Toyota’s popular SUV lineup was recently augmented by the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, which is a compact crossover SUV and a smaller sibling to the RAV4. A fun fact is that the original RAV4 was built on the Corolla platform of the time, thus making it the first car-based SUV. Let’s take a look at how the new Corolla Cross matches up with the RAV4 in terms of size and other features.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs Toyota RAV4: Power and Performance

As the RAV4 is larger than the Corolla Cross, it’s not surprising that it has more power. The Corolla Cross offers only one powertrain in the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 169 horsepower. The RAV4 offers three different powertrains, and even the least powerful of the three makes a decent amount more horsepower than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 203.

However, the Corolla Cross is more maneuverable than the RAV4 with a turning diameter of 35.4 feet versus the RAV4’s 36.1 feet. Neither the Corolla Cross nor the RAV4 are particularly powerful tow vehicles with max ratings of 1,500 pounds.
When it comes to the gas-powered versions of the RAV4, the Corolla Cross beats it in fuel economy with 32 MPG combined.

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Toyota RAV4: Off-Road Ability and Safety

Both the Corolla Cross and the RAV4 offer AWD versions, but only the RAV4 has a TRD Off-Road trim. This off-road-focused trim includes larger tires and a tuned suspension. The RAV4 also features more ground clearance at 8.6 inches versus the 8.1 inches on the Corolla Cross.

Toyota didn’t skimp on either one of these models when adding standard safety features like driver-assistant systems that help you more easily avoid accidents.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs Toyota RAV4: Interior Space

When it comes to space, it’s no surprise that the RAV4 has more since it is the larger vehicle by a healthy amount. The total passenger volume on the RAV4 is 98.9 cubic feet and the max cargo space is 69.8 cubic feet. The Corolla Cross almost matches the passenger volume at 95 cubic feet, but the cargo space is quite a bit less at 26.5 cubic feet. In other words, if you’re interested in passenger room, both vehicles provide plenty, however, if you need a healthy amount of cargo space, the RAV4 is better equipped to handle that.

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Toyota RAV4: What’s the Difference?

The most relevant differences between the RAV4 and the Corolla Cross are primarily off-road ability, cargo space, and price. The base trim of the Corolla Cross is about $4,000 less than the RAV4. If you’re looking for an affordable and maneuverable small SUV that gets good gas mileage and offers plenty of passenger room, then the Corolla Cross is a good choice. You could say that the Corolla Cross is more likely to appeal to urban drivers. The RAV4 gives you more cargo space and additional off-road ability.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is all-new, so it can’t be compared with the RAV4 in terms of reliability, but considering Toyota’s reputation, it seems likely that the Corolla Cross will do well in that respect.