In a bid to meet the insatiable demand for new crossover models, Toyota has been rapidly expanding its lineup of two-row SUVs over the last couple of years. The RAV4 has long been one of Toyota's most popular models, and it received some company in 2022 when the automaker decided to spin off its best-selling sedan into a new crossover, the Corolla Cross. The all-electric BZ4X joined the roster in 2023, giving drivers an intriguing new option that combines Toyota's reputation for reliability with a new EV platform that puts a premium on efficiency and performance.
2025 sees yet another new two-row model enter the picture as Toyota unveils the Crown Signia, a luxury-oriented model that boasts numerous improvements over the Venza that it replaces. If you've been looking for a new SUV, this rapid expansion of the brand's two-row crossovers might seem a little overwhelming. Luckily, the team at Toyota of Hopkinsville, your dedicated Toyota dealer near Madisonville, is here to help. We'll run down some of the key differences between these four models and see which two-row crossover is the right fit for you.
The RAV4
There's no denying the mass appeal of the RAV4. Toyota's iconic two-row SUV was the world's best-selling vehicle in 2022, and it's easy to see why. The Toyota RAV4 fused the visibility, cargo room, and four-wheel drive of an SUV with the fuel economy and maneuverability of a compact car, essentially inspiring the crossover craze that continues to grip the industry to this day.
The RAV4 has remained a popular choice in the competitive crossover segment for a few simple reasons. Starting at just over $30k, the RAV4 offers plenty of value with available four-wheel drive, an EPA-estimated 35 MPG on the highway, and a roomy interior that delivers 37.6 cu.ft. of storage space while still making room for five passengers.
The gas-powered version pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission to put out 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, but those looking to embrace a more sustainable powertrain can also opt for the RAV4 Hybrid. The electrically-assisted version of the RAV4 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and three electric motors that combine to produce some 219 hp.
The best part? One of the hybrid's electric motors is reserved for the rear axle, which means 4WD comes standard on every trim. While Kentucky winters might tend to be pretty mild, that sort of AWD capability can be a blessing when the weather starts to get a little dicey. Throw in an all-electric range of 42 miles and an EPA-estimated 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, and it's hard to make a case against the RAV4's hybrid guise, though the internal combustion version is still just as compelling.
The Corolla Cross
What do you get when you take one of the best-selling cars of all time and give it the crossover treatment? The Toyota Corolla Cross is here to answer that question. Based on the popular compact sedan, the crossover adds three inches of ground clearance and some distinctive SUV styling to write the next chapter in the Corolla legend.
Positioned below the RAV4 in the Toyota lineup, the Corolla Cross replaced the discontinued CH-R as the brand's subcompact crossover. While it might represent Toyota's most diminutive crossover model, the Corolla Cross defies its designation to provide a relatively spacious interior that won't leave adults feeling cramped when they're relegated to the second row and up to 25.5 cu.ft. of standard cargo volume.
That might not sound like an excessive amount of room, but it's still nearly twice the amount of space offered by the Corolla sedan. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can be found under the hood of the gas-powered version, while the hybrid model adds three electric motors that give the Corolla Cross AWD, not to mention a zero-to-sixty time that's nearly two seconds faster than the standard model.
The hybrid's 45 MPG in the city and on the 38 MPG highway is pretty compelling, as is the gas model's 31 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, but the Corolla Cross' biggest selling point would have to be its price. The crossover retails for just over $25k in its internal combustion form and manages to stay under $30k when it comes to the hybrid.
The bZ4X
Toyota wasn't the first to embrace the EV segment, but it's certainly making up for lost time with the bZ4X. The brand's first mass-produced electric vehicle was worth the wait, fusing Toyota's dependability and value with an all-electric powertrain and cutting-edge styling that give drivers the opportunity to experience the future one mile at a time. The Toyota bZ4X measures a bit larger than the RAV4, but its lower ride and sporty exterior lend the compact crossover a distinctive look that's unlike anything else in the modern Toyota lineup.
This EV is a standout when it comes to performance, leveraging a pair of electric motors that give the bZ4X 214 hp, AWD, and a notable zero-to-sixty time of 6.4 seconds that'll help you get up to speed when you're merging onto I-69. That's not going to win you any drag races, but it's a solid showing in a compact crossover segment where practicality, not performance, tends to rule the roost.
A single-motor version comes standard, and while it sacrifices around a dozen horsepower when compared to the dual-motor version, it can't be beat in terms of pure range. When going with FWD, the single-motor bZ4X provides 252 miles of all-electric range compared to 228 miles for the AWD version.
In a bid to improve its range, Toyota includes an optional radiant heating element in the lower dash to keep passenger's legs nice and toasty while providing a more efficient alternative to the traditional heating system. The rest of the cabin is just as modern with a digital gauge display, 12.3-inch central touchscreen, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging, all included as standard features.
The Crown Signia
The Crown Signia is the newest addition to the Toyota lineup, but it follows a familiar blueprint first established by the Corolla Cross. The brand has taken the Crown sedan, added a few inches of ride height, and prioritized comfort, convenience, and cargo space to create a new midsize SUV that serves as the perfect replacement for the outgoing Venza.
Like the Crown sedan, the Toyota Crown Signia comes standard with a potent all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain that easily makes the crossover the peppiest two-row model on offer with 240 hp. That level of performance doesn't come at the cost of efficiency, with the Crown Signia offering an EPA-estimated 39 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, which puts it toward the top of the segment in terms of fuel economy.
The Crown Signia's spacious interior provides 96 cu.ft. of passenger volume and 68.8 cu.ft. of cargo volume, creating a comfortable, roomy ride that should serve you well when you head over to Mammoth Cave National Park for a weekend adventure. It not only provides more room than the outgoing Venza, but it also offers up to 2,700 lbs of towing capacity, which represents a real upgrade from a utility perspective.
A panoramic sunroof makes the Crown Signia feel even larger, while a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provide all the modern amenities one would expect from Toyota's freshest model. The entry-level XLE trim is a well-rounded offering that's packed with value, but for a modest investment, drivers can spring for the Limited with its leather upholstery, 21-inch wheels, heated rear seats, and 11-speaker JBL stereo system.
Toyota's Iconic Crossovers
The RAV4, Corolla Cross, BZ4X, and Crown Signia might all share the same two-row crossover composition, but once you drill down into the details, you'll learn that each model offers some distinct advantages. Whether you're the type of driver who values efficiency, cargo room, performance, and the latest and greatest in automotive tech, there's a Toyota SUV out there for you.
These four models only represent a small portion of Toyota's SUV offerings. The Sequoia is Toyota's largest full-size model, with ample cargo room and roomy seating for eight passengers, while the Highlander and Grand Highlander offer the same capacity in a slightly smaller package. The Land Cruiser and 4Runner hold down the upper end of the midsize segment and are both equipped with all the space and goodies you need to tackle a little off-road adventure or just accommodate the whole family for a Madisonville Miners game on a warm summer night.
No matter which SUV you choose, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride thanks to the peace of mind that comes with that legendary Toyota reliability. If you'd like to learn a little more about any of the models listed above or do a little hands-on research, contact us or come down to Toyota of Hopkinsville and test drive one of our two-row SUVs today.
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