The two smallest SUVs in the Toyota lineup are the Corolla Cross and the C-HR. While the C-HR has some appealing characteristics, such as its attractive design, there’s something that gives the Corolla Cross an edge. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has one huge advantage over the 2022 Toyota C-HR: a hybrid model.

Unlike the 2022 Toyota C-HR, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross offers a hybrid model

Toyota has a successful lineup of hybrid vehicles — dating back to the debut of the Prius over 20 years ago. And for the 2023 model year, the Japanese automaker has given the hybrid treatment to the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact crossover SUV. 

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota C-HR doesn’t offer a hybrid. All C-HR models are fully gas-powered. Along with the Corolla Cross, other Toyota SUVs offer a hybrid, including the RAV4, Highlander, and Sequoia, but not the C-HR.

2023 Corolla Cross has higher fuel economy than the 2022 C-HR

The most obvious benefit of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is its high fuel economy. The hybrid system in the crossover SUV combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors — for an estimated gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg. 

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota C-HR, which features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 29 combined mpg. Compared to the C-HR, the Corolla Cross gets eight more mpg. That translates to savings at the fuel pump. Also, even the fully gas-powered Corolla Corolla Cross with only a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has higher gas mileage (up to 32 combined) than the C-HR.

Along with being the most efficient Corolla Cross model, the hybrid is also the strongest performer. It delivers 194 horsepower, while the fully gas-powered version of the crossover SUV generates 169 horsepower. In comparison, the C-HR only produces 144 horsepower. Both Corolla Cross models also provide quicker acceleration — with a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds for the hybrid and 9.2 seconds for the fully gas-powered model, compared to 11.0 seconds for the C-HR.

Other ways the Toyota Corolla Cross is better than the C-HR

There are other ways the 2023 Corolla Cross is better than the 2022 C-HR. The Corolla Cross is slightly bigger than the C-HR, resulting in more interior space. Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, but the Corolla Cross has a total passenger volume of 95.0 cu-ft, compared to 84.0 cu-ft for the C-HR.

The Corolla Cross also provides considerably more space for storage. It has a rear cargo capacity of 26.5 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft, compared to 19.1/37.0 cu-ft for the C-HR.

Additionally, the Corolla Cross offers a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system for driving on slippery surfaces and light off-road use. However, the C-HR doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, for all models come equipped with a front-wheel drive system.

Also, the 2023 Corolla Cross is more affordable. It has a starting price of $23,060 MSRP, compared to $24,280 MSRP for the 2022 C-HR. Another issue is availability. The 2022 model year was the last year of production for the C-HR in the American market. It’s no longer available to order on the Toyota site, so if you want a new one, you’ll have to go through a dealership.

With its new hybrid model, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has a huge advantage over the 2023 Toyota C-HR. If you’re choosing between the two subcompact crossover SUVs, then the hybrid model is a key factor to consider.