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The comparison room

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Ford Maverick vs Honda Ridgeline

Real out-the-door prices, every trim, every spec, and an honest verdict on each.

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The verdict

Photo finish

The 2026 Ford Maverick edges ahead by just 1.7 points — inside our margin for calling it, so there's no clear winner on the numbers. Let your priorities pick: the cheapest, the most efficient, or the one owners rave about below.

2026 Ford Maverick

52.6

Price · 17.1Fuel economy · 15Power · 5.5Seats · 5Editor verdict · 4Driving impressions · 6

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

50.9

Price · 20Fuel economy · 11.1Power · 4.8Seats · 5Editor verdict · 4Driving impressions · 6

2026 Honda Ridgeline

41.5

Price · 12.1Fuel economy · 6.4Power · 8Seats · 5Editor verdict · 4Driving impressions · 6

How the winner is called: price up to 20 pts, fuel economy up to 15, owner evidence up to 15, editor verdict up to 12, driving impressions up to 10, power up to 8, seats up to 5, safety awards up to 5. A category only counts when every compared car has that data, the category leader always earns its full weight, and a winner is only declared when the lead is 8+ points. Computed live from stored specs and sourced owner quotes — no opinions.

The Scoreboard

No feelings, just receipts — each point below is computed straight from the spec sheet.

Lowest base price

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

$25,560 incl. destination — $4,280 less than the runner-up

Best fuel economy

2026 Ford Maverick

42/33 city/hwy

Most power

2026 Honda Ridgeline

280 hp

The bottom line

Early points to the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline. Start with the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross at $25,560 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.

Toyota logo

Toyota · Compact SUV

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

“Exceptional fuel economy for the class”

See the full review

Trim-Level Comparison

Pick a specific trim for each model to compare exact equipment and features side-by-side.

Trim Price (incl. dest.)

  • Corolla Cross$27,890
  • Maverick$32,340
  • Ridgeline$45,090

Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)

  • Corolla Cross$552/mo
  • Maverick$640/mo
  • Ridgeline$893/mo

vs. Base Trim

  • Corolla Cross+$2,330
  • Maverick+$2,500
  • Ridgeline+$2,800

12 of 12 features shown

Corolla CrossMaverickRidgeline

Rear-seat vents

Included Not included Not included

LED headlights

Included Not included Not included

Roof rails

Included Not included Not included

Blind Spot Monitor

Included Not included Not included

17-inch painted aluminum wheels

Not included Included Not included

Upgraded cloth upholstery

Not included Included Not included

i-VTM4 AWD System

Not included Not included Included

Lockable In-Bed Trunk

Not included Not included Included

9-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Smartphone Integration

Not included Not included Included

Leather-Trimmed Interior

Not included Not included Included

One-Touch Power Moonroof

Not included Not included Included

Heated Front Seats

Not included Not included Included

Feature lists reflect cumulative standard equipment for each trim, a trim includes everything from lower trims plus its own additions. The monthly figure is the trim price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup with $0 down, an estimate for financing through the brand's own financial company. That markup is profit on a cost-plus sale, not the Loan Excess, because the financier owns the car it sells. The 7% is an assumption for illustration, not a rate anyone is quoted.

Ford logo

Ford · Compact Pickup

2026 Ford Maverick

“Unbeatable fuel economy for a pickup”

See the full review

Full Spec Sheet

Every detail side by side: pricing, power, efficiency, seating, where each car is built, safety recognition, and the honest verdict on each.

Pricing & Financing

Base MSRP

  • Corolla Cross$24,210
  • Maverick$28,145
  • Ridgeline$40,795

Est. dealer invoice

  • Corolla Cross$22,273
  • Maverick$26,175
  • Ridgeline$37,531

Destination fee

  • Corolla Cross$1,350
  • Maverick$1,695
  • Ridgeline$1,495

Total base price (incl. dest.)

  • Corolla Cross$25,560
  • Maverick$29,840
  • Ridgeline$42,290

Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)

  • Corolla Cross$506/mo
  • Maverick$591/mo
  • Ridgeline$837/mo

Trims offered

  • Corolla Cross3 (from $24,210)
  • Maverick3 (from $28,145)
  • Ridgeline4 (from $40,795)

Powertrain & Efficiency

Powertrain options

  • Corolla Cross2.0L 4-Cyl, Hybrid
  • Maverick2.5L Hybrid, 2.0L EcoBoost I-4
  • Ridgeline3.5L V6

Horsepower

  • Corolla Cross169 hp
  • Maverick191 hp
  • Ridgeline280 hp

Fuel economy

  • Corolla Cross31/33 city/hwy
  • Maverick42/33 city/hwy
  • Ridgeline18/24 city/hwy

