2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

Having built their reputations on compact, economical mainstream transportation, both Honda and Toyota struggle to stand out in the tiny crossover category. We find it less easy to love the HR-V than its CR-V big brother. Honda's smaller ute has generous cargo room and one of the most spacious rear seats in the class, but that's the HR-V's one standout trait.

The Soul is not available with all-wheel drive, but that's the only knock against it. The boxy body supplies plenty of room fore and aft, with a capacious cargo hold to boot. Its bold styling carries over to the inside, with smart design and an upscale look. Plus, a fully loaded example tops out several thousand dollars less than a similarly equipped Corolla Cross.

The CX-30's swoopy shape has its drawbacks, compromising both rear seat room and visibility. Otherwise, though, the CX-30's rich materials and simple but elegant cabin design lend this subcompact crossover a truly luxurious feel. The available 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder leapfrogs past the Corolla Cross' 169 hp. But even with the standard 191-hp 2.5-liter, its composed ride makes it the driver's choice in the class.