Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Toyota RAV4: Which Is Better?
The RAV4 is one of Toyota’s best-selling SUVs, but the all-new Corolla Cross is a worthy challenger.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Pricing
- Performance
- Fuel efficiency
- Technology
- Reliability
- Interior
- The final word
- How to find cheap car insurance for a Toyota
- FAQs
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The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is a best-selling SUV, and for good reason. But the all-new Corolla cross is definitely a worthwhile competitor, especially for price-conscious purchasers.
You’re probably familiar with the Toyota RAV4—a practical, handsomely styled, long-lasting, and affordable subcompact SUV that’s dominated the market for years and years. But have you seen Toyota’s all-new mini SUV, the Corolla Cross?
Launched for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross exists between the smaller C-HR and larger RAV4. But, despite its slight distance in size, this hyper-affordable vehicle is definitely giving the RAV4 a run for its money.
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.Pricing
The Toyota RAV4 is quite affordable, especially if you opt for a more basic trim level. However, the Corolla Cross has an absolutely unbeatable price tag when it comes to SUVs. You’ll be able to opt for a top-tier trim level and still spend less than what you would on a RAV4.
Take a look at the pricing information for all trims of each model:
Model | MSRP | Model | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross L | $23,780 | 2022 Toyota RAV4 LE | $28,310 |
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross LE | $26,130 | 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE | $29,780 |
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE | $27,190 | 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium | $32,670 |
--------- | ----------- | 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure | $34,565 |
--------- | ----------- | 2022 Toyota RAV4 Limited | $36,810 |
--------- | ----------- | 2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road | $38,250 |
If you’re looking to keep your purchase price as low as possible, the Corolla Cross is an obvious choice. You can opt for the highest trim level and still spend over $1,000 less than what it would cost you to buy even the most basic RAV4.
But the purchase price isn’t the only cost of ownership. To get a better idea of what your vehicle will actually cost you in the long run, you need to consider the cost of ownership over a longer period of time.
According to Edmunds, ownership costs for the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross add up to an estimated $32,079 over a five-year period. Here’s what that includes:
- Taxes and fees: $2,340
- Financing: $2,615
- Fuel: $9,934
- Repairs: $618
- Maintenance: $3,626
- Depreciation: $8,469
On the other hand, the RAV4 has an estimated five-year ownership cost of $38,279—several thousand dollars more than its slightly smaller competitor. Shockingly, however, this increase in cost has nothing to do with insurance. With an estimated price of $4,321 for five years of coverage, the
Toyota RAV4 insurance cost
is a bit cheaper. MORE: Toyota AWD cars
Performance
If your driving experience is more important to you than the monetary bottom line, then you’ll want to stick with the RAV4. Its 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, making it feel considerably quicker than the Corolla Cross.
Admittedly, neither vehicle has an extremely impressive engine. In fact, both are incredibly noisy and are paired with coarse transmissions. The drivetrains certainly get the job done—but they’re unrefined and poky overall.
The Corolla Cross’ 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine puts out 169 horsepower and 150 pound-ft of torque—which aren’t bad numbers for a mini SUV—but certainly aren’t allowing the vehicle to rank anywhere near the top of its segment.
Keep in mind that the 2022 RAV4 is also available as a Hybrid model. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's assisted by two electric motors for a combined output of 219 horsepower. It’s much quicker than its gas-powered counterparts (reaching 60 mph in 7.4 seconds as opposed to a lethargic 8.0 seconds) and feels considerably more solid on the road.
MORE:What’s the difference between horsepower and torque?
Fuel efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid obviously ranks supreme. However, if you’re only comparing the gas-powered RAV4 and Corolla Cross models, you’ll find they perform relatively evenly in terms of fuel economy.
The table below shows how EPA ratings for each model and powertrain configuration compare.
Model | Engine | Fuel economy (city/hwy) |
|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross FWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 31/33 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 29/32 mpg |
2022 Toyota RAV4 FWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 27/35 mpg |
2022 Toyota RAV4 AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 27/34 mpg |
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 41/38 mpg |
Overall, the Corolla Cross seems to perform slightly better in the city, while the RAV4 gets an extra mile per gallon or two on the highway.
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Technology
When it comes to infotainment and safety technology, the Corolla Cross and RAV4 offer nearly identical setups.
Both infotainment systems are no-nonsense and intuitive. They can also be controlled via a 7.0-inch display.
An upgraded 8.0-inch display is available on both models if you opt for a higher trim. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio will all be standard regardless of which SUV you choose. A JBL premium audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad for a smartphone are optional.
Safety features are neck-and-neck, as well. In general, Toyota has adopted the practice of standardizing driver assistance features. Therefore the Corolla Cross and RAV4 are both equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard equipment across the line.
This includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, Road Sign Assist, and a lane departure system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert (with braking) are available on higher trims of both SUVs.
MORE: 6 cruise control safety tips you should never ignore
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, the RAV4 has a proven track record of positive performance. However, experts are optimistic about the Corolla Cross.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 received a 4.0 out of 5.0 from Repair Pal, which ranks it 3rd out of 26 compact SUVs. Annual repair costs are estimated at just $429, thanks to the fact that repairs on a RAV4 tend to be far less frequent and less severe than on other cars on the road.
Because the Corolla Cross is so new, less is known about its long-term reliability. However, trustworthy reviewers like Consumer Reports estimate that the Corolla Cross will perform above average, considering the positive reputation of Toyota, as well as the vehicle’s similarities to the very reliable Corolla hatchback.
Interior
The RAV4 is clearly the bigger vehicle and uses its space wisely so that you can haul more cargo and seat passengers more comfortably.
Take a look at the exact specs for the two vehicles:
Measurement | Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
Cargo volume | 25.5 cubic feet | 37.5 cubic feet |
Headroom (front seats) | 38.6 inches | 37.7 inches |
Legroom (front seats) | 42.9 inches | 41 inches |
Headroom (rear seats) 39.0 inches | 39.5 inches | |
Legroom (rear seats) | 32.0 inches | 37.8 inches |
To be clear, the Corolla Cross still offers a decent amount of space—but the added rear legroom and cargo space in the RAV4 are undeniable.
MORE: How to protect, clean, and organize your car trunk
The final word
The RAV4 only slightly outperforms the Corolla Cross in a few categories, but the Corolla Cross is significantly cheaper, making it a wonderful option if you have a particularly tight budget.
That doesn’t mean we’d automatically suggest the Corolla Cross over the RAV4 if you have a bit of financial wiggle room, however. It’s the bigger—and ultimately more comfortable—vehicle, with a faster engine, and way more trim levels to choose from. Plus, with so many years of on-road experience, the RAV4’s reliability ratings are tried and true.
How to find cheap car insurance for a Toyota
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FAQs
Is a Toyota Corolla Cross bigger than a Toyota RAV4?
No—the Toyota Corolla Cross is considered a “mini SUV,” while the RAV4 is part of the subcompact SUV class. The RAV4 boasts an extra 5.3 inches of length, 1.1 inches of width, and 2.2 inches of height compared to the Corolla Cross.
Which is better on gas, Corolla Cross or RAV4?
The gas-powered Corolla Cross and RAV4 perform similarly in terms of fuel efficiency. The Corolla Cross may get slightly better gas mileage in the city, while the RAV4 squeezes out a few extra miles per gallon on the highway. Keep in mind, however, that the RAV4 is available as a hybrid, which offers considerably more fuel economy.
Is the Toyota RAV4 more expensive than the Toyota Corolla Cross?
Yes—the Toyota RAV4 is a bit more expensive than the Corolla Cross. The least expensive trims for each cost $28,310 and $23,780, respectively.
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