Seating

  • Corolla Cross5 seats
  • Maverick5 seats
  • Ridgeline5 seats

Build & Safety

Body type

  • Corolla CrossCompact SUV
  • MaverickCompact Pickup
  • RidgelineMid-Size Pickup

Assembly location

  • Corolla CrossHuntsville, AL, USA & Takaoka, Japan
  • MaverickHermosillo, Mexico
  • RidgelineLincoln, AL, USA

Safety awards & ratings

  • Corolla CrossIIHS Top Safety Pick (2026)
  • Maverick—
  • RidgelineNHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating (2026)

Honest Verdict

Recommended trim

  • Corolla CrossLE
  • MaverickXLT
  • RidgelineTrailSport

Trim to skip

  • Corolla CrossXLE
  • MaverickLariat
  • RidgelineSport

Key rivals

  • Corolla CrossHonda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos
  • MaverickHyundai Santa Cruz, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda Ridgeline
  • RidgelineToyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger

Dealer invoice is an estimate from MSRP minus typical brand holdback and advertising fees when the exact figure isn't published. Monthly is the total base price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup, $0 down — an illustration for financing through the brand's own financial company, not a quoted rate.

Honda logo

Honda · Mid-Size Pickup

2026 Honda Ridgeline

“Unmatched ride refinement and daily comfort”

See the full review

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Honest verdicts side by side to help you decide.

Toyota logo

Toyota Corolla Cross

Compact SUV

Pros

  • Exceptional fuel economy for the class
  • High predicted resale value
  • Simple and intuitive controls

Cons

  • Conservative styling may feel too plain for some
  • Acceleration is leisurely compared to turbo rivals
Ford logo

Ford Maverick

Compact Pickup

Pros

  • Unbeatable fuel economy for a pickup
  • Clever and functional interior storage
  • Highly competitive starting price

Cons

  • Interior materials feel basic on higher trims
  • Lariat trim pricing enters mid-size truck territory
Honda logo

Honda Ridgeline

Mid-Size Pickup

Pros

  • Unmatched ride refinement and daily comfort
  • Highly functional dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk
  • Proven and smooth V6 powertrain

Cons

  • Lower ground clearance than off-road focused rivals
  • Less towing capability for heavy-duty tasks

How They Drive

Real driving impressions: what each car does well and where it falls short.

Toyota logo

Toyota Corolla Cross

Performance

  • Reliable and efficient 2.0L engine
  • Smooth power delivery in Hybrid variant
  • 169 hp can feel underpowered during highway passing

Handling

  • Compact dimensions make city parking effortless
  • Stable and predictable steering feel
  • Noticeable body roll during spirited cornering

Comfort

  • Suspension soaks up road imperfections well
  • High seating position offers great visibility
  • Engine noise can be intrusive under heavy acceleration
Ford logo

Ford Maverick

Performance

  • Exceptional hybrid efficiency in city traffic
  • 191 hp provides plenty of zip for urban merging
  • Smooth transition between gas and electric power
  • Engine can get noisy under heavy acceleration
  • Top-end power is limited for highway passing

Handling

  • Car-like agility makes it easy to park
  • Tight turning radius for a pickup
  • Composed steering with good feedback
  • Noticeable front-wheel-drive tug under hard launches
  • Not as refined as a dedicated crossover

Comfort

  • Supportive front seats for long commutes
  • Excellent outward visibility from the driver's seat
  • Smart interior storage keeps the cabin clutter-free
  • Rear legroom is tight for three adults
  • Ride can be slightly bouncy when the bed is empty
Honda logo

Honda Ridgeline

Performance

  • Linear power delivery from the 280 hp V6
  • Smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Lower maximum towing capacity than body-on-frame competitors

Handling

  • Car-like agility and cornering stability
  • Excellent traction from the i-VTM4 AWD system
  • Limited wheel articulation for technical off-roading

Comfort

  • Best-in-class ride quality over broken pavement
  • Exceptionally quiet cabin for a pickup truck
  • Rear seat cushions can feel slightly firm on long journeys

Straight Answers

The questions everyone asks about these three — answered from the numbers, not the brochure.

You pay me, so nobody else does

Have me read your Toyota Corolla Cross vs Ford Maverick vs Honda Ridgeline before you sign it

I sell cars inside a dealership. I know where the money hides. Send me your buyer's order before you sign and I'll tell you every charge that moves, what to delete, and the words to say — and I'll check whether your financing is a cost-plus sale or a money loan.

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I coach, I don't broker

I never call your dealership. You do all the talking.

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Your text reaches me directly. No call center.

Carummah is run by Anas Aldasouqi, a retired Honda sales specialist in Okemos, Michigan. Deal Check is paid for by you and by nobody else — no dealership, lender or manufacturer pays Carummah anything. He no longer works at a dealership, so he has no store to protect. Asking a question by text is always free. Prefer AI-matched picks first? Take the 60-second quiz.

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