Toyota has a highly successful SUV lineup, led by the popular RAV4, and joined by models like the Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser. Now, Toyota adds an all-new model to its SUV family: the Corolla Cross, a compact crossover SUV and the smaller sibling of the RAV4. We show how the RAV4 and Corolla Cross stack up in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison. Hello little brother! Welcome to the family!

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

In our comparison between the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, we evaluated several factors between the two Toyota SUVs. This includes performance, towing, efficiency, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, and price/value.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Performance, towing, and efficiency

For performance, the RAV4 teaches the Corolla Cross a lesson about power. It offers three powertrains, and they are all more powerful than the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the Corolla Cross (169 hp/150 lb-ft of torque). Outputs for the RAV4’s powertrains are 203 hp/184 lb-ft of torque for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, 219 hp for the hybrid powertrain, and 308 hp for the plug-in hybrid powertrain in the RAV4 Prime.

With its smaller size, the Corolla Cross is slightly more maneuverable than the RAV4. It has a turning diameter as low as 35.4 feet, compared to 36.1 feet for the RAV4.

The RAV4 has the advantage for towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Corolla Cross.

For efficiency, the Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg. This is slightly higher than the gas-powered RAV4 (up to 30 combined mpg). However, the hybrid models have much higher efficiency ratings. The RAV4 Hybrid has an estimated gas mileage of 40 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has an estimated fuel economy of 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode and an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe in electric-only mode.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Off-road capabilities

While both the RAV4 and Corolla Cross offer the option for an all-wheel drive system, only the RAV4 offers an off-road-focused model. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road is ready for wilderness adventures with features like large off-road tires and an off-road-tuned suspension. Also, the RAV4 has a higher ground clearance than the Corolla Cross (8.6 vs. 8.1 inches).

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Safety 

Both the RAV4 and Corolla Cross offer many safety-enhancing driving assistance features. This includes a pre-collision system, a blind spot monitoring system, automatic high beams, road sign assist, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Passenger and cargo space

Since the RAV4 is larger than the Corolla Cross, it should come as no surprise that it offers more interior space than the Corolla Cross. It has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the Corolla Cross has a total passenger volume of 95.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 26.5 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Interior features and technologies

The RAV4 and Corolla Cross offer many premium interior features and technologies. This includes heated front seats, a moonroof, a dual-zone climate control system, a smartphone wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. 

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Price/value

The Corolla Cross costs less than the RAV4. The starting prices for the 2022 Corolla Cross range from $22,445 MSRP for the base L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 range from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: What are the differences?

Both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross are good choices for crossover SUV shoppers. If you want a crossover SUV that’s more maneuverable and affordable, then go for the 2022 Corolla Cross. However, if you want more power, off-road capabilities, a higher towing capacity, and more passenger and cargo space, then you’ll want to buy the 2022 RAV4.