2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design approach, pulling back from Toyota's recent daring styles. Its snub nose was reminiscent of the Toyota Tundra, and it featured the obligatory tall ride height and plastic fender flares typical of SUVs. However, the overall look was understated, seemingly to avoid overshadowing its larger sibling, the RAV4. The Corolla Cross was compact, being 13.5 centimetres shorter than the RAV4, yet larger than the Toyota C-HR, offering more interior space. Subtle styling details included scalloping around the rear door handles and mirrors, and hidden Corolla Cross logos throughout the vehicle. The interior mirrored the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. Material quality was perceived as below that of the Corolla sedan and hatch, with the base L model feeling basic, akin to a taxi. The XLE trim offered SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with a power moonroof standard on the XLE and available in the LE Premium AWD package.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for a more modern appeal, was tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions were the focus, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid arriving later. Visually, the RX 350h was indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, save for the badge. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The 2023 RX models maintained a blunt-nosed appearance, with a wheelbase stretch reducing rear overhang, making the SUV look smaller despite its size. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic design, with fewer switches and an improved Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. In Canada, the RX 350h started at $63,436, while the RX 500h began at $83,086.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured an actual first gear for responsive acceleration, though transitions to normal CVT operation were abrupt. At higher speeds, the powertrain exhibited typical CVT issues like engine droning and rubber-banding. The Corolla Cross managed highway speeds but required effort from the engine. The interior remained quiet, and ride quality was solid, typical of TNGA-platform vehicles. The optional AWD system, shared with the Toyota Camry, could send 10% to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, engaging without wheel slip. However, body roll was noticeable, and the Corolla Cross wasn't designed for off-roading, with a 680-kilogram towing capacity.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient powertrain with the RX 350h, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds, with an expected fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and Direct4 AWD system, with an estimated fuel economy of 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system enhanced its athleticism, while Active Sound Control added to the driving experience. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and real-world fuel economy fell short of estimates. The RX 350h averaged 7.4 L/100 km, offering better efficiency than other RX models.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with nearly identical front headroom and legroom but an additional 5 centimetres of rear legroom and 3.5 centimetres of rear headroom. Rear climate-control vents were standard, with dual-zone automatic climate control on XLE models. The Corolla Cross provided 750 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,890 litres with them folded, surpassing rivals like the Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V. However, the interior was not particularly comfortable, with hard, unsupportive seats and a tall, upright driving position.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. Cargo space increased to 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with it folded, matching the standard RX 350 and improving over the previous RX 450h.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on base L models, with an 8-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models. The XLE also had a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, with a nine-speaker JBL audio system on XLE models. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked sophistication, with plain graphics and slow startup. Two front USB-A ports were standard, with additional ports for rear passengers on LE models. Wireless charging was available on the LE Premium package and standard on the XLE.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription to connected services plans after trial periods. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system worked well, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. The touchscreen displayed one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The head-up display, available with dual-function touch-sensing control pads, was problematic with polarized sunglasses. The RX also offered a head-up display and dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and Lane Tracing Assist. The LE added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the XLE included front and rear park assist with automatic braking. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist slowed the RX when releasing the accelerator, and regenerative braking recharged the battery. The front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some drawbacks, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.