Skip to main content

Toyota has a superb lineup of crossover SUVs, including the Corolla Cross and the RAV4. Each small crossover SUV has its strengths. However, for this post, we discuss the advantages of the Corolla Cross. Here are four reasons to buy a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, not a 2023 Toyota RAV4.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is cheaper than the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Front angle view of Acidic Blast 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, highlighting its release date and price
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

The first reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross instead of a 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the Corolla Cross is cheaper than the RAV4. The official price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year. However, the cost for each crossover SUV will likely only be slightly higher than the 2022 versions. 

The starting price of the 2022 Corolla Cross ranges from $22,445 MSRP for the L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2023 Corolla Cross gets higher fuel economy than the 2023 RAV4

Rear angle view of black 2023 Toyota RAV4, highlighting its release date and price
2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The second reason to buy a 2023 Corolla Cross instead of a 2023 RAV4 is the Corolla Cross gets higher fuel economy than the RAV4. An efficient crossover SUV results in more savings at the gas pump, especially with the record-high fuel prices.

The Corolla Cross gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 32 combined mpg. In comparison, the RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 mpg. While the RAV4 tops the Corolla Cross for gas mileage for the hybrid variants, for the standard gas-powered models, the Corolla Cross is more efficient.

Toyota Corolla Cross is a safer vehicle than the Toyota RAV4

Rear view of red 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, highlighting its release date and price
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

The third reason to buy a 2023 Corolla Cross instead of a 2023 RAV4 is the Corolla Cross is a safer vehicle than the RAV4. This is due to its safety history with previous crash test evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

For the previous model year, the Corolla Cross earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Considering that the 2023 Corolla Cross and the 2023 RAV4 are both carryover models, they will likely have similar IIHS ratings as the previous model year. 

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has better maneuverability than the 2023 RAV4

The fourth reason to buy a 2023 Corolla Cross instead of a 2023 RAV4 is the Corolla Cross has better maneuverability than the RAV4. As the slightly smaller crossover SUV, the Corolla Cross has a turning circle of only 17.7 cu-ft. In comparison, depending on the trim, the RAV4 has a turning circle that ranges from 18.05 to 18.7 feet.

With the greater maneuverability, it’s easier for the Corolla Cross to drive through traffic and navigate curves and corners. It’s also easier to park and back up the Corolla Cross.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has advantages over the 2023 Toyota RAV4 for its cheaper cost, fuel economy, safety, and maneuverability. When deciding between the two crossover SUVs, these are four key reasons to buy a 2023 Corolla Cross, not a 2023 RAV4. 

For reasons to buy a 2023 RAV4 instead of a 2023 Corolla Cross, continue reading below.

Related

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross: Options, Specs, & Trims — a New Hybrid Model!