Compared: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4

Whether looking for an SUV with bare-bones utility or a little taste of luxury, Toyota has all kinds of buyers covered.

Nick Kurczewski | 
May 24, 2022 | 3 min read

Toyota Corolla Cross & Toyota RAV4 compared above each otherToyota

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV is a new model that, in terms of size and price, slots just below the best-selling SUV in the U.S., the 2022 Toyota RAV4. While the RAV4 delivers a roomy cabin and spacious cargo hold, plus a peppy four-cylinder engine and impressive fuel economy, the Corolla Cross offers more basic transportation while still providing the utility of an SUV.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4: Price

The Corolla Cross is available in three trim levels, with the most affordable being the Corolla Cross L around $24,000. In its range-topping XLE trim and fitted with every available option, the Corolla Cross remains a bargain at around $32,000. All versions are offered with front- or all-wheel drive, with the latter adding $1,300 to the price.

Toyota’s perennial bestseller can be had with a gas engine or as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. A base RAV4 LE runs about $27,000 and goes all the way up to around $45,000 for the plug-in hybrid 2022 RAV4 Prime XSE. Many buyers will end up with something similar to the mid-range RAV4 XLE, which starts around $29,000 and comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, aluminum wheels, fog lights, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and five USB ports. All RAV4 hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models come standard with AWD. In gas models, it adds $1,400 to the price.

Toyota Corolla Cross interior and steeringToyota | Corolla Cross

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4: Interior

Roomier and more refined, the RAV4 has a decisive edge over the Corolla Cross when it comes to its cabin. To start, the RAV4 has more stretch-out space for passengers with nearly six inches more rear legroom over the Corolla Cross. It also has 38 cu.-ft. cargo area, versus 28 cu.-ft. offered in the smaller Toyota.

While even the fanciest Corolla Cross maintains an economy-minded air inside, the RAV4 can be outfitted from a wide array of packages which include luxuries like rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view parking camera, panoramic sunroof, power-operated liftgate, and heated rear seats, all of which aren’t available in the Corolla Cross.

The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer the broad scope of comfort and tech features available on the RAV4, but the top-of-the-line XLE comes with popular items like dual-zone climate control, power-operated driver’s seat, faux leather seating surfaces, and front and rear parking sensors.

Toyota RAV4 back viewToyota | RAV4

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4: Fuel Economy

Paired with FWD, the Corolla Cross’s 169 hp four-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving. With AWD, that figure falls to 30 mpg.

The larger RAV4 is slightly less efficient with its standard 203 hp four-cylinder. It delivers 30 mpg combined city/highway with FWD and, depending on the trim, between 28 and 30 mpg with AWD.

The RAV4 Hybrid scores an impressive 40 mpg with its 219 hp hybrid powertrain, while the 302 hp RAV4 Prime can cover an estimated 42 miles on electricity alone, beyond which it’s rated at 38 mpg.


Written by humans.
Edited by humans.

This site is for educational purposes only. The third parties listed are not affiliated with Capital One and are solely responsible for their opinions, products and services. Capital One does not provide, endorse or guarantee any third-party product, service, information or recommendation listed above. The information presented in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change. The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. The material provided on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Capital One product or service to your unique circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.

Nick Kurczewski

Nick Kurczewski is a freelance automotive journalist based in the New York metro area. With approximately 20 years of experience, he has covered all aspects of the car world, from the pit lane at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to car shows around the world, and a Zamboni lesson in Lower Manhattan. He’s also adept at providing helpful car advice and steering people towards the ideal car, truck, or SUV for their driving needs.


Shop Toyota Corolla Cross