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Given the success of the best-selling Corolla compact car and the popular lineup of Toyota SUVs, it makes perfect sense for Toyota to produce a Corolla Cross crossover SUV. Find out the differences between the two models in this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison.

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

Front angle view of red 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, highlighting its release date and price
Barcelona Red 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

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

Corolla vs. Corolla Cross: Performance and gas mileage

Woman walking by a Wind Chill Pearl 2023 Toyota Corolla
Wind Chill Pearl 2023 Toyota Corolla | Toyota

For performance, the standard 2023 Toyota Corolla model has two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 horsepower) and a hybrid (134 horsepower). Also, the 2023 Corolla offers a high-performance model with the GR Corolla, which features a 300-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine. In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 horsepower) and a hybrid (194 horsepower).

For efficiency, the Corolla has the advantage. The gas-powered Corolla has an estimated fuel economy of up to 34 combined mpg, while the Corolla Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 52 combined mpg. In comparison, the gas-powered Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg.

Corolla vs. Corolla Cross: Towing

On the towing front, the Corolla Cross has the advantage. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds, but the Corolla is not rated for towing.

Corolla vs. Corolla Cross: Off-road capabilities

Both Toyota vehicles offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Corolla Cross is better for off-road use. This is because it has higher ground clearance than the Corolla (up to 8.1 vs. 6.7 inches). 

Corolla vs. Corolla Cross: Safety

Both Toyota vehicles are very safe. While the IIHS crash test scores are not available for the 2023 model year for the Corolla and Corolla Cross, the scores will likely be similar for the 2022 model year since the two crossovers are primarily carryover models. For the 2022 model year, both Toyota models earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating.

Corolla vs. Corolla Cross: Passenger and cargo space

The Corolla Cross is bigger than the Corolla, which results in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 95.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the Corolla has a total passenger volume of 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback. For storage space, the Corolla Sedan has a maximum cargo capacity of 13.1 cu-ft, while the Corolla Hatchback can store up to 23.0 cu-ft of cargo.

Corolla vs. Corolla Cross: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the Corolla and Corolla Cross have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Corolla vs. Corolla Cross: Price

Which Toyota vehicle costs more: the 2023 Corolla or the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross? The price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year, but both models will likely have a slight price increase from the 2022 model year. The starting price of the 2022 Corolla ranges from $20,425 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan L trim up to $28,710 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan Apex XSE trim. 

In comparison, 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. However, the new GR Corolla and the Corolla Cross Hybrid will likely cost even more.

2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: Which vehicle is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison, each Toyota model has various advantages. For the 2023 Corolla, advantages include the powerful GR Corolla variant, gas mileage, and a lower base price. Conversely, advantages for the Corolla Cross include hybrid performance, towing, and off-road capabilities.

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