How The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Stacks Up To The Honda H-RV

Compact SUVs are the most popular segment in the automotive industry due to their relatively small running costs and excellent versatility. It just so happens that most of the leading competitors in the compact SUV segment come from Japanese carmakers. Toyota and Honda have been vying for the top spot in dependability and for 2024, Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda H-RV have a lot to offer.  

While both small, Japanese SUVs provide great value for money, one has the slight edge. For 2024, both models have received comprehensive updates, and here's how they compare. 

Toyota recently posted a video on its official channel, comparing the two SUVs side by side. It was more of an “aggressive marketing” move, but I decided to expand a bit on it by adding additional nuances to the comparison.  

How much do the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2024 Honda H-RV cost?  

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross has a starting MSRP of $23,860 for the gas-only model while the Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at $28,220. There are seven trims available, with four of them being hybrid. The non-hybrid Corolla Cross tops at around $29,500 for the XLE trim while the range-topping Corolla Cross XSE hybrid will set you back just under $33,000. 

The 2024 Honda H-RV starts at $25,100. The range-topping H-RV EX-L trim will set you back $29,500. 

Performance and Drivetrains 

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross outperforms its Honda rival in, both, performance and drivetrain options. The non-hybrid variants rely on a 2.0-liter, inline-four engine with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet. All engine options are mated to an e-CVT unit. All-wheel drive is optional.  

The Corolla Cross Hybrid features an FHEV setup, revolving around the base, 2.0-liter engine. Here, the four-cylinder unit works with two electric motors – one developing 113 horsepower and 152 pound-feet and a second one providing 41 horsepower and 62 pound-feet. Combined system output is 197 horsepower, and it results in a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. 

The Honda- HR-V also relies on a 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder engine, which is actually the only option for the model. It develops 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet. The only available transmission is a CVT. All-wheel drive is optional. 

It is a well-known fact that Honda is behind on the BEV front. A partnership with GM aims to allow Honda to make up lost ground, but as it stands, the HR-V is a gas-only model. 

Normally, Honda is the sportiest brand of the two, but the Corolla Cross also comes standard with a sports-tuned suspension, allowing for a sporty feel. 

Fuel economy 

It goes without saying that a non-hybrid vehicle can never match the fuel economy of a hybrid one. According to the EPA ratings, the 2024 Honda HR-V gets 28 MPG for the front-wheel-drive variant and 27 MPG for the all-wheel-drive model.  

Meanwhile, the least-fuel-efficient variant of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross still gets 30 MPG combined without electrification and all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross Hybrid averages 42 MPG, which in city driving, goes up to 45 MPG, making it one of the most fuel-efficient Toyota SUVs you can buy.

Styling 

Both Toyota's and Honda's SUVs feature LED headlights, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid models stand out with unique, sportier styling. The Nightshade trim looks particularly good if you are into blacked-out trim. The Hybrid SE, Hybrid XSE, and Nightshade also come with a two-tone exterior. The Corolla Cross can be equipped with 17 or optional, 18-inch wheels. XLE and Hybrid XSE trims also get a power-lift gate. 

Things are much simpler with the Honda HR-V. The mid-range, Sport trim gets 18-inch wheels instead of 17s. No power-lift gate or two-tone exterior here. 

Interior and pracicality 

Interior-wise, the Corolla Cross can be generously spec'd with SofTex leather seats, with an optional heated function for the front row. Some trims offer a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Dual-zone climate control is also optional. The Corolla Cross's rear seats feature a center armrest and fold 60/40, which increases capacity from 21.5 cubic feet to 61.8.  

The Honda HR-V interior is almost a direct carry-over from the Honda Civic. Honda's compact SUV can be had with cloth or leather upholstery and an eight-way, power-adjustable driver's seat. The rear seats lack center armrest, but also fold 60/40, increasing cargo capacity from 24.4 cubic feet to 55.1. Interestingly enough, the Honda HR-V is more spacious, providing a passenger volume of 98.7 cubic feet versus Toyota Corolla Cross’ 88.4 cubic feet or 87.3 with the optional Moonroof.  

Infotainment 

Toyota Corolla Cross comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. This includes a mirror function for various apps such as Google Maps or YouTube music. For better tunes, you can upgrade the Corolla Cross’ six-speaker audio system to a nine-speaker, JBL Premium sound system. 

The 2024 Honda HR-V starts out with a 7.0-inch touchscreen in LX and Sport trims, but upgrades to a 9.0-inch screen in EX-L trim. Only the top trim offers wireless smartphone connectivity. The base HR-V features a 160-watt, four-speaker audio system, which can be upgraded to a 180-watt system with an additional pair of tweeters. 

Safety 

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2024 Honda HR-V come with a full suite of active and passive safety systems, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with departure warning, automatic high beams, advanced dynamic cruise control, and more. Certain trims on both SUVs can be equipped with blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert as well as front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. 

Both models score high in safety tests. Toyota Corolla Cross won the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick while the Honda HR-V won the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. 

Warranty 

Toyota Corolla Cross comes, as standard, with a two-year/ 25,000-mile scheduled maintenance. There is also a two-year Roadside Assistance with unlimited miles. The Corolla Cross coms with up to eight years/ 100,000 miles of warranty. While the hybrid battery gets 10 years or 150,000 miles. 

The Honda HR-V offers an almost-identical, two-year/ 24,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan. Honda also offers a limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles. 

Reliability 

Both vehicles score high in reliability. We are talking about the two Japanese carmakers for which reliability is still at the top of the list.  

I have looked into two factors in order to determine reliability.  

2024 Honda HR-V reliability score: 83/ 100 (J.D. Power), 4.6/ 5 (Cars.com consumer reviews) 

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross reliability score: 77/ 100 (J.D. Power), 5/ 5 (Cars.com consumer reviews). 

Complaints and praises 

1. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Cons 

There isn't much data for the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross, so I referred to previous model years. Consumer reports for 2023 were a bit mixed. Some owners complain from the lack of power in non-hybrid models, as well as the mediocre ride quality. The Airbag safety recall was also a concern for some buyers. 

2. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Pros 

Other owners praise the generous equipment and high seating position of the Corolla Cross. Many buyers come from other Toyota models and share reliability and value for money are the main reasons to stick with the brand. 

3. 2024 Honda HR-V Cons 

2024 Honda HR-V owners also have a few gripes with their choice of vehicle. This mainly extends to the rather lackluster options list. Some owners that come from older Honda models share the HR-V isn't as generously-equipped. Some owners claim power isn't quite adequate for merging onto highways.  

4. 2024 Honda HR-V Pros 

Owners praise the 2024 HR-V for its well-executed interior, great value for money, and reliability. Another advantage of the Honda HR-V is its surprisingly spacious interior.  

While on paper, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross outperforms the HR-V, the battle isn't as one-sided as it seems. Both SUVs offer great value for money and while the Corolla Cross has a slight advantage in terms of technology, the Honda seems to be slightly more practical. Which one of these compact, Japanese SUVs would you pick? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image sources: 2024 Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross