Calling the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross small SUV “unassuming” is an understatement.

You can buy a Corolla Cross and not give it any thought until you sell it, 100,000 miles or down the road, but the little SUV will get something to brag about when a fuel-efficient hybrid joins the lineup in June.

If the hybrid achieves Toyota’s promise of 42 mpg in combined city and highway driving, it’ll have a double-digit lead on EPA estimates for competitors like the gasoline-only Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos.

The Corolla Cross hybrid has 16% more power than its gasoline-powered counterpart, 196 hp from a 2.0L engine powering the front wheels and an electric rear axle. The extra power and 8-second 0-60 mph time are apparent in city traffic and entering highways.

The details of my test drive

What is it? 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid

Which model did I drive?  Corolla Cross XSE hybrid

What’s new? A hybrid system with an electric rear axle boosts power and fuel economy

I wish: It stood out a little.

How much? $27,970  to $31,065, excluding $1,335 destination charge.

When can you buy it? Arrives in dealerships in June.

2023 Corolla Cross hybrid trim levels and prices

• S: $27,970

• SE: $29,290

• XSE: $31,065

Prices exclude $1,335 destination charge

Best features

Available features include an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Toyota’s connected infotainment system, which enables over the air updates, cloud-based navigation and Google points of interest. Single- or dual-zone climate control and a sun roof. The 4G modem can connect to five devices for streaming content.

Standard safety and driver assist features include:

• Collision alert and braking

• Pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle detection

• Blind spot and cross traffic alerts

• Lane departure alert and assist

• Adaptive cruise control

• Automatic high beams

• Lane centering

• Hill start assist

The interior is roomy and comfortable. SE and XSE hybrids will be available in seven colors and four two-tone combinations:

• Sonic Silver/Black Roof

• Barcelona Red/Black Roof

• Blue Crush Metallic/Black Roof

• Acidic Blast/Black Roof

Hybrid badges are the only other visual difference from the gasoline Cross.

Toyota expects to sell 14,000 hybrids this year and 34,000 in 2024.

Why Toyota will sell so many

Like the compact sedan it shares a name with, the Corolla Cross promises to be a quiet success, thanks to the automaker’s sterling reputation: Toyotas last forever, start every day; their hybrids reduce emissions and fuel costs without drawing attention or requiring extra planning for long trips like electric vehicles do.

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross SUV adds power, cuts emissions