2021 Toyota Corolla Cross vs Subaru XV - TNGA vs AWD

Fresh off the boat, the Toyota Corolla Cross is set to make waves in Malaysia, in a segment already brimming with exceedingly talented players. One such talented player is none other than the Subaru XV. A multi-talented and multi-faceted car in its own right, how does the Subaru XV stack up against the new kid on the block, the Toyota Corolla Cross? Find out, we shall.

Pricing

As per the table above, Toyota has decided to keep things simple with its Corolla Cross line-up. You can choose either the entry-level 1.8 G or have all the cool toys that the top-of-the-range 1.8 V brings. So, if you're on a tighter budget, then the Subaru XV will hold more appeal to your wallet. Why is that?

That's because the entry point for Subaru XV is comparatively lower than the Toyota Corolla Cross. That is partly down to having more variants to stretch the price range and entice buyers of varying budgets. That said, the range-topping XV GT Edition's asking price is a shade more than the equivalent Corolla Cross. 

Equipment

It's safe to say that the Corolla Cross left nothing on the table in terms of equipment. Even in the G variant, the standard equipment is competitive. Smart entry, leather upholstery, electric driver's seat, power tailgate and 7 airbags. Step up to the V and you get the premium stuff, like bi-LED headlamps, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 ADAS suite.

Also read: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross’ TSS 2.0 detailed; better choice than the HR-V?

If you just look at the price tag, sure the Corolla Cross comes off a bit pricey. But, once you dive deeper and see what you're getting for your money, you'll see that the Corolla Cross packs a punch in terms of value.

At a glance, the entry-level XV 2.0i is also competitively specced. However, it loses out to the Corolla Cross by not having a powered tailgate (in fact, none of the variants have this feature). Moreover, the 2.0i variant doesn't even sport a leather-wrapped steering wheel, nor automatic headlamps. 

Moving up the range, you obviously get more goodies (the GT Edition mainly gains specific interior and exterior enhancements over the 2.0i-P), but again, the range-topping XV is trumped by the Corolla Cross by virtue of not having any form of ADAS. Sure, ADAS isn't the be-all, end-all when choosing a car, but will it swing a buying decision? You bet.

Living with either one

This is where the Corolla Cross will show the XV a clean pair of heels. Where the Toyota C-HR was a bit cramped and claustrophobic, the Corolla Cross is airy and spacious. It can now even boast of having the biggest boot in its class (440 litres), trumping even the Honda HR-V (437 litres).

In contrast, guess which car has the least boot space in this class? Well it's not the XV, but the Proton X50 (it's really close though). The XV comes in at a paltry 345 litres, just that bit better than the 330 litres in the X50. If you are the kind who buys an SUV to haul stuff, you'd do a lot worse than the Corolla Cross for sure.

Behind the wheel

In my time sampling cars underpinned by the TNGA platform, I've always gone away impressed by the accomplished ride and handling, the fluid chassis and superb body control in almost all the models. And I fully expect it to be business as usual for the Corolla Cross in this respect. 

Having said that, the XV itself is a world-beater when it comes to this, and we rate it highly in the ride and handling department as well. Adding to that, there are things that the XV can do in its sleep that the Corolla Cross cannot even dream of, like treading the beaten path and go mud-slinging with its symmetrical AWD. But, let's keep this on the road.

From our early driving impressions, all the aforementioned TNGA-platform hallmarks are still there in the Corolla Cross, despite now running a torsion beam rear suspension. However, close to the limit, or at higher speeds, the XV - with its double wishbone rear suspension - still leads the way, which is a testament to just how well-sorted its chassis is.

The XV also benefits from superior traction from its AWD drivetrain, making it more versatile in varying conditions, at the expense of higher fuel consumption and weight. However, in 80% of daily driving situations, both cars are exceedingly good to drive, an unexpected bonus for cars of this category. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either the Toyota Corolla Cross or the Subaru XV. Both are very competent cars, and will give you years of motoring bliss. Personally, I've always liked the XV a lot, but in this comparison, I think I'd sign the booking form on the Corolla Cross.

Why? Well, it's the fresher, newer and slightly more practical option, one that has two thirds of the XV's driving talent. In saying that, the best car is always the one that fulfills your needs, and both these cars will do that for you in their own unique ways.

Also read: 

Quick Review: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross in Malaysia, the Toyota SUV you’ve been waiting for