Corolla Cross vs RAV4: A Comprehensive Comparison ( 2024 Update)

Toyota is well-known all over the globe for producing durable and dependable automobiles, especially sport utility vehicles. The Corolla Cross vs rav4 are two of their SUVs that have had a major impact on the global auto industry. To help you choose an SUV that will turn heads, we have compared the Toyota corolla cross vs rav4 in great detail on our blog. So, without further ado, let us take to the streets in style!

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Toyota Corolla Cross vs Toyota RAV4

Corolla Cross lacks some notable features, such as an available plug-in powertrain and a more spacious interior, when compared to Rav4. The maximum passenger volume of the Corolla Cross is 88.4 cubic feet, which is 12.9 cubic feet less than that of the rav4. However, it also has a much smaller cargo space than the Rav4, with a maximum capacity of only 25.5 cubic feet, which is 12.0 cubic feet less than the Rav4. Also, while the Corolla Cross comes in six trims, the Rav4 has 15 trims, giving customers more choices.  

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Difference of Corolla Cross VS RAV4 

There are some key differences to keep in mind between the two SUVs, but either is a good option if you are in the market for a new powertrain or an upgrade in performance. The Toyota RAV4 features three different engines, each of which can be had with a continuously variable transmission. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds with the standard 2.5-liter inline-four engine, which generates 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

On the other hand, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains generate 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque and 302 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque, respectively. The hybrid powertrain can tow up to 2500 pounds, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain can tow up to 1750 pounds. The RAV4 is offered in either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.

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After its initial release, Toyota included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Corolla Cross that produced 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque thanks to its naturally aspirated design. However, Toyota has recently released a hybrid powertrain option for the SUV, increasing output to 196 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque. Toyota claims that the Corolla Cross, with either available engine, can tow up to 1500 pounds. Just like the RAV4, the Corolla Cross can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. While the all-wheel drive on both SUVs will appeal to adventurers, the RAV4 is superior in terms of off-road capability.

The RAV4 Adventure and TRD models are specifically tailored for off-roading, and their increased ground clearance makes them a natural on rough terrain. In contrast to the RAV4, the Corolla Cross can switch to FWD to prioritize fuel economy, depending on the driving conditions.

Interior & Exterior

The Corolla Cross is radically different from the standard Corolla hatchback and sedan. However, if I squint at the Corolla Cross's back end, I can trick myself into thinking that its taillights are identical to those of the Corolla sedan. 

The Corolla Cross's exterior design has always left me feeling a little underwhelmed. Even though it was introduced to the public for the first time in 2021, the design of this new SUV already looks dated. However, the interior is remarkably similar to that of a standard Corolla. The Corolla Cross's dashboard, wheel, and center console are nearly indistinguishable from those of the sedan and hatchback.

This cabin is not as luxurious as some of the competition. All Toyotas have high quality materials that feel beautifully put together, but even the $50,000 top-of-the-line Atmos does not look particularly luxurious or unique inside. Moreover, the mechanical foundations are where the Corolla and the Corolla Cross really meet; the SUV and the car versions share the same platform. The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV measuring 4460 millimeters in length, putting it neatly in the Toyota lineup between the shorter C-HR (4395 mm) and the longer RAV4 (4615 mm) in terms of overall size.

The RAV4's chunky, Jeep-like design has undoubtedly helped it shed the cutesy soft roader reputation of previous generations and appeal to a wide range of customers. Toyota's advanced hybrid specification may be responsible for the car's universal appeal, but it certainly does not hurt. Its skyrocketing commercial success is proof of that. 

Engine Details Corolla Cross vs rav4

If you are looking for brisk acceleration off the line in your Corolla Cross, the base four-cylinder engine might not be the best option. The four-cylinder engine in the RAV4 Hybrid, when paired with the continuously variable transmission, can also cause an annoying engine drone under hard acceleration. Moreover, the performance and handling of both models, however, are particularly noteworthy. If you are trying to decide between a Toyota Corolla Cross and a Toyota Rav4, here are the key differences in powertrain. 

Engine and transmission options: 2023 Toyota RAV4

All RAV4s that run on gasoline are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road come standard with all-wheel drive, while the XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited offer it as an upgrade. The eight-speed automatic transmission in the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited models powers the front wheels. Not only is the crossover SUV not featherweight, but neither is its engine particularly potent. However, it is more at home making a leisurely loop around the city than competing with the other cars on the highway.

In the hybrid models, the Atkinson-cycle version of the same engine is combined with two electric motors to produce 219 horsepower. They use an ECVT transmission, like those found in most hybrids, to give the impression of gear changes. The emphasis of this powertrain is still on efficiency, so even though it has more power, it will not feel much more eager on the highway. The noise it makes when being forced to work is significantly reduced.

