The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2023 Honda HR-V are strong competitors in the small compact crossover SUV segment. While the HR-V made big strides for the 2023 model year with a thorough redesign, it still lacks a key element for the American market. And the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has this one huge thing that the Honda HR-V doesn’t offer: a hybrid model.

Unlike the 2023 Honda HR-V, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross offers an efficient hybrid model

The design of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is unchanged for the new model year. However, the crossover SUV makes a big addition with an all-new hybrid model. Like the rest of Toyota’s hybrid lineup, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is very efficient. Combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, it gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 37 combined mpg.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda HR-V doesn’t offer a hybrid model in the United States. While a hybrid variant of the HR-V is available in Europe, you can’t get one in America. This is somewhat surprising, given the popularity of the hybrid version of the CR-V, the HR-V’s larger crossover SUV sibling. In the U.S., all HR-V models come equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg.

With gasoline so expensive these days, the high-level efficiency of the Corolla Cross Hybrid helps alleviate the financial burden of filling up a vehicle at the fuel pump. Customers that choose it instead of the HR-V can benefit from the 9 mpg difference for fuel economy — and resulting savings over the long haul.

2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid also delivers better performance than the 2023 HR-V

Many people have the impression that hybrids are not fun-to-drive. While low power outputs were common in the early days of hybrids, things have changed. Not only is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid efficient, but it also delivers good performance. It’s the best-performing Corolla Cross model and has better performance than the 2023 Honda HR-V.

The hybrid system in the Corolla Cross crossover SUV generates an output of 194 horsepower. In comparison, the gas engine in the HR-V manages only 169 horsepower. Also, with its higher power output, the Corolla Cross Hybrid provides quicker acceleration than the HR-V. It has a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, compared to 8.6 seconds for the HR-V.

Additional advantages of the Corolla Cross over the HR-V

Along with its more powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross crossover SUV has some other advantages over the 2023 Honda HR-V. This includes towing capabilities. While the HR-V is not rated for towing, the Corolla Cross can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Also, the Corolla Cross has more storage space than the HR-V. It has a rear cargo capacity of 26.5 cu-ft — and provides 66.8 cu-ft when you fold down the rear seats. However, the HR-V offers 24.4 cu-ft of rear cargo space and a maximum cargo capacity of only 55.1 cu-ft

While the Honda HR-V might eventually offer a hybrid model in the U.S., it won’t happen for the 2023 model year. So with its new hybrid model, the 2023 Corolla Cross has a significant advantage over the 2023 HR-V.