Lexus NX vs Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design approach, pulling back from the daring styles Toyota had recently embraced. 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, perhaps to ensure it didn't overshadow the larger RAV4. The Corolla Cross was notably 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 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 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, was unmistakably a Lexus with its prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models featured NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, with real leather and open pore wood trim available in the NX Executive Package. The F Sport variant stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-colour fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner defined the sporty versions, complemented by a new F Sport steering wheel and unique instrumentation. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, moving away from the button-heavy dashboard of the previous model. However, the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen posed usability challenges. Despite these, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the electronic shifter was user-friendly. Quality was generally high, though the turn signal felt less refined.

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). This CVT featured an actual first gear for improved acceleration, though transitions to normal CVT operation were abrupt. At higher speeds, typical CVT issues like engine droning and rubber-banding were evident. While the Corolla Cross managed highway speeds, the engine worked hard to maintain pace. The interior remained quiet, and ride quality was solid, consistent with other 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, noticeable body roll suggested handling wasn't a priority. With 20.8 centimetres of ground clearance, the Corolla Cross wasn't designed for off-roading, and its 680-kilogram towing capacity was modest for an SUV.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and a 61-kilometre electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged powertrain was more rewarding than the base NX 250's 2.5-litre engine. Both models offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the NX 350 F Sport adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut on winding roads, while the regular NX 350 was softer. Lexus claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, and observed fuel consumption was higher in the F Sport. The NX was a dynamic improvement over its predecessor, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. Handling was impressive, with the F Sport better isolating impacts. The NX wasn't suited for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, particularly in rear-seat room and cargo capacity. Front headroom and legroom were similar to the hatchback, but the Cross provided 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 boasted 750 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,890 litres with them folded. It compared well to rival crossovers in interior space, though legroom was slightly below average. Despite its spaciousness, the interior wasn't particularly comfortable, with hard and unsupportive seats. The upright driving position felt SUV-like, but not ideal for long trips. Storage spaces were minimal.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. Comfort was a highlight, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. F Sport models offered better bolstering for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. Practical storage impressed, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes, though it wasn't tested. The climate system and ventilated seats effectively managed heat. Cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on base models, with an 8-inch screen on LE and XLE trims. The XLE also included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked sophistication, with plain graphics and slow startup. The digital instrument cluster was cluttered, and the smaller display in lower trims showed redundant information. Two front USB-A ports were standard, with additional rear ports on the LE. Wireless charging was available on the LE Premium package and standard on the XLE, though the pad was small. Only the LE and XLE had pushbutton start, with the base L requiring a key.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological strides with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Voice Assistant, and four connected service plans. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The navigation system included an offline mode for remote areas. Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, with a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription. Additional services included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. User Profiles stored preferences and settings, with digital key capability available. Other technologies included a digital mirror, head-up display, and panoramic view monitoring. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured 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.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional packages offered rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and more.