The RAV4 Prime's 2.5-liter engine receives assistance from two electric motors, for a total of 302 horsepower. It also employs an ECVT transmission, but its increased output makes it a joy to pilot on the highway, whether merging with or passing oncoming traffic.

Features: 2023 Toyota RAV4

Toyota has made some adjustments to the RAV4 for the 2023 model year in order to make it more appealing to new buyers and keep existing Toyota fans purchasing the vehicle. The RAV4 has always been Toyota's more practical, smaller, and less expensive SUV alternative to the Land Cruiser and 4Runner.

RAV4 is still an excellent buy 

The RAV4 remains a good value in its segment, with a starting price of slightly more than $33,000 for the XSE. The crossover/SUV is priced similarly to the Camry sedan, with the TRD Off-Road and Hybrid Woodland trims costing just $36,000 and $37,000, respectively.

RAV4's rear axle is easily removable

The RAV4 is able to get such good fuel economy numbers thanks in part to its innovative drivetrain swapping system. However, this is not an all-out replacement of the drivetrain; rather, it is a simple cutoff to improve fuel economy.

Fuel economy is improved in AWD RAV4 models by disengaging the rear axle for everyday driving when less traction is needed from all four wheels. Disconnecting an axle in this way has a very different function than, say, AMG's method of disconnecting the front axle on the E63S to generate excessive smoke from the rear tires.

RAV4 has excellent gas mileage.

Since it gets great gas mileage for its class, the RAV4 is a practical substitute for the larger, more fuel-hungry 4Runner and Land Cruiser models, especially the 100 Series with a V8. Moreover, it is claimed that the Hybrid XSE, which has a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, can achieve a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg. The non-hybrid TRD Off-Road has a combined fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon, while the hybrid Woodland Edition has a combined fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon. 

These numbers, especially for the XSE trim, are respectable for the crossover class and further demonstrate that the RAV4 is a practical choice for those in the market for a new sport utility vehicle.

2023 RAV4 will be available in a variety of different trim levels.

Several RAV4 trim levels will be offered in 2023, giving buyers more flexibility in selecting either a sporty or rugged configuration.

Customers can choose from several different RAV4 trim levels, including the more rugged-looking TRD Off-Road and Woodland Editions and the slightly more conventional XSE. In this highly competitive market, offering a variety of options to buyers is crucial because the more people a car sells to, the more it needs to accommodate their preferences.

RAV4 is loaded with security features

To appease the NHTSA, Toyota has loaded the RAV4 down with the latest and greatest in safety equipment. Among these safety aids are lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assistance, and road sign assist, which not only displays stop signs but also informs the driver of the posted speed limits on the roads.

Because of these factors, the NHTSA awarded the RAV4 with a perfect score of 5 stars for safety. Since the NHTSA has ranked the RAV4 as one of the safest vehicles for 2023, you can feel secure in the decision to transport your loved ones in one.

RAV4 Now Includes Voice Commands

The 2023 RAV4's availability of voice control is one of its most notable features. This feature is a part of the new infotainment system, and it ensures that Toyota remains competitive in this dynamic market. Before the driver can tell the system to adjust anything they want, they must first make the simple gesture of saying Hey Toyota, which is also required by Mercedes' occasionally amusing voice control setup. Controlling the weather and listening to the radio are two examples.

RAV4 is an excellent off-road vehicle.

The 2023 RAV4 is built to outperform competitors like the Nissan Rouge Sport and Mazda CX-5 on rough roads. Although FWD is standard, most trims offer all-wheel drive to better suit the vehicle's intended use. Among farmers and those who frequently venture off the beaten path, the RAV4 has long held a reputation as a capable off-road vehicle, though it has never been held to the same standard as the larger Land Cruiser.

Despite this, the RAV4's new wilderness package for 2023 gives it the appearance of being a more rugged vehicle than it has been in recent years.

RAV4 Is Extremely Quick for Its Class.

The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid has the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.4 seconds. Given that it was never intended to be a performance vehicle, this makes it a fairly quick SUV. Other cars can not match what the RAV4 can do in a straight line, which is quite impressive for Toyota. However, while the RAV4 is at least as fast as an older Golf GTI, it will never be as fast as some of the world's fastest SUVs.

Performance: 2023 Toyota RAV4

Since the RAV4 is a family-hauling crossover, efficiency takes precedence over outright performance, so it is not particularly quick. The SUV can reach a top speed of 130 mph when equipped with the standard four-cylinder engine and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about eight seconds. When compared to the Mazda CX-5 with its most powerful engine, this is noticeably slower. RAV4 Hybrid models have a bit more power and standard all-wheel drive, but they are also heavier, making them just as quick as their gasoline-powered counterparts. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, which has 302 horsepower, stuns with a 0-60 mph time of just 5.7 seconds. 

