Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona: Which Is Best
Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona: Which Is Best
Posted on June 15, 2023
The 2022 Corolla Cross is the newest model in the Toyota line-up offering excited Edmonton drivers a compact crossover at an affordable price point. In terms of size, the Corolla Cross fits right between the C-HR and RAV4, offering up 440 litres of cargo space.
Available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, the Corolla Cross is also loaded with the latest Toyota entertainment and technology features. So how does this hot new crossover stack up against its biggest competitors — Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona? We break down all the details so you can decide which ride is right for you.
What Is The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross?
Before we compare these popular compact SUVs against one another, get to know the new Toyota Corolla Cross.
As its name suggests, the Cross is in the Corolla family and has the same 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine that puts out 169 horsepower and whose AWD model gets an impressive 7.8 L/100 km Combined. At the same time, advanced features like dual variable valve timing with intelligence and a stop-and-start engine system reduce emissions and help you get the most out of every litre. As Edmonton gas prices continue to jump, the Corolla Cross is as fuel-efficient an SUV as they come.
Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V
We compare the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. the 2022 Honda HR-V in terms of performance, fuel economy, safety features, technologies, and affordability. All bias aside, the Corolla Cross comes out ahead as the best SUV in every category.
Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V: Fuel Efficiency & Performance
When it comes to performance, the Corolla Cross has the edge, delivering 169 horsepower and 150 lb. ft of torque. Compare that to the Honda HR-V whose 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine only puts out 141 horsepower and 127 lb. ft. of torque —  a noticeable difference felt almost instantly on the highway. The Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V are almost identical in terms of fuel efficiency with both compact crossovers getting 7.8-8.5 L/100 km combined.
Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V: Safety Features
When it comes to Safety, Toyota usually bests most competing manufacturers and that is the case with the Cross and HR-V. While the 2022 Corolla Cross comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection & Bicycle Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist & Road Edge Detection, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist and Auto High Beam. The Honda HR-V doesn’t start adding these advanced safety features until you reach the higher trims — which means you pay extra.
Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V: Technology
When we said the Cross was better in every respect, this especially holds up when you compare the two crossovers in terms of technology offerings. The 2022 Corolla Cross offers standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Satellite Radio AND a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 2022 HR-V offers satellite radio on higher trim levels but does not currently have a Wi-Fi hotspot as an optional feature. We should also mention that the JBL nine-speaker sound system in the Corolla Cross XLE puts the HR-V Touring sound system to shame.
Corolla Cross vs. Honda HR-V: Affordability
The Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $24,890 and goes up to $33,990 for the Corolla Cross XLE AWD, with various packages and upgrades available. The 2022 Honda HR-V starts at $26,200 for the LX model and goes up to $34,700 in the Touring model. Keep in mind, with the Honda it makes the most sense to buy at the top trim level to get the best in features and amenities where the Corolla Cross comes with far more standard features in the base model.
Is The Toyota Corolla Cross or Honda HR-V Better?
With the 2022 Corolla Cross coming out on top as a more fuel-efficient, more powerful and more affordable SUV over the Honda HR-V, it seems to us the clear winner in this match-up is the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30
Now let’s compare the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross to the Mazda CX-3 in all the same categories. While this match-up is a little closer than the Honda HR-V, the Corolla Cross is superior in certain ways. Read on to learn more.
Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30: Fuel Efficiency & Performance
By now, you know the Corolla Cross’s 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine puts out 169 horsepower and 150 ft. tq. Compare that to the Mazda CX-30’s 2.5-liter turbo that puts out 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque and the better performer in terms of power is the Mazda. In terms of efficiency, The Mazda CX-30 comes in at 7.7 L/100 km on the highway. However, if you plan on doing most of your driving in the city, the Toyota Corolla Cross has the obvious edge, giving you 7.6-8.1L/100 km, 2-3 litres better than the CX-30 which ranges from 9.4-11 L/100 km.
Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30: Safety Features
Comparing these two SUVs in terms of their safety offerings yields a tie in our opinion. It more or less depends on which safety features you prefer. In the Corolla Cross, while Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring are available upgrades, Toyota Safety Suite 2.0 comes standard. The Mazda CX-30 hosts the same tech standard in addition to Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring. However, you need to upgrade to a higher trim for Lane Keeping Assist.
Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30: Technology
The Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30 find themselves evenly matched in the technology department as well. With a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio and Bluetooth all standard, the one difference that gives the Cross a slight edge is the Wi-Fi hotspot which can pair the internet connection from a smartphone directly to the infotainment system. This feature is a real game changer for anyone needing to get things done — even on the road.
Corolla Cross vs. Mazda CX-30: Affordability
The 2022 Corolla Cross L has an MSRP of $24,890 and goes up to $33,990 with the Corolla Cross XLE. Meanwhile, the 2022 CX-30 GX comes in much higher for the base model with an MSRP of $28,175 and tops out at $36,575 for the GT.
Is The Corolla Cross or Mazda CX-30 Better?
While the Mazda CX-30 is a closer contender than the Honda HR-V with both SUVs offering standard AWD, the Corolla Cross ends up just nudging it out on a few key points.
The Toyota offers a better fuel economy in the city and has the latest in technology including the Wi-Fi hotspot. It also offers more driver-assisted technologies and is geared towards a more economical buyer.
While buyers who prioritize power might be tempted by the Mazda CX-30 we feel urban drivers will be more inclined to go the Corolla Cross route — but that’s just us.
Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Hyundai Kona
Probably the Corolla Cross’s biggest competitor in the compact crossover segment is the Hyundai Kona. Both of these mini SUVs offer a great fuel economy, more-than-expected interior space and tech upgrades everyone is bound to love. There are a few differences, though which could be a deciding factor when it comes time to choose.
Corolla Cross vs. Hyundai Kona: Fuel Efficiency & Performance
The 2022 Hyundai Kona comes with two different gas-engine options as well as an electric motor. For comparison's sake, we matched up the Kona’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which comes standard on the SE and SEL trim levels with the Corolla Cross’s 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine and found the Cross was more powerful by more than 20 horsepower. Comparing these two in fuel efficiency also finds the Corolla Cross with the edge once again in the city, with a fuel economy of 7.6-8.1 L/100 km compared to the Kona’s 8.2 L/100 km.
Corolla Cross vs. Hyundai Kona: Safety Features
While these two crossovers are evenly matched in most ways, where the Corolla Cross really stands out is in the safety department.
While the Kona does come standard with Downhill Brake Control and Hill-start Assist Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane and Following Assist and Driver Attention Warning — all great features — things like Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability, Parking Distance Warning - Reverse and Highway Driving Assist are all only available on higher and more expensive trim levels.
With the Corolla Cross, you get Toyota’s ENTIRE suite of safety features right off the hop.
Corolla Cross vs. Hyundai Kona: Technology
The Corolla Cross XLE offers an optional power liftgate which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Kona does not. This makes a big difference when it comes to loading and unloading groceries. The Corolla Cross also has way more cargo space than the Kona with its rear seat up (750 litres vs. 543 litres).
Corolla Cross vs. Hyundai Kona: Affordability
While the 2022 Corolla Cross L starts at just $24,890 the Hyundai Kona N is just shy of that $24,054. However, when we match these two SUVs up in terms of value, the most important thing to look at is standard features.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE comes with 8-inch wheels, SofTex-trimmed seating, a 7-inch multi-information display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Hyundai Kona comes standard with a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Corolla Cross offers LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard and the Kona does not, the Kona does have a standard keyless entry which is an upgrade on the Corolla Cross.
Is The Corolla Cross or Hyundai Kona Better?
This match-up is as even as they come, with both SUVs offering something unique. The available AWD makes the Corolla Cross an ideal choice for Edmonton drivers, especially in the winter. But without the competing hybrid powertrain option, those looking to be more economical at the pumps might be swayed towards the Kona.
Keep in mind, when you compare both models’ gas engines, the Corolla Cross is slightly more fuel-efficient in the city. Standard features also vary between the two. Where the Corolla Cross really outshines the Hyundai Kona is in the safety department — in terms of standard features and overall tech performance, Hyundai has a long way to go to catch up to Toyota.
In terms of reliability J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles illustrates that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai models. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. Hyundai is 7th on the list, averaging 3 more problems per 100 vehicles
Shopping 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross in Edmonton
West Edmonton Mall is your Toyota Edmonton Destination. If you’re new to us, you can find us inside West Edmonton Mall. Did we also mention we have the largest selection of Toyotas in Western Canada? So if the Corolla Cross sounds like it might be the right fit for your next vehicle, come see us today. Shop our entire inventory online from the comfort of your home.