The Toyota Corolla has been around since 1966 and first came to America two years later. By 1974 it had become the world's best-selling car and remains so to this day. And now the Japanese automaker is expanding the Corolla family like it's never done before.

Introducing the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, a subcompact crossover unveiled for overseas markets last July that's now coming to the US. The Corolla Cross rides on the same TNGA-C platform as its sedan and hatchback siblings and also shares the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque and routes power to either the front or all four wheels through a CVT. Unlike the sedan and hatch, it doesn't appear a six-speed manual option is available.

The optional AWD is coupled with a torque control system that directs up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels when deemed necessary and will disengage when it's not to help conserve fuel. Toyota estimates AWD versions will return 30 mpg combined while FWD models up that by 2 mpg. The latter also gets a new torsion beam system in the rear. Impressively, every Corolla Cross can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Three trims will be offered: L, LE, and XLE, all sharing the same powertrain. The exterior design is nothing offensive and that's exactly the goal. It does the job and looks fairly stylish at the same time.

A few notable design cues include a black grille with LED lighting at both sides and body-color accents. Out back you'll find an integrated spoiler and LED taillights. A set of 17-inch steel wheels come standard while the XLE receives 18-inch alloys.

Aside from the raised ride height, the interior layout looks very similar to that of the sedan and hatch. Some optional features include a power moonroof, single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, SofTex-trimmed seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The 60/40-split folding rear seats are standard and the XLE gets a center armrest with a pair of cupholders. Rear cargo access is made easier with the optional power liftgate.

A 7-inch information display screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are some additional standard kit. An 8-inch display is optional and wireless charging is standard on LE and XLE trims, as are two rear seat USB charging ports and a nine-speaker audio system.

All three trims come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety systems, though blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert only come standard on the higher two trims. Automatic braking is only standard on the XLE. Details such as pricing or an on-sale date haven't been announced but we expect the 2022 Corolla Cross to begin at around the $20,000 mark, just like the sedan and hatch.