-speed automatic

Horsepower

95HP

Torque

98 pound-feet

Driveline

Four-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

13.3 seconds

Top Speed

94 mph

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

The X-90 isn’t a compact SUV, nor is it a subcompact car, but it does have elements of both, just not in a visually pleasing way. It also only had two seats, but it definitely wasn’t a sports car. The few people who actually bought one of these atrocities probably got sick of people shouting “What the hell is that?” at them, but because of the tragically underpowered engine, couldn’t drive away from the laughter fast enough.

  • 7,205 people actually bought a Suzuki X-90 between 1995-1997
  • MotorTrend named the Suzuki X-90 the #1 worst car of the 1990s

6 Subaru SVX

Window of Missed Opportunity

Side shot of the 1991 Subaru SVX
Subaru

The Subaru SVX, introduced to the U.S. for the 1992 model year, isn’t the oddest thing ever made, but it also isn’t the snappiest-looking import. It was Subaru’s attempt to enter the luxury car market, and it came with a price tag that was over ten grand more expensive than anything the company had ever made. Price, however, was not the issue with this flop, the windows were.

Performance Specifications

Engine

3.3-liter H-6

Transmission

Four-speed automatic

Horsepower

230HP

Torque

224 pound-feet

Driveline

All-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

7.3 seconds

Top Speed

143 mph

(Data was collected from MotorTrend)

Explained as a “window-within-a-window configuration”, only a portion of the side windows could actually roll down. For some reason, they made the side windows too big to fit inside the door, so they segmented them, never thinking that people may actually want to roll the whole thing down. It also didn’t help that SVX kind of looks like “SUX,” which added to the car sales underperforming.

  • Subaru planned on selling 10,000 SVX cars a year in North America
  • Subaru sold 5,280 in 1992 and sales dropped to 640 in its final year

5 Toyota Previa

Driving on Eggshells

Blue Toyota Estima Lucida
Vauxford/Wikimedia Commons

Toyota doesn’t make many mistakes, but the Previa minivan sticks out as a glaring error. Designers never even bothered to find out if people wanted to drive an egg-shaped van before unleashing it in the United States in 1991. They found out the hard way that not too many people want to sit in something that hens sit on, and it failed to steal any significant market share away from the successful Chrysler minivans.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.4-liter I-4

Transmission

Four-speed automatic

Horsepower

138HP

Torque

154 pound-feet

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

12.2 seconds

Top Speed

106 mph

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

The Previa had other issues besides the unappealing styling that helped sink it. It was much more expensive than the Dodge Caravan, the Chrysler Town and Country, and Plymouth Voyager, plus it didn’t offer a V-6 option. In fact, the Previa’s wimpy I-4 was the weirdest thing about the import, because it was mounted under the front seats and could only be accessed by removing the driver’s seat.

  • The Toyota Previa was sold in the U.S. from 1991-1997
  • The Previa was replaced by the less-weird Toyota Sienna

4 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Dorky Incarnate

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
IFCAR/Wikimedia Commons

Automakers like to give their cars made-up European-sounding names to give them a sense of class and performance. The Subaru Impreza sounds impressively Italian and the Buick LeSaber conjures up images of a mighty sword cutting through the wind. Then, there’s the Nissan Murano, which comes across like a Latin moron.

Performance Specifications

Engine

3.5-liter V-6

Transmission

CRT automatic

Horsepower

265HP

Torque

248 pound-feet

Driveline

All-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

7.7 seconds

Top Speed

134 mph

(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)

Then again, it may be the most apt name for a vehicle, because one would have to be a dope to buy a Nissan CrossCabriolet. Although looks are subjective, the Murano has never been a particularly attractive crossover SUV, but as a convertible, it was one of the dorkiest cars ever conceived. Nissan tried to bury the CrossCabriolet production numbers within the total Murano sales figures, but GetJerry.com untangled them and found that only 5,769 units were sold in three years.

  • Murano is an island off of Venice, Italy
  • In Italian, Murano means to wall up or embed within a wall

3 Honda Element

Crossover To Wierdness

Side view Honda Element
phototram/Wikimedia Commons

With the exception of the NSX or the S200, Hondas have always been kind of plain, and unassuming vehicles. They are probably the best-made rides ever produced, but for the most part, they are not terribly exciting. They also have never been downright wierd until 2003 with the release of the hump-backed Element crossover SUV.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.4-liter I-4

Transmission

Four-speed automatic

Horsepower

160HP

Torque

161 pound-feet

Driveline

Front-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

8.4 seconds

Top Speed

114 mph

Towing Capacity

Trucks And SUVs Only!

Payload Capacity

Trucks And SUVs Only!

(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)

Even calling the Element an SUV seems wrong because it was sort of a mutant minivan with a bulbous roof. Adding to the overall unattractiveness of the vehicle were the plastic body panels and accents. Amazingly, 325,000 Elements were sold in the U.S. over 9 years of production, proving that not everyone has a sense of style.

