Compare the2026 Toyota Corolla Cross HybridVS 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Tucson Hybrid doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Tucson Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is safer than the Tucson Hybrid:

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corolla Cross Hybrid for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Hyundai doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Tucson Hybrid.

There are over 45 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s reliability 17 points higher than the Tucson Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 60 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 25th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 10th.

On the EPA test cycle the Corolla Cross Hybrid gets better mileage than the Tucson Hybrid:

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Tucson Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid stops shorter than the Tucson Hybrid:

For better maneuverability, the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the Tucson Hybrid’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.6 feet).

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 550 pounds less than the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid is 6.6 inches shorter than the Tucson Hybrid, making the Corolla Cross Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has a higher maximum payload capacity than the Tucson Hybrid (1215 vs. 1169 lbs.).

The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Tucson Hybrid’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the Tucson Hybrid SEL/Limited’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Cross Hybrid the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Tucson Hybrid can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Hyundai only offers heated mirrors on the Tucson Hybrid SEL/Limited.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid has an 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Tucson Hybrid doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.