2026 Honda HR-V Vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross: Specs, Trims & Safety
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2026 Honda HR-V vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross at a Glance
- Both subcompact SUVs have a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and FWD or AWD setups.
- The Honda HR-V has more passenger volume, legroom, and cargo space than the Toyota Corolla Cross.
- Each model has three trim levels, but the base Honda HR-V model has more standard features than the Corolla Cross.
- Both have comprehensive safety suites, although the Honda HR-V has more standard and available safety features than the Toyota model.
Wondering what the actual differences are between the 2026 Honda HR-V vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross? The team at Flow Honda in Winston-Salem has compiled this detailed overview of each model to help you uncover which option matches you best.
Honda HR-V vs. Toyota Corolla Cross Specs Chart
 |  | |
| 2026 Honda HR-V | 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Max. Horsepower | 158 | 169 |
| Max. Torque | 138 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 26 / 32 / 281 FWD | 31 / 33 / 322 FWD |
| Passenger Volume | 98.7 cu ft | 93.8 cu ft |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 41.9 / 37.7 in | 42.9 / 32 in |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max) | 24.4 / 55.1 cu ft | 24 / 46.9 cu ft |
Looking at the specs, the Toyota Corolla Cross appears to stand out in terms of performance, at least on paper. However, real-world experience and expert reviews say otherwise. Not only does the Honda HR-V provide more passenger and cargo space, but it also provides a smoother ride and genuinely feels more enjoyable to drive.
According to Car and Driver, their summary of the Honda HR-V is "Spacious interior, well-tuned suspension, few compromises with the base trim," ranking it an 8/10.3 On the other hand, reviews for the Toyota Corolla Cross described it as, "Indifferent powertrain, thinks performance is a dirty word, is fun's biggest enemy," with a 7.5/10 ranking.4 That's a pretty drastic way to state it, but when you take a test drive of each option, we think you'll agree.
2026 Honda HR-V vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Trims
The Honda HR-V is available in three well-equipped trim levels:
- Honda HR-V LX
- Honda HR-V Sport
- Honda HR-V EX-L
Even the base LX model comes with advanced features, with available real-time all-wheel drive, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, cloth seating, 17-inch wheels, a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and automatic climate control.
Moving to the Sport trim affords even more amenities with the addition of a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, a six-speaker audio system, heated front seats, and sporty exterior styling. The EX-L trim adds a moonroof, parking sensors, an eight-speaker audio system, and leather seating.
The Toyota Corolla Cross also has three trim levels:
- Corolla Cross L
- Corolla Cross LE
- Corolla Cross XLE
The base Corolla Cross model has a smaller screen than the Honda HR-V lineup, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. Wireless Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ come standard, as do fabric seats and manual climate control.
The LE model provides wireless device charging and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Upgrade to the XLE for a 10.5-inch touchscreen, a premium nine-speaker audio system, and heated SofTex-trimmed seating on AWD models.
2026 Honda HR-V vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Design
Interior
Inside the Honda HR-V for sale is a thoughtfully designed cabin. Technology features are placed right in the driver's sight and within easy reach. Steering wheel-mounted controls make it easy to shuffle through media or set cruise control, and the large center touchscreen display allows for simple app access. The interior has plenty of space for passengers and smart storage, as well.
The Toyota Corolla Cross interior is a bit more cramped than the HR-V, but it's also designed with drivers in mind. Manual climate control is standard, as is a smaller 8-inch touchscreen display, but if you upgrade to the top-tier model, you'll enjoy up to 10.5 inches of display area. The Corolla Cross interior design is more minimalist than the HR-V's.
Exterior
Flowing lines and elevated finishing touches adorn the HR-V exterior, and available 18-inch alloy wheels give it a premium aesthetic. When it comes to the Corolla Cross, it looks more rugged than the HR-V. It also has available 18-inch alloy wheels that give it a sporty appearance.
In terms of exterior style, the HR-V looks elevated, and the Corolla Cross appeals more to those who prefer a utility-focused design.
2026 Honda HR-V vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Safety & Features
Every new Honda vehicle comes with a suite of driver-assistance features called Honda Sensing. Here's what's included:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Forward Collision Warning System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition System
- Driver Attention Monitor
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
Available driver-assistance tech in the Sport and EX-L trims includes a Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor, Parking Sensors, and Low-Speed Braking Control.
The Toyota Corolla Cross comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which offers:
- Pre-Collision System
- Proactive Driving Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
Blind Spot Monitor is available for the LE and XLE trims.
2026 Honda HR-V vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Dimensions & Cargo
So, how do the Honda and Toyota models stack up when it comes to passenger dimensions? Let's take a look, starting with the interior measurements of the Honda HR-V:
- Headroom (front/rear): 39.4/38 inches
- Legroom (front/rear): 41.9/37.7 inches
- Passenger volume: 98.7 cubic feet
- Cargo volume (min/max): 24.4/55.1 cubic feet
On the other hand, the Corolla Cross boasts the following interior dimensions.
- Headroom (front/rear): 39.5/39.1 inches with moonroof
- Legroom (front/rear): 42.9/32 inches
- Passenger volume: 93.8 cubic feet with moonroof
- Cargo volume (min/max): 21.5 to 24/44 to 46.9 cubic feet (AWD and FWD)
The HR-V isn't just bigger in the rear, it's more comfortable, too. Adults who sit in the second row will feel less cramped. With around 10 more cubic feet of cargo space, it's more cooperative and easier to live with.
See What the Honda HR-V Can Do For You
When interior space, features, and reliability matter most, the Honda HR-V is an excellent choice. RepairPal rates the Honda brand number 1 out of 32 car brands for reliability,5 while it ranks Toyota at number 8.6 There's just no denying the appeal of a Honda vehicle, and when you take advantage of our HR-V specials, you can get into your favorite trim at a price that works with your budget.
Visit or contact our Winston-Salem Honda dealer to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Honda HR-V have more cargo space than the Toyota Corolla Cross?
Yes, the Honda HR-V has more cargo space than the Toyota Corolla Cross in every configuration. The Corolla Cross cargo space varies depending on whether you select an AWD or FWD setup, but the Honda HR-V has a roomy interior, with 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 55.1 cubic feet of space with the back row folded down.
Is the Honda HR-V bigger than the Toyota Corolla Cross?
Yes, the Honda HR-V is slightly larger than the Toyota Corolla Cross, measuring 179.8 inches long versus 176.1 inches for the Toyota model. With its longer body, the Honda HR-V is able to provide more interior passenger volume, legroom, and cargo storage area than the Corolla Cross, making it an ideal choice for families who value comfort.
1Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/hr-v
4Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/corolla-cross
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/honda/hr-v
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/toyota/corolla-cross
