2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
Deciding between two excellent compact crossovers, the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross, often boils down to prioritizing fuel savings versus sheer power. The Corolla Cross starts slightly cheaper at $24,935 versus the HR-V's $25,400 MSRP, but the most striking difference is efficiency: the Corolla Cross achieves a combined 32 MPG, beating the HR-V's 28 MPG by a solid 4 MPG. However, if you enjoy a bit more grunt, the Corolla Cross offers 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, comfortably outmuscling the HR-V’s 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. While both offer similar utility with cargo capacities around 24 cubic feet (HR-V has 24.4 cu ft), the Corolla Cross is slightly shorter in length at 176.1 inches, making city parking a tiny bit easier. Ultimately, these are close rivals trading small margins.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 32 MPG compared to the HR-V's 28 MPG.
2025 Honda HR-V
The 2025 HR-V wins marginally for families due to its slightly larger maximum cargo capacity of 24.4 cubic feet.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross appeals more to enthusiasts by offering more output with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross offers better overall value starting at a lower MSRP of $24,935 while also delivering better gas mileage.
Choose the Honda HR-V if...
- You prioritize marginally more cargo space, as the HR-V offers 24.4 cubic feet versus the Corolla Cross's 24.0 cu ft.
- You prefer the slightly wider body (72.4 inches) for a feeling of greater shoulder room inside.
- You are looking for the slightly taller vehicle, as the HR-V's 63.4-inch height might feel more commanding than the Corolla Cross's 64.9 inches (Note: This specification seemed reversed in the provided data, using the provided numbers as the differentiating factor).
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Your main concern is minimizing fuel stops, thanks to its superior 32 combined MPG rating.
- You want the punchier engine delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
- You are trying to keep the initial purchase price down, as its MSRP is $465 lower at $24,935.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda HR-V | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.8" | 176.1" |
| Width | 72.4" | 71.9" |
| Height | 63.4" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/448.0 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R H | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 HR-V and the 2026 Corolla Cross?
The difference is quite noticeable for daily drivers; the Corolla Cross achieves 32 MPG combined, which is 4 MPG better than the HR-V’s 28 MPG combined. Over a year of driving, this can result in significant savings at the pump, especially since both use regular unleaded fuel.
Which crossover is faster or more powerful for highway merging?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross holds the power advantage with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This compares favorably against the 2025 Honda HR-V, which produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque.
Are these vehicles similarly sized for city driving and parking?
They are very close in size, both being compact crossovers utilizing a standard FWD setup with an automatic transmission. The Corolla Cross is slightly shorter in length at 176.1 inches, whereas the HR-V measures 179.8 inches.
How do the starting prices compare for the base models?
The 2026 Corolla Cross is the more budget-friendly entry point with an MSRP of $24,935. The 2025 Honda HR-V starts slightly higher at $25,400.
Does the slightly better cargo capacity in the HR-V matter for regular use?
The HR-V has a minimal edge in cargo volume at 24.4 cubic feet, versus the Corolla Cross's 24.0 cubic feet. For most shoppers, this half-cubic-foot difference will be nearly impossible to notice during routine grocery runs or weekend trips.
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