  • Honda promoted the Element with a crab named Gil, who liked to pinch
  • The Element also came out with a dog-friendly trim in 2009

2 Scion xB

Boxing Match TKO

Burgundy Scion xB
Yayooo/Wikimedia Commons

A 1949 Ford, a 1957 Chrysler, and a 1957 Chevy are considered “Shoebox” cars, but despite the slightly negative-sounding name, they were hot rides. In 2003, Toyota’s low-rent division, Scion, decided to build a literal shoebox car in the XB, and it was anything but sizzling.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.5-liter I-4

Transmission

Four-speed automatic

Horsepower

108HP

Torque

105 pound-feet

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

11.2 seconds

Top Speed

106 mph

(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)

The only thing the xB had going for it was that it had a slightly better name than the Toyota Yaris on which it was based. The second generation xBs, launched in 2997, attempted to smooth out the sharp edges, but didn’t address the vehicle’s problem with unrepressed boxiness. As bizzare as this car was, it actually did quite well and lasted for 14 model years. Again, not everyone cares how dorky their ride looks.

  • Toyota pulled the plug of Scion in 2016
  • The “xB” name is meaningless, other than Scion marketing thought it would resonate with young people

A shot depicting a Mazda RX-7, Nissan GT-R, and Subaru WRX parked
Erik Mclean

via Unsplash

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1 Nissan Cube

More Puzzling Than A Rubric’s Cube

Silver Nissan Cube
TTTNIS/Wikimedia Commons

Anything squared is doubled and anything cubed is tripled. In 1998, Nissan took the odd factor three-fold with the Cube subcompact whatchamacallit. Mercifully, this hideous vehicle stayed out of the North American market for a while, but in 2009, Nissan brought it to the U.S. In a seemingly impossible feat, designers made it even wierd for the American version.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.5-liter I-4

Transmission

Five-speed manual

Horsepower

158HP

Torque

162 pound-feet

Driveline

Front-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

8.4 seconds

Top Speed

123 mph

(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)

With a window that wrapped around from the driver’s side to the back, the Cube looked like a ride from a bad 1970s dystopian future movie. Despite positively dismal sales numbers, the Cube continued to be sold in the U.S. for nearly a decade. With a boxy design, weird styling, and unnerving general appearance, the Nissan Cube earns the top spot on the weirdest Japanese vehicles to ever be imported to the United States list.

  • Nissan scored three spots on this weirdest Japanese imports list
  • Nissan continued to make the Cube for the Japanese market until 2019
NewsNew

BETA XTRAINER 300 TWO-STROKE: FULL TEST

The Beta Xtrainer is a unique and unconventional bike that is hard to comprehend until you have ridden it. Unlike other 300cc two-stroke bikes, the Xtrainer is built for a different type of rider and a different style of riding. Despite its lower price point compared to other models, it still features high-quality components such as a Brembo hydraulic clutch and Nissin brakes. Manufactured in Italy, the Xtrainer offers a distinctive riding experience for those looking for something outside of the mainstream.



The Beta Xtrainer sells for $8299.

A SQUARE PEG
The market for 300cc two-stroke bikes is crowded with options, especially from European manufacturers. Beta alone offers four different models, including the motocross version (300RX), the standard off-road version (300RR), an off-road Race Edition, and the Xtrainer. While some may consider the Xtrainer an entry-level bike, it offers excellent performance and features that make it stand out. Its torque and low-rpm throttle response surpasses that of typical 300 two-stroke bikes. Additionally, it has a compact design and a low seat height, making it easier to ride in tight and technical terrain. Unlike other Beta two-stroke bikes, its power delivery is more trials-like due to different exhaust-pipe dimensions. Notably, the Xtrainer was the first bike in the modern era to feature oil injection, eliminating the need for manually mixing gas and oil.

FINDING YOUR HAPPY PLACE
The Beta Xtrainer is not meant for motocross tracks or aggressive riding. Its power delivery and suspension are better suited for slow, tight trails. The bike performs exceptionally well at low rpm with excellent throttle response. It is equipped with two power maps that offer different levels of revs, both delivering a trials-like power delivery. The Xtrainer’s low seat height and compact design make it agile in technical terrain. Despite its specialized capabilities, it remains comfortable for average-sized riders with a well-balanced stand-over height. Weighing only 226 pounds without fuel, the Xtrainer feels even lighter than its weight suggests, further enhancing its maneuverability in challenging trails.

A mainstream 300 two-stroke is also capable in similar terrain, but the Xtrainer takes it a step further. It doesn’t bog down at low rpm and never overheats. The Xtrainer even includes a radiator fan, indicating its attention to quality. It does, however, feature some cost-cutting measures such as suspension components from Olle and Korean-made Shinko tires. Handguards are not included as well.

