If you’ve been my passenger, you’ve probably stayed on high alert or got impatient. I barely find the sweet spot; the balance between slow and fast.

I’ve always been dubbed a speedster and an overtaker. Perhaps, being young, wild, and free made me look like I was driving a getaway car most of the time.

Even on the busiest city roads, I’m one to throw a fit inside a car whenever motorists abruptly cut me off or exhibit a blatant disrespect for road rules.

However, having the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV allowed me to change my and other people’s perceptions of me.

Suit up so you’d look like a reliable guy

The Corolla Cross HEV didn’t give a tough impression. Its facade looks more like a trustworthy vehicle that you can rely on. Think: Meeting a person with green flags. It didn’t make my heart race but gave me a soothing feel. Yes, this feels nice.

When you’re accustomed to red flags, you’re unsure how to approach someone or something that looks calm and collected.

The same goes when I saw and drove the Corolla Cross HEV. It was the first hybrid crossover in Toyota’s lineup in the Philippine market and has a reputation that we all know of.

Just one look and you know it’s a killer. The double trapezoid front grille exudes a wide appearance, like a man’s broad shoulders that you’d want to cry on.

Its side and back profile emanate a sophisticated air. Having the Corolla Cross HEV meant needing to step up my game. I thought to myself, “I need to look sleek, reliable, and worthy of driving this hybrid vehicle.”

So, yes, we did play dress-up while driving between the business districts of Metro Manila.

Everything within reach

On days when we don’t have a choice but to brave a horrible traffic jam, having creature comforts inside your vehicle would be a great relief.

Luckily, the Corolla Cross HEV comes with cozy features for both the driver and its passengers. On the driver’s seat, it was easy to tailor my seat to my preference through its 8-way power adjust driver’s seat.

Most features and controls are also accessible with just a single press. For instance, Smart Entry, Push Start System, Power Adjust for side mirrors and power windows, Speed-sensing Door Locks, and even Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers.

The steering wheel also has quick controls that adjust Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features. For instance, when reversing, you can watch what’s on your rear through the camera installed, which is previewed through the 7-inch multi-information display.

Other than that, you also get to connect your smartphone to navigate Maps or play your favorite tunes. It’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so pick your poison.

If you struggle with Bluetooth connectivity, there’s a USB-A port that allows you to connect your smartphone to the vehicle. It will simultaneously charge and connect the device to the multi-information display.

Sadly, I’ve been using USB-C to USB-C cables or Lightning-to-USB-C for most of my devices. I just used my power bank to recharge my device and rely on Bluetooth connectivity so I can play the whole folklore album while driving in the rain.

What do the passengers say?

With my all-black get-up inspired by Taylor Swift’s reputation era, I looked like a high-end chauffeur. I picked up and drove my friends Rodneil, Vikka, and Nicole when we attended an event at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower.

It’s an elegant, art deco restaurant serving grilled meat, seafood, pasta, and curries.

Playing dress up paid off since our outfits matched the sophisticated vibe of the hybrid vehicle. Moreover, they had a good time as my passenger.

The cabin is wide and spacious and there’s ample legroom for the backseat — my friends found it cozy to sit and share their stories. Funny enough, they all know I’m a bad driver with a penchant for being a little bit reckless and aggressive. Still, they found the whole ride to be quiet and comfortable.

They can feel how the electric motors make no to little noise while running, and how powerful the vehicle is to have a smooth acceleration even when I step on the pedals hard.

With an optimized front and rear suspension, my passengers didn’t find themselves rolling inside whenever I sped up and drove in curves.

While I have yet to prove that I’m a driver who prioritizes safety and security, the Corolla Cross HEV showed me that it has my back.

Peace of mind when going out for a drive…

Every trip with the Corolla Cross HEV gave me control of how my adventure should look like. I had the option to choose between three available driving modes: Eco, Power, and EV. Of course, I chose EV.

We’re here to consume less fuel so that there are fewer CO2 emissions. I already contribute enough CO2 emissions when flying, so let’s try to lessen it when driving. We’re not going to follow in the footsteps of our mother dearest Taylor Swift, also the patron saint of carbon emissions.

The blue Toyota logo indicates a hybrid vehicle.

I like how a hybrid vehicle doesn’t fully rely on charging stations to power it up. Every step on the brake recharges the vehicle.

Through the information display, you’ll be able to see if the vehicle switches between battery and gas. Having that hybrid system allowed it to be fuel-efficient.

In three consecutive days of driving back and forth from East to South and back, I didn’t have to worry about running out of fuel.

And more peace of mind

The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV is equipped with 7 SRS airbags, an anti-lock brake system (which is incredibly helpful for a forgetful person like yours truly), two front and four rear clearance sonars, a reverse camera, and more safety features across all variants.

I also got a glimpse of its active safety features which fall under Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). The Pre-Collision System (PCS) was always in play as I entered Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati since a lot of motorcycle riders cut me off just when I stepped on the gas pedal.

The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) were also helpful when I was driving on highways since I’m still struggling with navigating major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. It helps me stay on my lane when needed and assists me in changing my lanes gracefully whenever I need to exit.

The Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RTA), though helpful, can get a bit annoying when driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Its system detects vehicles approaching from the rear and continuously alerts me through visual and audio signals.

I had to put it on mute every time it alerted me, especially when I knew I was in the middle of a traffic jam. Nevertheless, I welcome the advanced safety features. It’s added security for both new and seasoned drivers — something you’d appreciate if you come across certain incidents on the road that could be prevented.

Made to make you look reliable

The way we present ourselves gives an impression of what kind of person we are. Driving the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, with its reliable and trustworthy look, made me look like a reliable driver for once.

Even my passengers felt how the hybrid vehicle tamed me down from doing a wild ride. I honestly would prefer to be a bit more daring, but it feels nice to give peace of mind to the people you love.

The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV makes for a great daily driver, especially when braving Manila traffic. It’s got everything you’d expect that would suit you and your personality. An elegant interior, a sophisticated exterior, an exceptional riding experience, and an environment-friendly and fuel-efficient technology that would make for a quiet, comfortable drive.

For more information about the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, visit its page and follow Toyota PH.