The Toyota Corolla Cross and the Hyundai Tucson are solid choices for those looking for a high-quality small crossover SUV. See how they stack up in this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson comparison.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson has a higher base engine horsepower output and maximum horsepower output than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Engine options for the Tucson include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower). In comparison, the Corolla Cross has two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 horsepower) and a hybrid (194 horsepower). 

The Tucson has more powerful engines, but the Corolla Cross is more maneuverable. This is due to its lower weight, smaller size, and tighter turning circle. 

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered Corolla Cross gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 32 combined mpg, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 37 combined mpg.

In comparison, the fully gas-powered Tucson gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg, and the Tucson Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Towing

The 2023 Tucson can tow more than the 2023 Corolla Cross. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Corolla Cross. 

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Tucson is better for off-road use. For one, it has slightly higher ground clearance than the Corolla Cross (up to 8.3 vs. 8.1 inches). Also, unlike the Corolla Cross, the Tucson has an off-road-focused model with the rugged XRT trim.

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Safety

On the safety front, both the Corolla Cross and Tucson are strong choices. For the previous model year, both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating.

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 Tucson is bigger than the 2023 Corolla Cross, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft. In comparison, the Corolla Cross has a total passenger volume of 95 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft.

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Warranty coverage and reliability

The Tucson has better warranty coverage than the Corolla Cross. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the Corolla Cross. Also, both crossover SUVs offer free maintenance, with a 3-year/36,000-mile plan for the Tucson and a 2-year/25,000-mile plan for the Corolla Cross. 

However, the Corolla Cross is more reliable than the Tucson. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 82/100, compared to 77/100 for the Tucson.

Corolla Cross vs. Tucson: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Corolla Cross or the 2023 Tucson? The starting price of the 2023 Tucson ranges from $26,450 MSRP for the SE trim up to $44,310 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid Limited trim.

For the 2023 Corolla Cross, the official price information is not yet available, but it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 version. The starting price of the 2022 Corolla Cross ranges from $22,445 MSRP for the L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Corolla Cross, advantages include maneuverability, gas-powered fuel economy, and reliability. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Tuscon include engine output, towing, off-road capabilities, interior space, and more generous coverage for the warranties and complimentary maintenance plan.