Corolla Cross VS Honda HR-V

2024 Corolla Cross VS the Honda HR-V

A Comprehensive Comparison

In a market where larger SUVs dominate, the appeal of a reasonable sub-compact SUV suitable for everyday driving is undeniable. Offering a balanced blend of interior space, cargo capacity, and affordability, these vehicles cater well to individuals and small families alike.

Unsurprisingly, two top contenders hail from the renowned brands of Honda and Toyota, celebrated for their reliability. The introduction of the Corolla Cross to the market in 2023, alongside the redesigned Honda HR-V, marks an exciting chapter in the segment. Each vehicle brings its own distinct advantages, promising a fresh perspective to discerning buyers.

Lets review how these two vehicles Stack up!

Fuel Economy

There is no competition here, as even the gas model Corolla Cross outdoes the HR-V quite handily. Not to mention that the HR-V does not bring a hybrid powertrain to the competition!

The testing of experts finds these figures drop a couple MPG across the board with all but the most careful drivers, but it is clear that those looking for fuel efficiency over the long term should look first to the Corolla Cross hybrid and next to the Corolla Cross gas model.

Pricing

The Corolla Cross and the HR-V are competitively priced, with the Corolla Cross holding a slight edge in affordability. Starting at $25,210 for the base Corolla L trim and reaching $29,435 for the more luxurious XLE trim, it offers a compelling price range. The HR-V comes close with its base LX trim priced at $25,950 and the top-of-the-line EX-L at $29,500. While the Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at $29,570 for the base S trim, going up to $32,755 for the XSE trim, the investment pays off over time with significant gas savings.

As both models are relatively new, there’s limited data on their true 5-year cost of ownership. However, Toyota and Honda vehicles generally maintain higher resale values over an average ownership period of eight years while also being affordable to maintain, further enhancing their long-term value proposition.

Performance and Powertrain

While the Corolla Cross has two separate options to choose from, booth traditional gasoline engine or hybrid powertrain, the Honda HR-V only comes with a traditional gas engine here in the states. There is a hybrid model available in Europe, so hopefully we see that brought over in a future year!

While none of these sub compact SUV’s are speed demons, the Corolla Cross does have significantly more punch than the lethargic powertrain of the Honda HR-V. If you are also looking for slightly tighter handling, the Corolla Cross Hybrid only comes in sport trims which offer a sportier suspension tune.

Interior

Just as the interior design of the Corolla Cross is inspired by the Corolla, the Honda HR-V’s interior is inspired by the civic. Both are modern and utilitarian, straying away from luxury and trending more towards simplicity and practicality. The primary concern of a buyer will undoubtedly be interior space, and while they do all seat five passengers, cargo and passenger volume is different for each model.

The Honda HR-V takes a slight edge over the gas model Corolla in this segment, mostly in terms of hip and shoulder room for passengers in the first and second rows. The Corolla Hybrid suffers from room being taken out of the interior to accommodate the hybrid engine in the rear section. If you are looking for the most possible passenger room in a sub compact SUV, the HR-V definitely takes the win, but the Corolla Cross gas model is not far behind.

Multimedia & Audio

The Corolla Cross features a standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the HR-V offers varying screen sizes ranging from seven to nine inches depending on the trim level. Both models support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, with upgraded trims offering wireless charging and connectivity options.
In terms of audio systems, there are notable differences between the trims. The Corolla Cross starts with a basic 6-speaker setup in lower trims, but higher trims boast an impressive 9-speaker JBL sound system, appealing to all but the most discerning audiophiles. On the other hand, the HR-V offers a wider range of audio options across its three trims, ranging from a four-speaker system in base trims to a more robust eight-speaker setup in its top-level offering.

Safety & Warranty

Both the Corolla Cross and the Honda HR-V are equipped with advanced safety systems, with Toyota Safety Sense and Honda Sensing offering comparable features. These include pre-collision systems, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, road sign assistance, auto high beams, and blind spot monitoring on higher trim levels. Overall, the safety offerings between the two vehicles are quite similar, and safety may not be a decisive factor in choosing between them.

According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) data, the HR-V has received a favorable five-star rating for front-facing driver-side crashes, while the Corolla Cross has achieved a five-star rating for passengers but not drivers. Both vehicles have earned five-star ratings for side crashes, although the HR-V falls short in the rollover segment with only four stars. For detailed breakdowns and technical reports, you can visit the official NHTSA website at NHTSA.gov.

Regarding warranty packages, while neither offers the best-in-class coverage, both come with standard complimentary maintenance programs, ensuring peace of mind for owners.

Honda –
Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 2 years or 24,000 miles

Toyota –
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

Which do I buy?

Considering the features highlighted in this comparison, your choice between these two vehicles depends on your priorities. If you prioritize spaciousness and versatility without opting for a full-size SUV, the Honda HR-V stands out as an excellent option. On the other hand, if fuel efficiency, an impressive sound system, and enhanced power are more important to you, then the Corolla Cross may better suit your needs. Ultimately, the true test lies in experiencing each vehicle firsthand from the driver’s seat. We encourage you to schedule test drives for both models before making a final decision, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and preferences.