THE REAL CHALLENGE
The biggest challenge with the Xtrainer is finding compatible riding partners. It can’t keep up with trials bikes on long trail rides, and it struggles in aggressive and high-speed riding situations. Additionally, it is not well-suited for tackling whoops or hillclimbing. A possible solution would be to have two Xtrainers sold as a set. While the Xtrainer may seem like a versatile bike for riders of all levels, it truly excels in a specific type of terrain. It awaits the company of other Xtrainers to fully unleash its potential.

Motorsport

Ferrari Hypercar Spotted With Microphones Next To Exhaust Tips

[UPDATE] A new spy video has been attached at the top of the page.

It seems that Ferrari fans are in for some surprises in the future. The new prototype of Ferrari’s upcoming hypercar was recently spotted in Italy. The car features high-voltage stickers, suggesting that it is most likely a plug-in hybrid. This raises speculation about the possibility of a smaller combustion engine accompanying the hybrid setup, as is often the case with plug-in hybrids.

One interesting feature of this prototype is its rear design. The two exhaust tips are accompanied by microphones. These microphones are positioned in the bumper, just below the provisional taillights, which seem to be borrowed from the SF90 Stradale. It is believed that these microphones are used to measure the car’s decibel levels, as road-going cars must not exceed certain noise thresholds. Additionally, Ferrari may be fine-tuning the sound of the combustion engine, possibly drawing inspiration from the 499P Le Mans endurance race car, which features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter unit derived from the 296 GTB and 296 GT3.


Technology

How To Turn Your iPhone’s Keyboard Into A Trackpad

Trackpad mode of iPhone's keyboard with an arrow next to it Shikhar/SlashGear

It might sound weird at first, but, if you want to, you can turn your iPhone’s keyboard into a trackpad. When typing on our iPhones, we often struggle to place the cursor correctly, end up highlighting wrong words, or unintentionally deleting letters. This can be particularly frustrating, especially when there is a lot of text on the screen. Many users face this common problem.

Fortunately, Apple has a hidden feature in its iPhones that solves this problem. This feature allows users to precisely navigate and edit text on the screen.

To turn your iPhone’s keyboard into a trackpad, you don’t need to download a third-party app or go through complicated menus in the Settings app.

Enable the trackpad mode on your iPhone

You can turn your iPhone’s keyboard into a trackpad by touching and holding the spacebar. This trackpad mode helps you accurately place the insertion point, similar to the trackpad on a MacBook.

  1. While typing or editing text, press and hold the space key at the bottom of the iOS keyboard with your thumb until all the keys fade away.
  2. Drag your thumb around to move the cursor on the screen. The entire keyboard acts as a trackpad, but the keys will reappear once you lift your thumb.
  3. Dragging your thumb quickly covers more distance on the screen, which is helpful when navigating through a large text file.
  4. Moving your thumb slowly provides higher precision in placing the cursor.
  5. You can also enter trackpad mode, use another finger to select text, and then use the trackpad to adjust the selection.

You can use this hidden trackpad mode while writing messages on WhatsApp, summarizing lectures on the Notes app, or drafting emails on Gmail or Apple Mail. The feature also works on iPads.

News

New Venom X22 GT: A Combination of a Sportbike and a Scooter

In China, motorcycle manufacturers often experiment with unique designs, resulting in an abundance of unconventional bikes. While most of these motorcycles remain within China, some manage to make their way to other countries. One such example is the Venom X22 GT from the Chinese brand Jonway.

Jonway has previously gained attention for its cruiser motorcycles that imitate the style of Harley-Davidson and Indian. The brand also offers electric urban mobility devices. Therefore, the Venom X22 GT, which appears to be a mix of a sportbike and a scooter, is somewhat unexpected from the company.

The front half of the Venom X22 GT resembles a sportbike, with its slim bodywork and standard telescopic suspension. However, as you move to the rear, the bike becomes more intriguing. The engine is visible through the rear end of the fairings, integrated into the swingarm. Additionally, the bike features two rear shock absorbers, which deviates from its sporty design.

Under the hood, the Jonway Venom X22 GT is powered by a 223cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. With a maximum power output of 15 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 17.6 Newton-meters (12.32 pound-feet) of torque at 5,500 rpm, this bike may not keep up with larger motorcycles. Interestingly, it also utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT), typically found in scooters, rather than a manual gearbox.

The target audience for the Venom X22 GT is somewhat unclear. It could serve as a beginner-friendly motorcycle for those learning to ride, as it lacks a manual transmission. Additionally, it is a sporty-looking option for riders who prefer not to shift gears. However, a manual transmission has traditionally been desirable in a sportbike. The Venom X22 GT is available in the United States through Venom Motorsports, with a price tag of $3,299 USD, making it one of the more affordable two-wheelers on the market.