I drove the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid for a week — here's the affordable hybrid I'd recommend

As much as I love testing out the best electric cars, the vast majority of them are still a stretch to afford by the average Joe. With the average price of an EV staying steady at $57,245 in the most recent report from Kelly Blue Book, I often tell people to look at hybrid vehicles as the next best option.

So far this year, I’ve tested more than 40-plus electric vehicles, which also includes hybrid models that use a combination of electric and gas power. Two of my favorite ones, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, are also some of the most affordable options around — with starting prices of $33,465 and $28,495 respectively. They actually jump up to $41,195 and $34,705 for the exact trims I drove for a week, which is what I'll be comparing here.

I tested them to get a good idea of how they perform, what conveniences they offer, and which one gets the better fuel economy because quite frankly, gasoline ends up being the biggest cost to owning these vehicles. Here’s the hybrid car I recommend after testing them out.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Specifications

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Design

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The two vehicles both bear the signature style of any modern SUV you might find on the road. They’re pretty conventional at first, but there are minor differences that can appeal more to your interest.

For starters, I really like how the Corolla Cross Hybrid adopts the RAV4’s design — but in a much smaller package. It definitely has a more rugged design with its trapezoidal grille, rounded roofline, and black accents. In a way, it has a sportier look that I prefer when you look at it from a side profile.

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Hyundai’s design is a bit bolder to the eye due to all of its carefully etched cutouts running along the sides. It does come off more dramatic, which is further complemented by the unique style of its 19-inch wheels. But despite Hyundai's futuristic styling, I prefer Toyota’s more conventional approach with the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Winner: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Fuel efficiency

Looking to save big on gas? If so, then you’ll want to look at the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid because I averaged 45 mpg driving 215.4 miles during my testing.

Not surprisingly, the Corolla is pretty good with city driving because I managed to average 63 mpg during one of my short distance driving tests — but it’s still good on the highway, way better than the Tucson.

That’s because Hyundai’s hybrid SUV underperformed during my testing. Even though the car maker claims an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg for the exact trim I drove, I ended up averaging 32.4 mpg driving a total of 210.9 miles. That’s a far cry from the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s average.

Knowing this, you’ll end up paying more in gas for the life of the vehicle with the Tucson. I ran the numbers and you end up paying $11,111 with the Tucson Hybrid based on a $3/gallon rate while driving it 1,000 miles a month over 10 years. Meanwhile, you’ll end up paying $8,000 for the equivalent period with the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Winner: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Driving Performance

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Hybrid vehicles aren’t speed demons, so don’t expect rocketing accelerations with either of them. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder hybrid engine that generates a peak 231 hp performance. In Eco driving mode, I’d say it’s a bit better against the Corolla Cross Hybrid, but I was craving more response switching to Sport mode.

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Interestingly, I find the opposite with the Corolla Cross Hybrid, as sport mode injects just the right amount of power and response to make it the more fun one to drive. Although it’s a far cry from conventional sports cars or coupes, it doesn’t feel as clunky to maneuver to operate — but that’s probably attributed to its smaller size.

Winner: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Comfort

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Sporty aesthetics always influence my decision, which explains why I’m instantly way more attracted to the Corolla Cross Hybrid. In addition to its bucket styled front seats, small details like the red-trimmed accents of the seat absolutely gives it way more appeal than the Tucson Hybrid. However, it does come at the expense of its comfort.

Frankly, the Corolla feels a bit cramped sitting in the driver’s seat — which isn’t any better for the passengers in the back because of the even tighter legroom. At least the trunk’s a decent size to accommodate pretty large packages like my JackRabbit OG2 Pro ebike.

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Hyundai takes more of a conventional approach, but the Tucson Hybrid is way more comfortable to drive with its roomier size. That also extends to the back seats that are way more practical to fit taller adults, as there’s wider space to let them stretch out their legs. Finally, the Tucson’s trunk space is also way larger by a bit.

Winner: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Value

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These two hybrid SUVs I’ve tested are separated by about $6,490, which isn’t too big of a gap. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid also comes with many of the premium features I find helpful — like adaptive cruise control that can stay centered in a lane at cruising speed, blind spot camera monitors that show me in my blind spots are clear through the driver’s display, a sprawling panoramic roof, and head-up display.

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Toyota’s not as generous, so getting these equivalent features often brings additional costs. In fact, the trim I tested offered manual front seats. Other than its better fuel efficiency, the value in getting the Corolla Cross Hybrid is Toyota’s reputation of producing quality cars that are built to last.

But when they’re separated by about $6,500, I think the larger size and more premium features that come with the Tucson Hybrid provide a much more concrete value proposition.

Winner: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Verdict

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I know very well how crushing it could be to buy an electric vehicle, which is why I recommend car shoppers to look at hybrids at the very least. While it’s a smidge more costly, the benefit of getting the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is that you’re getting way more features and a much larger size to comfortably fit everyone. The Limited trim I tested specifically packages way more convenience features, but the downside is that it’s nowhere as economical as Toyota's offering.

Meanwhile, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is what I like referring to as the baby Toyota RAV4 with its sporty design and fun driving performance. Although it’s nowhere as generous at offering premium features, it really sets itself apart by its outstanding 45 mpg fuel economy. Unless you absolutely need to space, I would definitely recommend the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

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