The Corolla Cross and RAV4 are two great Toyota SUVs. While both crossovers are similar in size, they feature some key differences that could make you choose one over the other. Whether you’re shopping on a modest budget, looking for an SUV for your family, or searching for the best crossover for your daily commute, we’re confident that the Corolla Cross or RAV4 will appeal to you. Here’s a look at how these two vehicles stack up, courtesy of our SUV experts at Dublin Toyota.
Corolla Cross vs. RAV4 Engine and Performance
Toyota powers the RAV4 with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This unit is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive in its standard setup, with all-wheel drive offered as an optional upgrade.
The RAV4’s engine provides more punch than the Corolla Cross’ four-cylinder unit, which cranks out 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The Corolla Cross features a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an optional add-on.
While the RAV4 outperforms the Corolla Cross in terms of power, the Corolla Cross is a better bet if you prioritize fuel economy for day-to-day city driving. This subcompact crossover manages an impressive 33 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg on city roads, compared to the RAV4’s 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg at highway speeds.
If you plan on towing a camper or trailer for a weekend trip, the RAV4 is a better choice. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds in its Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The maximum available towing capacity in the Corolla Cross is 1,500 pounds, which is about enough for a small teardrop camper.
RAV4 vs. Corolla Cross Cargo and Passenger Capacity
The Corolla Cross offers more than adequate storage space for your daily driving needs. It has over 26 cubic feet of storage behind the second row, which can carry a large load of groceries with room to spare. If you need more space for luggage or larger items, you may prefer the RAV4’s 37 cubic feet of rear storage. However, both vehicles do a good job of hauling bulkier items with the rear seats folded flat. The Corolla Cross boasts 66 cubic feet of space with the rear row down, which is similar to the RAV4’s 69 cubic feet.
Both vehicles offer two rows of seating for five people, so they’re equally accommodating for a small family. If you plan on carrying adult passengers in the rear row, the RAV4 offers more legroom than the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross’ second row is perfect for kids to ride in, and adults can also ride back there for short trips.
Infotainment and Safety Features
There aren’t many differences between these two vehicles’ standard entertainment systems, although the RAV4 offers a few features that you won’t find in the Corolla Cross. Their base systems are similar. The Corolla Cross features a 7-inch screen and a six-speaker stereo, and the RAV4 includes an 8-inch screen and a six-speaker stereo. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The RAV4 also has a Wi-Fi hotspot, Toyota’s virtual assistant, and a navigation system.
The Corolla Cross’ optional upgrades include an 8-inch screen and nine-speaker stereo. In the RAV4, you can opt for a 10.5-inch screen, an 11-inch stereo, wireless device charging, and a household power outlet.
When it comes to safety features, both crossovers have forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning in their standard setups. The RAV4 also provides traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control, while the Corolla Cross offers automatic high-beam headlights. The RAV4 offers front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view parking camera to help you maneuver in and out of tight spots. You can also add parking sensors to the Corolla Cross.
Corolla Cross vs. RAV4 Trims and Prices
The Corolla Cross is a more attractive option if you’re shopping for a crossover on a modest budget. It has an MSRP of around $22,500, while the RAV4 starts at approximately $27,500 MSRP. If you don’t mind paying a bit extra, the RAV4 offers a wider array of upgrade options across its five trims, while the Corolla Cross offers three. The Corolla Cross’ trims are L, LE, and XLE, while the RAV4 are LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims.
Stepping up to the LE trim in the Corolla Cross will get you a leather-trimmed steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, alloy wheels, and a larger infotainment screen. The XLE includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic leather upholstery, and heated front seats.
In the RAV4, the XLE upgrade gets you power adjustments for the driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and proximity keyless entry. The XLE trim adds synthetic leather seats, a power liftgate, and 19-inch wheels, while the Adventure features standard all-wheel drive and some off-road driving modes.
The TRD Off-Road also has standard all-wheel drive and adds a front skid plate, off-roading suspension, all-terrain tires, and rubber floor mats. Finally, the Limited has heated and ventilated front seats, an 11-speaker stereo, a larger infotainment screen, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
We hope our comparison of the Corolla Cross and RAV4 has helped you decide which Toyota SUV is best suited to you. Those of you looking for a well-equipped crossover for the daily commute with plenty of space for cargo and passengers are sure to like the Corolla Cross. If you require a little more space for weekend trips or your family’s things, and a vehicle with a few more off-roading and infotainment features, the RAV4 may be a better fit.
To learn more about either of these great vehicles or arrange a test drive in Dublin, don’t hesitate to contact us. Here at Dublin Toyota, we’re happy to assist you in any way we can, whether you want to finalize a competitive auto loan to complete your purchase or arrange a lease deal.
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