YOUR TAKE:
The driving experience of the Corolla Cross offers a gentle ride, making it ideal for daily commuting, while the RAV4 is more rugged and suited for off-road adventures. In terms of cargo capacity, the Corolla Cross has a smaller cargo area, whereas the RAV4 provides a larger, more practical space for carrying gear and luggage.
I find that Cross is a louder ride. I find this vehicle to be quite affordable, yet it offers great value for the price and is particularly well-suited for city living. I absolutely love the RAV4. It has top-notch sound deadening and offers a smooth ride quality. It’s got all the bells and whistles, so to speak.
I own BOTH and I REALLY REGRET getting the corolla cross. I wish I had just paid the 5-8k more to get another Rav4.
The best way I can explain is this, the Rav4 is a goldilocks car. Its large enough but not too large that parking and fuel economy is a problem. its high enough that you dont have to climb into or crawl down into it. Its engine is fast enough to do quick merges into oncoming traffic but not overpowered and inefficient. its ergonomics are just perfect. A little change in one direction or another ruins it. The cross sits lower. its more cramped. I cant put a baby seat in the back and comfortably sit in the front. its engine is TERRIBLY weak, its a corolla engine (which works on a small low car) but its underpowered for an suv, merging into oncoming traffic is sketchy af and I have to hold my breath and floor it. its pick up/torque is terrible. worst of all it depreciates wayyyyyy worse that the rav4. people know and trust the rav4. my rav4 i bought 2019 before pandemic/inflation and I just kbb valued it and it holding almost the SAME value as I bought it which is crazy. I bought my cross in 2022 and it already dropped like 6-8k in value.
I prefer the Corolla Cross Hybrid to the RAV4 Hybrid because I prioritize fuel efficiency, city maneuverability, and a slightly smaller-sized car.
RAV4 hybrid. Better value for your money. If you’re going to buy a Corolla Hybrid, you might as well purchase the tiny model.