Compact SUVs remain one of the most competitive segments, and two standout options are the 2026 Honda HR-V and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. Both models bring style, practicality, and advanced features, but the 2026 Honda HR-V is built to deliver more space, smarter tech, and driver-focused versatility that truly elevates the experience. From cutting-edge connectivity upgrades to a striking new design, the HR-V easily sets itself apart. Keep reading for the 2026 Honda HR-V vs. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison by Battison Honda in Oklahoma City, OK.
Honda gave the 2026 HR-V a bold refresh that amplifies its modern, youthful appeal. Subtle exterior updates include sharper wheel designs across trims: Pewter Gray 17-inch alloys on the LX, Berlina Black 18-inch alloys on the Sport, and sleek machine-finished 18-inch alloys on the EX-L. Sport models also receive exclusive Boost Blue Pearl paint, while Solar Reflection Metallic joins the lineup for a sophisticated look on LX and EX-L trims. Privacy glass on the LX and gloss black tailgate badging on Sport models further enhance style. By comparison, the Toyota Corolla Cross adds a sportier FX special edition, but the changes are less comprehensive than the full lineup upgrades of the HR-V.
Inside the 2026 Honda HR-V, drivers are treated to one of the most intuitive cabins in its class. A new 9-inch color touchscreen with a faster processor is now standard on the LX and Sport, bringing wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and a wireless phone charger effortlessly integrated for a clutter-free space. The EX-L trim raises the bar with added luxury details like silver steering wheel spokes, dynamic climate control knob lighting, and illuminated footwells. Toyota equips the Corolla Cross with a 4.2-inch display on base trims, with an optional 10.5-inch screen on higher grades, but lacks across-the-board upgrades like standard larger screens.
Practicality often defines a great SUV, and the Honda HR-V shines brightest here. The HR-V offers up to 98.7 cubic feet of passenger volume on trims without a moonroof and an impressive 55.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making daily drives and road trips easier. Toyota’s Corolla Cross provides 94.9 cubic feet of passenger space and only 26.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, a massive gap that places Honda far ahead. Additionally, the HR-V comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control on all trims, something not even available on entry-level Corolla Cross models.
Under the hood, the 2026 Honda HR-V delivers 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with a smooth and confident driving experience tailored for city streets and highway travel. Toyota’s Corolla Cross offers slightly more horsepower at 169, but Honda balances performance with versatility. A standard 3-mode drive system, ECON, Normal, and Snow, gives HR-V drivers more control for varying road conditions, while Toyota does not provide a comparable feature. Combined with Honda’s reputation for reliability, the HR-V ensures a more engaging drive every time.
The differences are evident when comparing the 2026 Honda HR-V and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. Honda offers a more versatile cabin with significantly larger cargo and passenger space, richer interior finishes, and more advanced technology available as standard equipment. For drivers looking for an SUV that combines practicality, comfort, and forward-thinking design, the 2026 Honda HR-V delivers in ways the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross doesn’t match. To learn more about the 2026 Honda HR-V or get behind its wheel, contact Battison Honda in Oklahoma City, OK, today.