As fuel-economy-conscious car shoppers anxiously await the arrival of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in North America, they should remember that other models offer better fuel economy. For example, looking only at Toyota SUVs reveals four models with higher estimated mpg ratings. So, what are they, and how much more fuel efficient are they?

A look at the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The crossover SUV Toyota Corolla Cross came to life as an upsized version of the popular Toyota Corolla for the 2022 model year. Car and Driver described its $23,780 starting MSRP as “value-oriented” while noting the new shape provided more cargo space than the hatchback and its plethora of standard driver assistance features. For the 2023 model year, the MSRP increased to $24,395, but the only change was the announcement of a new Hybrid version expected in mid-2023. 

Toyota hasn’t released pricing for the new all-wheel drive (AWD) Corolla Cross Hybrid, but Edmunds estimates a starting MSRP of around $26,000. Toyota estimates the Corolla Cross Hybrid to get 37 mpg, compared to 30 mpg from the AWD gas-only version, and its hybrid drivetrain also has 194 horsepower and standard AWD. 

Which Toyota SUVs provide better fuel economy?

If Edmunds’ predicted price is correct, the new Corolla Cross Hybrid will be the least expensive Toyota hybrid SUV. However, we’re also here to compare the fuel efficiency and features of Toyota SUVs. So, we’ll look at four other models and see how they stack up. 

1. Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza only comes as an AWD hybrid with an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. The base Venza LE starts at $34,120 and features 219 combined net horsepower, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), and a blind-spot monitor (BSM) with rear cross-traffic alert (RTCA). 

While the Venza offers similar driver assist features, the Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with Toyota’s newest TSS 3.0 and features an $8,000 lower predicted MSRP. However, the Venza wins the horsepower and fuel economy battle. 

2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The base model Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid improves on Venza’s estimated fuel economy ratings with 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined. It’s less expensive, with a starting MSRP of $30,725, but with the same 219-horsepower AWD drivetrain. The RAV4 LE Hybrid also features standard TSS 2.5; however, BSM with RTCA is a cost-added option or standard on upgraded models.

The larger RAV4 Hybrid provides more fuel efficiency and horsepower than the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s lower predicted price and the advanced driver-assist package will make it a winner for many people.

3. Toyota RAV4 Prime

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined. Additionally, the RAV4 Prime has an electric-only range of 42 miles, bringing the equivalent fuel economy to 94 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). The base RAV4 SE Prime starts at $42,340 and features an AWD hybrid drivetrain with 302 combined net horsepower, TSS 2.5+, and BSM with RCTA standard. 

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has the updated TSS 3.0 driver assist package, but aside from its lower price, that’s its only advantage. The RAV4 Prime delivers half-again-more horsepower, more interior space, and substantially better fuel economy, especially when factoring in its electric-only driving range. 

4. Toyota bZ4X 

We admit it might be unfair to compare the Corolla Cross Hybrid fuel economy to the all-electric Toyota bZ4X, especially considering its $42,000 base MSRP listed by Toyota. However, its 201 total horsepower is close to the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s 194 hp, and it comes with the updated TSS 3.0 and BSM with RCTA. 

Compared to the Corolla Cross Hybrid, the bZ4X only provides a front-wheel drive system with the option for AWD, but its 252-mile all-electric driving range equates to a 131 MPGe in the city, 107 MPGe on the highway, and 119 MPGe combined, according to Edmunds.