It’s hard to believe that Toyota’s stellar RAV4 has been around for almost 30 years. After five generations, it’s still one of the most popular models on the planet, selling more than 10 million vehicles over its lifetime. Now, Toyota has a newcomer in the SUV sphere, a subcompact crossover inspired by the top-selling Corolla. In a matchup between the Toyota Corolla Cross vs. the RAV4, which SUV wins?
Toyota Corolla Cross Vs. RAV4: SUV Size Battle
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a subcompact SUV, unlike the compact RAV4. It’s also relatively new, with the first U.S. model coming out in 2022. Why the need for another SUV?
The RAV4 has gotten a lot bigger than when it was first launched. Toyota has the family-friendly Highlander with seating for eight people, the spacious and stylish RAV4, and now the sporty Corolla Cross. Toyota’s idea behind the Corolla Cross was to make sure every driver can find the right size of SUV for their lifestyle.
Interior and Exterior Dimensions for the RAV4 Vs. the Corolla Cross
The RAV4 is the larger of the two SUVs, but just how much is the difference?
Toyota RAV4 Specs
The RAV4 offers plenty of room inside and a larger profile outside:
- Length: 181 inches
- Wheelbase: 106 inches
- Passenger space: 99 cubic feet
- Rear cargo capacity: 37.5 cubic feet
- Total cargo capacity: 70 cubic feet
- Height: 67 inches
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The RAV4 can comfortably seat five, and comfort is a big reason why this SUV is popular. It feels spacious in terms of legroom and headroom. The RAV4 isn’t exactly cavernous for storage, but it can handle plenty of groceries, luggage, or camping gear for weekend getaways.
Toyota Corolla Cross Specs
The Corolla Cross is noticeably smaller, but that’s exactly the point:
- Length: 175.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 104 inches
- Passenger space: 89 cubic feet
- Total cargo capacity: 24 cubic feet
- Height: 65 inches
With a smaller wheelbase, shorter length, and slightly narrower profile, the Corolla Cross is ideal for city life. Parking and maneuvering is easier. Front seat legroom beats the RAV4, but backseat passengers only get 32 inches.
The storage is enough for individuals and couples, but families may miss the RAV4’s fold-down seating. On the other hand, the Corolla Cross keeps the RAV4’s 8.4 inches of ground clearance for times when the going gets rough.
Fuel Economy: The Corolla Cross Hybrid Shines
One reason to choose the Corolla Cross is the excellent fuel economy of its hybrid models. The standard models get a solid 32 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, but the hybrids achieve 42 mpg while sporting all-wheel drive. The RAV4 gets 38 mpg on the highway and 41 mpg in the city.
Quality Ratings for the Corolla Cross Vs. the RAV4
Both the Corolla Cross and the RAV4 are good vehicles. J.D. Power, Car and Driver, and Motortrend all give both SUVs high marks. The RAV4 has a history of reliability, but it’s still too soon to tell how the Corolla Cross will perform down the road.
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