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Cars in Taylor Swift Music Videos2025 Corolla Cross vs Honda HR-V
Which subcompact is worth your consideration? We compare interior, quality and more.Subcompact SUVs Spar It Out
The subcompact crossover class is stacked with options and this 2025 Honda HR-V vs. Toyota Corolla Cross comparison seeks to find out which of these two headliners does it best. Honda’s smallest SUV is now in its second generation as of 2023, while the Corolla Cross was all-new for 2022.
As the Toyota’s name implies, it is a cross between the long-running Corolla car and a utility vehicle. The reality is that both of these contenders are extremely similar on all fronts, with just a few key points differentiating them. Let’s take a look at which does the small crossover better.
Driving and Performance
Whether you go with the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, you’ll find a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-4 engine paired with a CVT that spins the front wheels. The Honda makes 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while the Toyota makes a smidge more at 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
Both offer all-wheel drive as an option and neither is winning any stoplight drag races with 0-60 splits in the low 9-second range. Fuel economy is in the Corolla Cross’ favor at 32 mpg combined. The Honda HR-V offers a combined mpg of 28 mpg.
Comfort and Interior
Inside these little SUVs, you’ll find mostly cloth upholstery, though Honda offers real leather on the top-spec EX-L. Content is also similar with heated front seats included on the mid-pack model of both, and dual-zone automatic climate control arriving in the range-topping HR-V EX-L and Corolla Cross XLE.
And while the 24 cubic-foot cargo space metric is identical in both cases, the Honda bests the Toyota in other key cabin metrics. Mainly its 38″ of rear legroom versus 32” for the Corolla Cross and 4 extra cubic feet of overall cabin volume. But every Corolla Cross comes with a 9” infotainment touchscreen and wireless smartphone mirroring, features that require the highest trim line with the HR-V.
Recommended Trim Levels
Though both Honda and Toyota offer a range of premium niceties as you move through the trim ladders of their respective subcompact SUVs, the purpose of such vehicles is arguably budget-friendly transportation. So stick with the base models of both, as each offers a nice roster of amenities. The $26,850 HR-V LX comes with alloy wheels, LED headlights, and automatic climate control.
It also has forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control. The entry-level Corolla Cross L is $1,300 cheaper and this does show up in the steel wheels. But those are easily overlooked as it matches the Honda on nearly every other base model feature, while adding a six-speaker stereo (the Honda has four), and a larger touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
The Verdict
Choosing a winner in this Honda HR-V vs. Toyota Corolla Cross is splitting hairs. Both are very similarly equipped and are only a thousand dollars apart, one way or the other, on price. Powertrain warranties are identical at five years, but Toyota includes two years of complimentary maintenance versus one from Honda. The HR-V has a slightly larger passenger compartment and includes higher-end features on its various models, though they are pricier than what Toyota is selling.
Also in Toyota’s favor, the Corolla Cross has better fuel economy and all three of its trim lines stay under the $30,000 threshold. Given these compact crossovers’ positioning as inexpensive transportation pods, all else nearly equal, we’d have to give the nod to Toyota for so admirably keeping the price points in check. Plus, Toyota is updating the Corolla Cross for 2026, so look for even more desirable features.
