The 2023 Honda HR-V and 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross are two of the preferred subcompact SUVs. The Toyota was really one of many 10-best-selling vehicles in the complete world final yr. Like a Huge Mac, nonetheless, reputation doesn’t routinely equal one of the best out there product. Neither is one in all our prime really useful decisions of their phase. You will discover our prime decisions right here.
The reliability and worth retention offered by Honda and Toyota is simple, although, and there are actually areas which are class-leading (simply not many). Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at every in a wide range of totally different classes to assist reply which could be a better option for you.
Learn our full 2023 Honda HR-V Evaluate
Learn our full 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Evaluate
Which has a nicer inside?
The HR-V inside is its most interesting attribute, and aside from maybe the Mazda CX-30’s, a class-leading providing. It appears terrific, knobs and buttons click on with Audi-like precision, and supplies are prime notch. The place most SUVs at its worth level have arduous plastic, the HR-V has comfortable simulated leather-based trim. This is applicable even to the midgrade Sport trim, pictured above, which even will get cool-looking fabric upholstery. Performance can be robust with numerous helpful storage.
The Corolla Cross is nothing particular. It can also have some simulated leather-based on the sprint, nevertheless it’s a relatively plain atmosphere with extra arduous plastic. Prime trim ranges are slightly ritzier due to two-tone colour decisions that make issues slightly dour. In the end, that is extra in regards to the HR-V being distinctive.
Which has higher infotainment expertise?
The Corolla Cross will get Toyota’s newest infotainment system for 2023 (above proper), and though faster and prettier than earlier than, there are some usability points. As an example, it now not has bodily menu shortcut buttons that make it simpler to navigate – particularly when utilizing Apple CarPlay. Honda’s system nonetheless has these and is best for it. Now, not like the Corolla Cross, the HR-V has two infotainment choices. The bottom unit discovered within the LX and Sport measures 7 inches and is less complicated in operation, although nonetheless offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L will get a 9-inch display screen (pictured above left) with colour graphics, a customizable house display screen and completely docked menu icons. That is the one that appears extra akin to Toyota’s, however each are in the end simpler to make use of.
Which has the larger again seat?
The HR-V (above left) has one of many largest again seats in its phase, whereas the Corolla Cross is merely common. The specs again that up, with the HR-V measuring 37.7 inches of legroom versus the Corolla Cross’ 32.0 inches. The Toyota does have an additional inch of headroom, nevertheless it’s not like our heads have been within the Honda’s roof. The HR-V is a extra viable alternative as a household car.
Which has extra cargo capability and performance?
The HR-V’s cargo quantity is bigger on paper at 24.4 cubic-feet (pictured under left). In our real-world testing, although, the HR-V underwhelmed because of an angled liftgate opening that robs it of performance. We nonetheless managed to suit six suitcases, nevertheless it wasn’t simple. We have now not examined the Corolla Cross (pictured under proper). On paper, it has 24 cubic-feet of cargo house behind its again seat with front-wheel drive and 21.5 cubic-feet with all-wheel drive or a hybrid powertrain. The Hybrid additionally loses its spare tire. If hauling stuff is vital to you, look to any of the next rivals: Ford Bronco Sport, VW Taos and Kia Seltos.
Which is safer?
Neither was totally crash examined by the NHTSA on the time of this writing. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security gave each the best-possible score of Prime Security Choose+. Solely their headlights acquired one thing apart from a prime mark, however have been nonetheless rated the second-best “Acceptable.”
When it comes to security gear, they’re equally geared up aside from the HR-V getting uncommon rear aspect airbags. Each come customary with ahead collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality and lane-centering steering help. Blind-spot warning is customary on all however their base trim ranges. Regardless of having the identical options, we broadly contemplate Honda’s system to be higher executed.
Which will get higher gasoline economic system?
Welcome to the win column Corolla Cross! It will get 31 mpg metropolis, 33 mpg freeway and 32 mpg mixed with front-wheel drive, after which 29/32/30 with all-wheel drive. It additionally gives one thing no different model does on this phase aside from Kia: a hybrid powertrain. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, pictured under in S and XSE trim ranges, returns an distinctive 45/38/42 with its customary all-wheel-drive system.
The HR-V’s gasoline economic system is 26/32/28 with FWD and 25/30/27 with AWD. This isn’t solely decrease than the Corolla Cross, however greater than many rivals.
Which is extra highly effective?
This query is like asking “which of those tortoises is quicker?” The Corolla Cross and HR-V are two of the slowest new automobiles on sale right now, and worse, are saddled with repeatedly variable transmissions that end in loud, disagreeable droning noises. The Toyota does have extra energy at 169 horsepower versus 158, and 0-60 testing has proven it to be a few half-second faster. Each are within the 9-second vary, which once more, is absolutely gradual. On the upside, the Corolla Cross Hybrid improves issues because it produces 196 horses and slices two seconds of the 0-60 time. This mix of energy and effectivity makes the Corolla Cross Hybrid essentially the most interesting powertrain of this pair, and possibly offers the largest motive to purchase the Toyota as a substitute.
Which is best to drive?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s further energy in all probability provides it the leg up right here, however when evaluating gas-only variations, we’d somewhat drive the HR-V. It’s impressively refined for the phase with a extra substantial, refined really feel to the way in which it goes round a nook and sops up bumps. The steering is gradual and also you positively gained’t get pleasure from your self behind the wheel as you would possibly in a Civic and even CR-V. The gas-only Corolla Cross is resoundingly blah to drive, and the “sport-tuned” suspension of the Hybrid doesn’t precisely make issues zestier. It additionally doesn’t hamper the expertise.
Which is extra comfy?
As talked about above, the HR-V has a extra substantial and complicated really feel to the way in which it goes down the street. We additionally barely desire its seats and driving place, however after all, that’s a matter of non-public desire greatest found throughout take a look at drives.
Are there variations that stand out greater than others?
Straightforward, the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Its gasoline economic system and efficiency signify the principle causes to not solely select it over the HR-V, however different SUVs in its phase. The Hybrid can be solely out there in sport trim ranges (S, SE and XSE), which embrace a sport-tuned suspension (a relative time period), LED exterior lighting and sharper appears together with totally different front-end styling. The XSE is pictured under.
When was the final time they have been redesigned?
The HR-V was fully redesigned for 2023, and you may learn in regards to the modifications in our first drive evaluation. The Corolla Cross was all-new for 2022 and acquired its infotainment system upgraded for 2023. The Hybrid additionally debuted in 2023.
Which is cheaper and gives extra gear?
Costs are nearly similar – it’s nearly like its product planners have been conserving monitor of what the opposite firm was doing! The HR-V EX-L prices greater than the range-topping XLE, however after sitting in each, you’d in all probability agree it ought to value extra. It additionally has a bit extra customary gear (alloy wheels versus steelies, for example). Corolla Cross Hybrid pricing is about $2,000 greater than a comparably geared up gas-only Corolla Corolla Cross or HR-V. This appears affordable, particularly when you think about it contains all-wheel drive and a big efficiency enchancment.
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