As more and more buyers have migrated from sedans to crossovers, we’ve seen big changes. One of the biggest signs was when the famous Corolla nameplate added a dedicated crossover version, predicatively called Corolla Cross, which also goes head-to-head with Honda’s popular sub-compact: the HR-V. Both these models are quite large for the segment and are more affordable compared to RAV4 and CR-V. So, who wins in this 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V battle? Well let’s go ahead and find out!
Pricing and Equipment
First, to get things established here, let’s quickly talk pricing.
Starting with the HR-V, we have the fully loaded model, which is the EX-L. After that all we have is optional paint and the destination charge to get us to a total price of $31,455
HR-V (EX-L AWD): $29,650 | Options: +$455 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $31,455
Keeping things equivalent, that money on the pricier Corolla Cross will get you the SE Hybrid, with its one main option package for some luxury goodies. Its total price is $32,380.
CC (SE Hybrid AWD): $29,290 | Options: +$1,740 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $32,380
If you want to get the best price from local dealerships and access to invoice pricing info for these two models or any vehicle, we have a tool on our website to do just that. Click here for more info.
This comparison will be scored objectively, and we have done our best to weigh the points awarded throughout in major and minor categories. But let’s not waste any time getting into it!
Exterior Design
We will begin on the outsides, where you will see design and feature differences. Neither of them looks like the bigger offerings in their respective lineups, CR-V and RAV4, since they are smoother and sleeker. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend the big bucks to get standard LED headlights, although the Corolla’s are superior projector LED’s. HR-V fights back though with LED daytime running lights and turn signals.
Neither of them has fog lamps, and continuing to the sides, you’ll see that the HR-V has a few inches of extra length on the Cross Corolla. We will see later if that translates to extra interior space, but as far as the outside, they both have 17-inch contrast alloy wheels.
Length: 175.6-inches (Corolla Cross) | 179.8-inches (HR-V)
You might notice that there is also some cladding around the wheel arches. The HR-V finishes it in a more premium gloss black instead of matte black.
In the back, the HR-V strikes a surprisingly premium note with its full-LED taillights, which is something the Corolla doesn’t quite have.
Both of them have spoilers, wipers and hidden exhaust outlets.
Additional Features
Now checking out some of the individual odd and end features, both of their mirrors have heating and blind spot monitoring, and both models come standard with their entire safety suite no matter which trim you choose. That includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection and auto high beam headlights.
Lastly, warranty coverage is the same.
Both: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: 2 yrs
So that concludes the outside, let’s get into all the interior specs and features.
Interior Design
Now let’s move things inside, and as we walk up to these two models, you will notice that they both have smart entry systems. HR-V also has remote start on the fob free for life, while Toyota requires a subscription after the trial period has ended.
Let’s start by talking about the seats themselves, which are surprisingly power-adjusting and leather-covered on the Honda, and neither of those things on the Corolla Cross.
Once inside the cabins, we can check out the major point category of material quality. Just like with the seats, the HR-V impresses for the price point, with a range of padded plastics and leatherette trim through the door trims, dash, and center console. In comparison, Corolla Cross has hard touch plastics in all of these areas.
Once you fire the two crossovers up, you an analog setup with 4.2 Multi-Function Display on the Toyota, and a half-digital cluster on the Honda.
Obviously, neither of them will offer head up displays.
Storage and Technology
Both steering wheels have the same materials and features, but when it comes to storage, we have plenty of differences. Honda took the same amount of space and worked their magic, sculpting the console area into a highly functional arrangement that can hold more stuff than the Toyota.
Text: both have wireless phone chargers
Looking at the shifters next, both are sticking with traditional ones, and once in reverse, both have regular multi-view backup cameras with electronic parking brakes.
Moving up the dashboard, next we have climate controls. They will be single-zone automatic on the Corolla and dual-zone automatic on the Honda. We also have heated seats on the Honda, which aren’t offered on the Corolla until the XLE or XSE trims.
Now let’s go ahead and take an audio sample to see how they sound. The JBL system packs more of a punch than the Honda’s unbranded system.
HR-V: 8 speakers
CC: 9-Speaker JBL audio w/ subwoofer
Infotainment-wise, both are offering the things people appreciate in this class. While the Honda’s screen is an inch larger, both of them have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Toyota also includes their integrated navigation system as well.
Wrapping up the front of the cabins, The HR-V has an auto-dimming mirror and both have sunroofs.
Rear Seats and Cargo
Now let’s head into the rear seats and the cargo areas, which are also very important. If you remember from the exterior part, the HR-V has a size advantage, which does translate to more rear legroom. Headroom on the other hand is well below the 5% difference required to score a point.
Corolla: 32.0 inches of legroom | Headroom: 39.1-in
HR-V: 37.7 inches for legroom | Headroom: 38.0-in
As far as the features back here, the Corolla Cross gives you more for comfort and convenience. It has vents and USB ports, both of which are unavailable on the HR-V.
Out back, neither have power tailgates but we see the Corolla continue with another advantage. It has an exceptionally large maximum cargo capacity, which is as big as some models in the class-above. Even still, the HR-V does have more space behind the rear seats.
CC: Behind 2nd row: 21.5 cubic feet | Max: 61.8 cu.ft
HR-V: Behind 2nd row: 24.4 cubic feet | 55.1 cu.ft with the seats folded
Alright, we’re done with the interiors now, but some of the most important things to consider take place on the test drive, so let’s take this fight to the streets!
Powertrains
Finlly, what’s under the hood of these two? Well, the HR-V comes only with a 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, while the Corolla Cross now has both gas and hybrid varieties and we have the latter. This means that the Toyota has a substantial acceleration advantage. That’s not to say that either of them will blow you away, but the new HR-V is slower than the previous generation with about a 10 second 0-60.
CC: 2.0L I-4 + Elec: 196 hp
HR-V: 2.0L I-4: 158 hp | 138 lb.ft
Transmission-wise, we have a CVT and eCVT, respectively. While responsive, both of them drone quite a bit under hard acceleration. And handling-wise, the Honda has the more balanced feel when the roads start to get twisty.
Test Drive and Fuel Economy
Now out on the highway, sound insolation is important, which is why we take sound-level readings of every vehicle we test here at Car Confections. The Corolla Cross continues its comeback with a sound level reading about 3 dB quieter than the HR-V.
CC: 57.3 dB @ 55 MPH
HR-V: 60.7 dB @ 55 MPH
Lastly, let’s get into fuel economy. As you would expect, the hybrid is going to be vastly superior, 15 MPG combined to be exact. While other parts of the world have HR-V hybrids, here in the U.S, 27 combined with AWD is the best it can do.
CC: 45/38/42 MPG
HR-V: 25/30/27 MPG
Does the Corolla Cross need more work?
So that’s the end of this comparison between two Japanese subcompact heavyweights. HR-V comes out on top today but let’s talk about some reasons you might either of them as “your personal winner”.
Corolla Cross:
- The available hybrid system (more power, better mpg)
- More maximum cargo capacity
HR-V:
- Nicer interior finishes
- More features at the low 30k price point
Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick! Or would you pick something else entirely, like a Seltos or Taos?
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