Are you thinking about getting behind the wheel of the Toyota RAV4 or the slightly smaller Toyota Corolla Cross? Find out the differences between the two compact crossover SUVs in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Corolla Cross crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 hp) and a hybrid (194 hp).

For efficiency, the gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the gas-powered Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Towing

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

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Off-road capabilities

While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the Corolla Cross. For one, it has higher ground clearance than the Corolla Cross (up to 8.6 vs. 8.1 inches). Also, unlike the Corolla Corolla Cross, the RAV4 offers off-road-focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Adventure, and Woodland Edition trims.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Safety

The Corolla Cross is safer than the RAV4. While the IIHS crash test scores are not available for the 2023 model year for the RAV4 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, the Corolla Cross earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS score. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Passenger and cargo space

The RAV4 is slightly larger than the Corolla Corolla Cross, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a rear cargo capacity of 37.6 cu-ft. In comparison, the Corolla Cross has a total passenger volume of 95.0 cu-ft and a rear cargo capacity of 26.5 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and Corolla Cross have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross: Price

Which Toyota crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 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 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime 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.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 RAV4, advantages include performance, hybrid gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, and passenger and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Corolla Cross include gas-engine fuel economy, safety, and a lower price.