The Toyota Corolla has been the world’s best-selling car since 1997. As the most-produced model in automotive history, no other passenger car has surpassed its success. And the highly anticipated 2022 Corolla Cross is an all-new subcompact SUV ready to take the market by storm. Nodding to its popular compact sedan, the Japanese automaker hopes the small crossover finds success in a crowded segment.

But many auto enthusiasts wonder if the new addition to the Toyota lineup is worthy of its rivals. We take a look at the all-new Corolla Cross and one of its biggest competitors — the Mini Cooper Countryman — to see which cute crossover reigns supreme.

How do these 2 cute crossovers compare?

Looking at the two crossovers side-by-side, U.S. News gives the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman a critics’ rating of 7.2 out of 10. The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross gets a comparable 7.3.

However, the Corolla Cross produces more horsepower, at 169 hp, than the base-model Countryman, at 134 hp. But the standard Countryman makes more torque, with 162 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Corolla Cross’ 151 lb-ft of torque.

The Toyota also gets slightly better fuel efficiency, with 31 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, than the Countryman, with 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the Toyota Cross keeps the engine humming at peak performance. A CVT isn’t available with the Mini Cooper.

However, the Countryman beats the Corolla Cross for its stylish cabin and passenger room. But the Toyota has more cargo space behind the rear row, at 25.5 cubic feet versus only 17.6 cubic feet in the Countryman.

And with a 1,500-pound towing capacity, better acceleration, and superior maneuverability, the 2022 Corolla Cross edges out the base-model Mini Cooper Countryman.

In addition, Toyota vehicles consistently rank higher in dependability than Mini vehicles, J.D. Power reports. So, although these two small crossovers have similar features, the Toyota name on the Corolla Cross is hard to beat.

Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at both crossovers, including pricing.

A closer look at the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross has modern lines for a sleek exterior, compared to the Countryman’s more playful look. The Toyota starts at $22,195 for the standard L trim. Moving up one trim level, the LE starts at $24,545 and comes with advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The range-topping XLE starts at $26,325. It includes a 7.0-inch multi-information screen, 18-inch alloy wheels, and leather seating.

Toyota reports that the Corolla Cross, packing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offers outstanding fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.

The Corolla Cross also has a comfortable cabin seating up to five adult passengers and offers a generous cargo area. Tech features include wireless charging, remote connect, and front and rear parking assist. The multimedia system includes Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto compatibility.

As for advanced safety features, the Star Safety System provides vehicle stability control, lane-keeping assist, traction control, and an anti-lock brake system. A standard backup camera and anti-theft system nicely round out the package.

Overview of the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman

Mini USA says the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman offers “more cargo space than any other model” in its lineup. With seating for five adults, this crossover starts at $29,100 for the base model. That’s almost $7,000 over the Corolla Cross. Four other Countryman trims include the ALL4, Cooper S, S-ALL4, and John Cooper Works ALL4. The plug-in hybrid SE-ALL4 has a suggested MSRP of $41,500.

The standard engine is a direct injection, 1.5-liter three-cylinder making 134 hp with 162 lb-ft of torque. The Mini Cooper Countryman hybrid has an eDrive electric motor that pushes 221 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque.

The top-of-the-line John Cooper Works edition packs a twin-turbo 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine harnessing 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. It can zip from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. But the base model is considerably slower, taking a full 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph.

The Cooper Countryman also offers fresh exterior features, including new paint colors, optional Piano Black trim, new headlight designs, an updated bumper and front grille, and several wheel options.

Overall, it’s a close call between the 2022 Corolla Cross and 2022 Countryman, with each cute crossover offering pros and cons. But the promise of Toyota’s lauded dependability at a much lower starting price makes the Corolla Cross an attractive newcomer.