Which one’s better… 2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid or RAV4 Hybrid?

Both models fully loaded. What’s your pick and why?

The Cross is smaller and keeps the rear hybrid cable inside, unlike the RAV4, which has it outside. If you live in a place with salted roads, the RAV4’s cable can have issues. The Cross is also easier to park, but if you’re carrying adults or teens in the back, there’s less room.

Oh, and thieves seem to target the RAV4 more—at least where I live (Ontario). Search for CBC Marketplace’s “Gone In Seconds” if you’re curious.

I’d go with the RAV4 since it’s bigger.

For two people, get the Corolla Cross. If it’s three or more people—or two adults with a medium-sized dog or bigger—then go for the RAV4.

I picked the RAV4 because it’s bigger but still feels easy to drive. Plus, it comes with a real spare tire, which I prefer. The Cross only has a flat repair kit.

The RAV4 is a better car overall, and it holds its value better. Where I live, the Corolla Cross doesn’t even crack the top three for small SUV sales. Meanwhile, the RAV4 dominates the midsize SUV market.

I got a fully loaded Corolla Cross for less than the price of a mid-level RAV4.

The RAV4 is the best-selling SUV for a reason!

Check the rankings. The RAV4 is rated higher:

https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-suvs/hybrid/compact

The RAV4 has a gear transmission.

Penn said:
The RAV4 has a gear transmission.

Pretty sure both hybrids use eCVT transmissions.

Which one is more efficient with space?

The Corolla Cross has a seating capacity-to-area ratio of about 163 dm²/seat. The RAV4’s ratio is 171 dm²/seat. That makes the Cross more efficient in terms of space.

For power, the Cross Hybrid has 196 horsepower and weighs a max of 3,430 lbs, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 57.2/1000 HP/lb. The RAV4 Hybrid has 219 horsepower, weighs up to 3,800 lbs, and has a power-to-weight ratio of 57.6/1000 HP/lb. So the RAV4 edges out here.

But let’s compare overall efficiency by dividing space efficiency by power-to-weight ratio. The Corolla Cross scores 2.84, while the RAV4 scores 2.97. The lower number wins, so the Cross comes out ahead.

Go for the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Just go for the Hybrid Highlander.

Forget those—get the GR Corolla.

Larkin said:
Forget those—get the GR Corolla.

The $65k Corolla? Really?

Sarah said:

Larkin said:
Forget those—get the GR Corolla.

The $65k Corolla? Really?

You’re Canadian, right? Grab a Timmy’s and think about that choice for a minute.

How about the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?

Onyx said:
How about the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?

Nah, hard pass.