When it comes to towing, the Toyota is surprisingly well-equipped. Front-wheel drive models can tow up to 1,500 pounds, making them competitive with the best-selling Honda CR-V. However, all-wheel drive is standard on all other trims and hybrids, increasing towing capacity by 1,750 pounds for hybrids and 3,500 pounds for TRD models. The maximum weight that can be towed by the PHEV is 2,500 pounds. In the subcompact crossover market, this is as good as it gets.

Safety

Customers place a high value on safety ratings. While SUVs earned a bad reputation for being unsafe for a long time, the market has since exploded with options for secure SUVs. The NHTSA has given the RAV4 a perfect score of 5 stars for safety, but the Corolla Cross compact SUV has not yet been evaluated.

So now let us head over to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which has bestowed its highest honor, the Top Safety Pick Plus award, upon the Toyota Corolla Cross. The Toyota RAV4 also performs well in this category, earning a Top Safety Pick recommendation but falling short of the Plus designation. The Corolla Cross received the highest Good ratings in both the side crash and moderate overlap front tests, while the RAV4 only received Acceptable ratings.

Warranty

The Corolla Cross is a new model for Toyota, but the rav4 has a solid reputation for dependability. Reliability tests and customer satisfaction polls have consistently given both models high marks over the years. However, Toyota's standard limited warranty covers your car for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Remember that the manufacturer provides coverage for your vehicle's engine and transmission for five years or 60,000 miles.

Corolla cross hybrid vs rav4 hybrid

Toyota's Corolla Cross Hybrid was a new addition to the inventory for the 2023 year. As the name says, it's a hybrid version of the Corolla Cross, which is Toyota's smallest SUV. Previously, the RAV4 Hybrid was the only electric-powered Toyota SUV available to buyers, but now they have a choice. You can choose the best hybrid car for you by reading this short comparison between the Corolla Cross hybrid vs Rav4 hybrid.

Everywhere on the outside, the RAV4 Hybrid is a bit bigger than the Corolla Cross Hybrid, just like the gasoline-powered models it's built on. The Corolla Cross Hybrid has less than an inch of extra headroom than its bigger sibling, even though it is shorter.

In contrast, back passengers will find plenty of room in the RAV4 Hybrid, with 37.8 inches of legroom compared to just 32 inches in the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Even though both are four-door crossovers, the RAV4 Hybrid is clearly the better choice for regularly moving people in the back seats.

If we compare the Corolla Cross hybrid vs Rav4 hybrid, the RAV4 Hybrid was the only small hybrid crossover from Toyota. But now, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is in the running. We think that both types are competitive in this class and offer a lot of the same benefits.

Consider factors like size, performance, price, and features when deciding between the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid vs Rav4 hybrid. Because of its roomier interior and longer driving range, the RAV4 Hybrid is our pick if we had to choose between the two. That being said, if you only need a car as big as the Corolla Cross Hybrid, we suggest you stick with that one. It gets great gas mileage and still has a lot of room for shopping.

2023 toyota rav4 vs 2023 toyota corolla cross Feature 

When comparing the 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, it is clear that the RAV4 is no longer a compact SUV. Its overall length of 180.9 inches is nearly 20 inches longer than the RAV4 that was first sold in the United States by Toyota in 1996. The subcompact Corolla Cross could be a good option for buyers looking for a Toyota SUV that is roughly the same size as the first-generation RAV4. Despite being 17 inches shorter than the current RAV4, the Corolla Cross is still significantly longer than the original RAV4. 

Because it has the impression of being smaller than it actually is, this subcompact SUV makes navigating city streets a breeze. As a smaller vehicle, the Corolla Cross can not compete with the RAV4 when it comes to passenger space.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross are two different vehicles, but many people looking for a compact SUV at an affordable price will likely draw comparisons between them. You might have to do a little more studying to figure out which one fits your needs and budget the best. We have already saved you some time by comparing the most important features of these two types.

Because the specifications and features of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross are subject to change from year to year, interested parties are encouraged to check with a local Toyota dealer or reputable automotive periodicals for the most up-to-date information.

Conclusion

The Toyota Corolla Cross is smaller than the Toyota Rav4 and falls into the subcompact SUV category. The Rav4 is better suited for families due to its roomier cabin, larger towing capacity, and longer history of production, while the Corolla Cross is better suited to tight city streets due to its agile nature. You can choose between two trustworthy SUVs, corolla cross vs rav4 to travel around town without any worries, depending on your tastes and requirements.