Is the Honda HR-V more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Based on our data, the Honda HR-V is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 79/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Honda HR-V or the Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Honda HR-V has more recalls (27) compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross (12). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Honda HR-V or the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Corolla Cross has a lower complaint rate at 8 per 10,000 sold versus 11.3 for the Honda HR-V. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Honda HR-V

Excellent

Toyota Corolla Cross

Good

Choosing between the Honda HR-V and the Toyota Corolla Cross? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two subcompact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Honda HR-V currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 79/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross Generations Compare?

The Honda HR-V is currently in its third generation (RZ), introduced in 2023, following a second generation that ran from 2016 to 2022 and included a mid-cycle refresh in 2019. This recent redesign suggests it's at the early stage of its generation cycle, where new models might experience first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial kinks. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla Cross is in its first generation (XG10) as of 2022, with a facelift expected in 2025. Being earlier in its lifecycle, the Corolla Cross might also face typical early-generation challenges, though it benefits from being built on a mature platform shared with the established Corolla lineup, which could enhance its reliability.

Verdict

The Honda HR-V is more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross, scoring 81/100 vs 79/100.

Both the Honda HR-V and the Toyota Corolla Cross achieve an impressive average reliability score of 95/100, but their reliability profiles diverge upon closer inspection. The Honda HR-V has a higher recall count of 27 over nine years compared to the Corolla Cross's 12 recalls in five years. Additionally, the HR-V has a higher owner complaint rate at 11.3 per 10,000 units sold versus the Corolla Cross's 8. While independent repair cost estimates for the HR-V suggest a modest $301 annually, the Corolla Cross's repair costs are not specified. Overall, the Toyota Corolla Cross edges out the HR-V in reliability due to its lower recall and complaint rates.

Key Differences

1Toyota Corolla Cross has 15 fewer total recalls
2Toyota Corolla Cross has 3.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Honda HR-V scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Honda HR-V

—

2Toyota Corolla Cross

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Which Is More Reliable?

Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Honda HR-V	Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability Score	81/100	79/100
Years Tracked	9	5
Total Recalls	27	12
Complaints per 10k Sold	11.3	8
Year Wins	4	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Honda HR-V has a notably higher volume of total complaints compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross, with significant issues in visibility/wiper and electrical systems, the latter also being linked to crashes. The HR-V's steering problems are particularly concerning, with 13 crash-linked complaints, indicating a potential safety issue. On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla Cross exhibits fewer overall complaints, with the electrical system and steering being the most prevalent issues, but with fewer crash-linked incidents. Notably, the Corolla Cross has a higher proportion of airbag-related complaints, with a significant number tied to crashes, highlighting a critical safety concern not as prevalent in the HR-V.

Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross common problem areas comparison
Component	Honda HR-V	Toyota Corolla Cross
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.5Low	1.6Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2Low	0.9Very Low
STEERING	1.2Low	1.5Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	2.3Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	0.4Very Low	0.5Very Low
ENGINE	0.1Very Low	0.8Very Low
VISIBILITY	0.7Very Low	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	0.7Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.3Very Low	0.4Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.7Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.3Very Low	0.3Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.2Very Low	0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.2Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross?

Independent repair cost data indicates that the Honda HR-V has an annual repair cost of $301, with a repair frequency of 0.1 visits per year and a 5% risk of major repairs. Although specific data for the Toyota Corolla Cross is unavailable, the HR-V's low repair frequency and moderate major repair risk suggest it is a reliable option. For cost-conscious buyers, the HR-V's predictable repair expenses and manageable repair risk make it a compelling choice. If the Corolla Cross has similar or lower costs, it could be competitive, but without concrete data, the HR-V currently stands as the better value in terms of maintenance and repair predictability.

How Does Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross Reliability Compare by Year?

Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Honda HR-V	Toyota Corolla Cross	Edge
2025	88/1001R / 26C	86/1000R / 15C	Honda HR-V
2024	83/1004R / 94C	82/1002R / 37C	Honda HR-V
2023	73/1003R / 673C	69/1008R / 168C	Honda HR-V
2022	83/1003R / 62C	80/1002R / 37C	Honda HR-V
2026(predicted)	81/100(predicted)	79/100(predicted)	Honda HR-V

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Honda HR-V scored 88/100 and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross scored 86/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Honda HR-V vs the Toyota Corolla Cross?

If you prioritize low running costs and infrequent repairs, the Honda HR-V might be the better choice for you. With an estimated annual repair cost of $301 and a repair frequency of just 0.1 times per year, you can expect minimal interruptions and expenses. However, be mindful of the higher number of recalls at 27 and owner complaints at 11.3 per 10,000 sold, which may indicate potential minor annoyances over time. On the other hand, if you are concerned about recalls and owner satisfaction, the Toyota Corolla Cross could be more appealing. With only 12 recalls and 8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, this model may offer a smoother ownership experience. While specific repair cost estimates and frequencies aren't available, the lower complaint rate suggests fewer issues. Consider this option if you value peace of mind and fewer trips to the dealership.

Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross: Common Questions

Is the Honda HR-V more reliable than the Toyota Corolla Cross?: Based on our data, the Honda HR-V is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 79/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Honda HR-V or the Toyota Corolla Cross?: The Honda HR-V has more recalls (27) compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross (12). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Honda HR-V or the Toyota Corolla Cross?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Corolla Cross has a lower complaint rate at 8 per 10,000 sold versus 11.3 for the Honda HR-V. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Honda HR-V comparisons

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More Toyota Corolla Cross comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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