The Toyota RAV4 is no longer the small SUV that it once was. With a total length of 180.9 inches, the 2023 RAV4 is about 20 inches longer than its predecessor from 1996. Those looking for a Toyota SUV similar in size to the original RAV4 may be better served by the tiny Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross is 175.6 inches long, making it shorter than today's RAV4, but significantly longer than the first-generation four-door RAV4.
Nonetheless, the Corolla Cross drives smaller than its size suggests, making it rather easy to operate this tiny SUV through congested city streets. However, because to its smaller size, the Corolla Cross has less inside space than the bigger RAV4.
Regardless of their differences, many shoppers seeking for a small, reasonably priced SUV will undoubtedly compare these two Toyota models. However, determining which one is best suited to your goals and budget may necessitate additional study. Fortunately, we've already done some of the work for you by comparing the important specifications of these two models.
Engine and Transmission Options 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross comes equipped with a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a regulated continuously variable gearbox (CVT) with a fixed first gear. Those looking for more power can choose the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors to provide 196 horsepower. Whereas the gas-only Corolla Cross is available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the hybrid is all-wheel-drive exclusively, thanks to a rear-mounted electric motor. Meanwhile, the gas engine and electric motor power the front wheels via an electronically controlled CVT.
Engine and Transmission Options 2024. Toyota RAV 4
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 has three power source options. The least powerful setup is a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The default system is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. This engine gives the RAV4 decent straight-line quickness, albeit it sounds fairly harsh when revving at higher speeds.
Those searching for a little more power can upgrade to the SUV's optional hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors to deliver a combined 219 horsepower. Like the gasoline-electric Corolla Cross, the hybrid RAV4 has an electronically controlled CVT and all-wheel drive via a rear-mounted electric motor.
Another gasoline-electric system lies atop the RAV4's engine hierarchy. The 2024 RAV4 Prime has a plug-in hybrid powertrain and an anticipated battery-electric driving range of 42 miles. Credit the Prime's big battery pack.
The Prime, like the smaller hybrid RAV4, has three electric motors, one of which is located in the rear and provides the SUV with standard all-wheel drive. An electronically controlled CVT distributes power to the front wheels.
Performance 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
If you choose the Corolla Cross's entry-level four-cylinder engine, you should not anticipate much in the way of straight-line acceleration. An all-wheel-drive Corolla Cross took 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph under our watch.
We have yet to put a hybrid Corolla Cross through our rigorous testing, but we are confident it will significantly outperform the less powerful non-hybrid Corolla Cross. Toyota forecasts that the gas-electric vehicle will save at least a second on the gas-only Corolla Cross's mile-a-minute time.
The Corolla Cross isn't particularly enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. Instead, the SUV stresses a moderately comfortable ride above aggressive performance. Nonetheless, the Corolla Cross's low-effort steering, elevated seating position, and small proportions make it simple to drive in traffic and navigate crowded parking lots.
Performance: 2024. Toyota RAV 4
Unlike the glacier-slow Corolla Cross, the RAV4's entry-level powertrain has acceptable acceleration, with an all-wheel-drive variant reaching 60 mph in 8.0 seconds during our testing. Though we'd prefer a touch more power from the 203-hp four-cylinder engine, we'd settle for more sound-deadening materials in the firewall—or an engine that sings a better tune. As is, the 2.5-liter inline-four growls harshly as the revs rise.
The four-cylinder in the RAV4 Hybrid sounds no better, as the CVT exacerbates the engine's drone under strong acceleration. Nonetheless, the gas-electric powerplant's 16 more horsepower are a nice addition, allowing a RAV4 Hybrid we tested to reach 60 mph in 7.4 seconds.
Of course, individuals who prioritize quickness will prefer the 302-hp RAV4 Prime powertrain. The plug-in hybrid SUV accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Unfortunately, the Prime's chassis and braking dynamics do not match the powertrain's acceleration capabilities. The Prime, like other RAV4s, has a comfort-oriented suspension design with soft springs that allows for a lot of body motion. Regardless of its powertrain, the RAV4 is not a compact SUV for the driving enthusiast.
MPG: 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Regardless of the engine, the Corolla Cross is a gas guzzler. If you go the non-hybrid path, you'll get a subcompact SUV with an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 31 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel drive reduces those figures to 29/31/30, respectively.
Predictably, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the more efficient alternative, with the gas-electric vehicle achieving EPA estimates of 45 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined.
MPG: 2024 Toyota RAV4
If you do a lot of highway driving and aren't interested in a hybrid powertrain, the standard four-cylinder RAV4 stands out with an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of up to 35 mpg in front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the figure drops to 34 mpg in LE trim and as low as 32 mpg in TRD Off-Road trim. According to the EPA, all front- and all-wheel-drive RAV4s return up to 27 mpg, with the trail-focused TRD Off-Road getting 25 mpg. City residents looking for maximum efficiency from a tiny, gas-powered Toyota SUV will likely be pleased with the Corolla Cross and its outstanding EPA estimations.
Going the hybrid path gets the RAV4 an EPA-estimated 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 39 mpg combined. These figures drop to 38/35/37 for the more off-road-oriented Woodland Edition.
Features: 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
The most significant differences between the Corolla Cross and the RAV4 are the latter's available plug-in engine and larger interior. The Corolla Cross has an EPA passenger volume of up to 88.4 cubic feet, which is 10.5 cubic feet less than the RAV4. The Corolla Cross' cargo volume is likewise significantly lower than that of the RAV4. It has a maximum capacity of 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, which is 12.0 cubic feet less than a RAV4's maximum capacity with the back seats up.
Features: 2024 Toyota RAV4
Both the Corolla Cross and RAV4 are reasonably well-equipped in their base models, with features such as a digital instrument cluster display and a touchscreen infotainment system. The RAV4 includes a larger 7.0-inch cluster screen to match its larger dimensions. The Corolla Cross features a 4.2-inch display. Both variants come standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment display.
Each provides greater display possibilities. The RAV4 features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.5-inch infotainment screen. Meanwhile, the Corolla Cross is equipped with a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster.
Price: 2024. Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota's smallest SUV is the Corolla Cross, which is sold here. The price reflects this. The entry-level Corolla Cross L starts at $25,210, which is $4815 less than the base RAV4 LE. If you choose the better-equipped Corolla Cross LE, the difference between these two Toyota SUVs narrows to $2485.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid costs $29,570. That is $455 less than the standard RAV4. Those with close to $30,000 (or more) to spend who choose fuel efficiency and cost-cutting above more roomy interior comforts may be better served by the more fuel-efficient but smaller gasoline-electric Corolla Cross Hybrid than the larger but thirstier entry-level RAV4.
Price: 2024 Toyota RAV4
Of course, some customers value both fuel efficiency and interior spaciousness. This is where the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid models come in. The former starts at $33,075 in entry-level LE trim, a $3050 premium over the nonhybrid RAV4 LE.
Prepare to invest a lot of money to get into a Plug-in Prime. The SE is the least costly RAV4 Prime model, starting at $45,040. That's $9270 more than the plugless gas-electric RAV4 SE.
