Skip to main content

Both the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla Cross are popular small crossover SUV models. The RAV4 is the best-selling SUV, while Corolla Cross builds off of the success of the best-selling car, the Corolla. In making a buying decision between the two crossover SUVs, the RAV4 has several advantages. Here are four reasons to buy a 2023 Toyota RAV4, not a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross.

2023 Toyota RAV4 has more passenger and cargo space than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

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

The first reason to buy a 2023 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is the RAV4 has more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla Cross. While both SUVs can seat up to five people, the RAV4 has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft, compared to 95.9 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. The additional passenger space makes the most significant difference for the rear seats. While the RAV4 has 37.8 inches of rear legroom, the Corolla Cross provides only 32.0 inches.

With its larger overall size, the RAV4 has a more spacious cargo area. Behind the rear seats, it has a cargo capacity of up to 37.6 cu-ft, compared to 26.5 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. With the rear seats folded down, the RAV4 provides up to 69.8 cu-ft of storage space, compared to 66.8 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross.

2023 RAV4 has quicker acceleration than the 2023 Corolla Cross

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

The second reason to buy a 2023 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is the RAV4 has quicker acceleration than the Corolla Cross. The RAV4 offers three engine variants, and they all have a faster 0-60 mph acceleration time than the two engine variants for the Corolla Cross.

RAV4 acceleration for each engine:

  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder: 7.8 seconds
  • Hybrid: 7.5 seconds
  • Plug-in hybrid (RAV4 Prime): 5.5 seconds

Corolla Cross acceleration for each engine:

  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine: 9.2 seconds
  • Hybrid: 8.0 seconds

Toyota RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the Toyota Corolla Cross

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

The third reason to buy a 2023 RAV4 instead of a 2023 Corolla Cross is the RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the Corolla Cross. While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the Corolla Cross (up to 8.6 vs. 8.1 inches). With higher ground clearance, the RAV4 can more effectively and safely drive over rough terrain. Also, unlike the Corolla Cross, the RAV4 offers off-road-focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Wilderness Edition, and Adventure trims.

2023 RAV4 is better for towing than the 2023 Corolla Cross

The fourth reason to buy a 2023 RAV4 instead of a 2023 Corolla Cross is the RAV4 is better for towing than the Corolla Cross. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. In comparison, the Corolla Cross can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has advantages over the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross for passenger and cargo space, quicker acceleration, off-road capabilities, and towing. These are four solid reasons for crossover SUV shoppers to buy a 2023 RAV4, not a 2023 Corolla Cross.

Related

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Corolla Cross: Hi Little Brother!