Hey everyone! I’ve had my Scion for years, and I’m excited to get another Toyota soon. Right now, I’m choosing between the RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid. I plan to keep it long-term, not looking to trade anytime soon.
I noticed the Corolla Cross Hybrid mentions a CVTi-S transmission, while reviews seem to favor the RAV4’s eCVT. Has anyone had experience with these? I tried searching, but it’s been tough to find good info on the CVTi-S. Any thoughts on how these transmissions compare? Thanks in advance!
Actually, both the RAV4 and Corolla Cross Hybrids use eCVT transmissions.
Toyota’s website has an error on this. It mistakenly lists the Corolla Cross Hybrid with a CVTi-S, but it’s just a typo. They likely copied info from the gas-only Corolla Cross. If you check the detailed specs on Toyota’s site, you’ll see the correct transmission listed: eCVT for hybrids and CVTi-S for the gas models.
One thing to consider is the vehicle’s security in your area. Check out CBC Marketplace’s “Gone In Seconds” episode in Canada. The Corolla Cross has an encrypted CAN bus, so it’s harder to steal compared to the RAV4.
The Corolla Cross also has the newer 5th-gen hybrid system with eCVT and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The RAV4 is a bit behind on these features, though the 2025 or 2026 model might catch up. Keep in mind that there can be long waiting lists for these models.
Also, the rear seat space in the Corolla Cross is a bit tighter for legroom, and the rear doors don’t open as wide as the front doors. This could be a concern if you have young kids in rear-facing car seats or often have rear passengers.
If build quality is important, consider that the Lexus UX300H (built in Japan) shares the same engine, hybrid system, and eCVT as the Corolla Cross Hybrid in North America. Test-driving a few options might be a good idea!