Toyota Corolla Cross vs Lexus TX

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 notably compact, being 13.5 centimetres shorter than the RAV4, yet larger than the Toyota C-HR. This more conventional shape allowed for increased interior space compared to the C-HR, which prioritized style over substance. Subtle styling details included scalloping around the rear door handles and mirrors, and hidden Corolla Cross logos throughout the vehicle. Wheel options varied from 17-inch steel on the base model to 18-inch alloys on the top XLE AWD trim, which also featured upgraded lighting and fog lights.

Inside, the Corolla Cross closely resembled the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. However, the material quality felt inferior to the Corolla sedan and hatch. The base L model's interior was basic, akin to a taxi, while the XLE trim offered SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A power moonroof was standard on the XLE and available in the LE Premium AWD package. Despite these features, the interior felt fairly basic across all trims.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package by default and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the option for the F Sport 3 package. Higher packages included towing capabilities. Wheel sizes ranged from 20-inch on affordable packages to 22-inch on most others. The TX retained a large grille with a spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Roof rails were available for additional storage.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options: standard grey, light grey Birch, and dark brown Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, and suede trim adorned the glovebox. However, material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. Redesigned door handles reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, a change that seemed unnecessary. The interior lacked attention to detail, with a focus on reimagined door handles rather than enhancing cabin quality.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an actual first gear for improved acceleration. While acceleration from stop lights was responsive, the transition to normal CVT operation was abrupt. At higher speeds, the powertrain exhibited typical CVT issues, such as engine droning and rubber-banding. The engine worked hard to maintain highway speeds, but the interior remained quiet, and ride quality was solid. The optional AWD system, similar to the Toyota Camry's, could send 10% to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, engaging without wheel slip and during hard cornering. However, body roll was noticeable, and the Corolla Cross wasn't designed for off-roading, with a 680-kilogram towing capacity.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with full-time AWD, while the TX 500h had Lexus's Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque on demand. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with increased rear-seat room and cargo capacity. Front headroom and legroom were similar to the hatchback, but the Cross had an extra 5 centimetres of rear legroom and 3.5 centimetres of rear headroom. Rear climate-control vents were standard, and XLE models featured dual-zone automatic climate control. Cargo space was 750 litres with the rear bench in place and 1,890 litres with seats folded. However, seats were hard and unsupportive, and storage spaces were minimal.

The 2026 Lexus TX included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, but folding the second row flat was complicated. Front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,747 litres with all seats folded. All models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms.

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 had a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM. 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 the LE. Wireless charging was available on higher trims, but the pad was small. Only LE and XLE models had pushbutton start.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, but some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their functions were unclear. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view. The TX had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

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 XLE models had front and rear park assist with automatic braking. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The TX received five-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA and "Good" scores from IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.