There's no shortage of options available in the Canadian subcompact crossover market, with every major manufacturer targeting this fast-growing segment with at least one model. A new arrival on the scene is the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, and it's made an immediate impact with its highly attractive combination of power, comfort, and style.
To see why this new Corolla is proving to be so popular, we've compared it to one of its more established subcompact rivals, the 2022 Honda HR-V, and here's what we found.
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2022 Honda HR-V: In Summary
| 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross | 2022 Honda HR-V | |
| Engine | 2.0L four-cylinder gas | 1.8L four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 141 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 127 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Towing Capacity | 682 kg | 455 kg |
| Max Cargo | 1,892L | 1,665L |
| Fuel Economy (City / Highway) | 7.6L / 7.1 | 8.4L / 6.9L |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 7" or 8" | 0" or 7" |
Both of these subcompact SUVs pack a powerful punch for their size, but the Corolla Cross has a substantial advantage in the performance stakes. The Toyota's 2.0L four-cylinder engine makes a healthy 169 horsepower and 150lb-ft of torque, an ample amount to propel the small frame with agile confidence and poise.
The Honda is certainly no slouch, but its 1.8L four-cylinder engine delivers only 141 horsepower and 127lb-ft, making it seem a little underpowered in comparison.
To complete the powertrain picture, both vehicles are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and both are front-wheel drive as standard with all-wheel drive available as an option.
Both of these SUVs offer attractive fuel economy figures. The Corolla Cross has a sizable advantage for city driving, with a rating of 7.6L / 100km against the Honda's 8.4L. The tables are turned for highway driving, although the gap is much smaller, with the Honda HR-V running at 6.9L / 100km compared the Toyota's 7.1L.
Towing Capacity and Cargo
The difference in engine output makes itself felt not only in everyday driving performance, but in towing capacity. Unusually for a subcompact crossover SUV, the Corolla Cross has a generous maximum tow rating of 682kg, while the Honda is more true to the segment with a lower figure of 455kg.
The Toyota also holds an advantage in available cargo space. With all seats upright, there's a healthy 722L available, against the Honda's 688L. And with the second row folded, it offers 1,892L, comfortably more than the Honda's 1,665L.
At the entry level, the Corolla Cross is supplied with a 7" infotainment touchscreen display, while the base-level HR-V is sold with none. Higher Toyota trims upgrade the screen to a generous 8", while even at the top level the Honda's doesn't exceed 7". Both cars also feature connectivity as standard through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Moving up the Corolla Cross trims brings new tech features including wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot facility, and in-built navigation, but unfortunately none of these are available on the Honda at any level.
And lastly, every Corolla Cross offers a digital instrument gauge display, starting at 4.2" at the base level and leaping up to 7" in higher trims. Again, this isn't a feature offered on the Honda at any level.
Every model in the 2022 Corolla Cross lineup is supplied with a rich set of active safety and driver assist features, with highlights including:
- Forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking.
- Lane departure warnings with lane keep assist.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Traffic sign recognition.
Except for traffic sign recognition, these features are also available on the Honda HR-V, but only at higher trim levels. The Toyota comes much better equipped out of the box.
The Toyota and Honda are sold with almost identical warranties, with basic coverage for three years or 60,000km, whichever comes first. Corrosion cover lasts for five years and unlimited miles, while powertrain coverage is for five years or 100,000km.
However, the Toyota is supplied with a significant reliability advantage, as the warranty also includes a free maintenance plan lasting for two years or 40,000km, helping to keep it running in perfect condition.
For a brand-new model, the Corolla Cross has succeeding in checking nearly every box available, and holds a substantial advantage over the Honda HR-V in virtually all the areas that matter. Both of these subcompact SUVs will serve you well for everyday city driving, but for a premium experience at an affordable price, the Toyota is the better choice.
See for yourself why the 2022 Corolla Cross has made such a strong impression by booking a test drive from Oakville Toyota. If you're looking for a compact crossover with a huge amount of personality, the Corolla Cross delivers.
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