The Toyota Corolla Cross is an all-new compact crossover SUV model, providing an alternative in the Toyota lineup to the RAV4. In making a buying decision between the two crossover SUVs, the Corolla Cross has some advantages in its favor. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, not a 2022 Toyota RAV4. 

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is safer than the 2022 Toyota RAV4

The first reason to buy a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross instead of a 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the Corolla Cross is safer than the RAV4. One of the most respected authorities for evaluating the safety of vehicles is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Corolla Cross earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. This is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Part of the reason why the RAV4 has a lower IIHS score is that it received only an “average” rating for the side crash test. In comparison, the Corolla Cross achieved a “good” rating.

2022 Corolla Cross is more maneuverable than the 2022 RAV4

The second reason to buy a Corolla Cross instead of a RAV4 is the Corolla Cross is more maneuverable than the RAV4. With its slightly smaller size, the Corolla Cross has a turning radius of 17.7 feet. In comparison, the turning radius of the RAV4 ranges from 18.05 to 18.7 feet, depending on the trim. 

The greater maneuverability and slightly smaller size of the Corolla Cross make it more effective for weaving in and out of city traffic. It also makes it easier to park the vehicle, especially for tight parking spots.

Toyota Corolla Cross gets better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4

The third reason to buy a Corolla Cross instead of a RAV4 is the Corolla Cross gets better gas mileage than the RAV4. With the high price of gas these days, an efficient vehicle results in a considerable amount of savings at the gas pump. 

The Corolla Cross gets an estimated fuel economy of 32 combined mpg, compared to 30 combined mpg for the RAV4. While the RAV4 offers more efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid (RAV4 Prime) models, for the standard RAV4 model, you’ll end up paying more for gas compared to the Corolla Cross.

2022 Corolla Cross is more affordable than the 2022 RAV4

The fourth reason to buy a Corolla Cross instead of a RAV4 is the Corolla Cross is more affordable than the RAV4. The starting price of the 2022 Corolla Cross ranges from $22,445 MSRP for the base L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the rising inflation costs. 

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has advantages over the 2022 Toyota RAV4 for safety, maneuverability, gas mileage, and affordability. In making a buying decision between the two Toyota crossover SUVs, these are key reasons to choose the Corolla Cross instead of the RAV4.

For reasons to buy a RAV4 instead of a Corolla Cross, continue reading below.