Toyota Corolla Cross vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design approach, contrasting with Toyota's recent bold styling ventures. Its snub nose, reminiscent of the Toyota Tundra, and obligatory SUV features like tall ride height and plastic fender flares, contributed to its understated appearance. Despite being shorter than the RAV4 by 13.5 centimetres, the Corolla Cross offered more interior space than the Toyota C-HR, thanks to its conventional shape. Subtle styling details included scalloping around the rear door handles and hidden Corolla Cross logos. The interior mirrored the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. However, material quality felt subpar, with the base L model resembling a taxi and the XLE trim offering only basic comforts.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid embraced a more assertive design, particularly in the GR Sport trim inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. The RAV4 maintained its footprint but added buffer bumpers, extending its length. Its boxy, truck-like presence was consistent with Toyota’s SUV lineup, featuring boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a more streamlined design with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch display. The interior featured sporty accents, such as red stitching on the GR Sport, and a wide centre console with flexible storage options.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an actual first gear for improved acceleration. While responsive off the line, the transition to normal CVT operation was abrupt, and higher speeds revealed typical CVT issues like engine droning. The optional AWD system, shared with the Toyota Camry, could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Despite its SUV-like ground clearance of 20.8 centimetres, the Corolla Cross wasn't designed for off-roading, and its towing capacity of 680 kilograms was modest.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This setup increased the total power output to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 horsepower and a smaller rear motor for assistance. The RAV4 PHEV excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving, while Auto mode delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim featured enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with an extra 5 centimetres of rear legroom and 3.5 centimetres of rear headroom. It provided 750 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,890 litres with them folded. However, the interior felt uncomfortable, with hard and unsupportive seats. Storage spaces were minimal, and the upright driving position was not ideal for long trips.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor but optimized interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, accommodating taller passengers, though it fell short of larger rivals. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, with 951 litres available, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the base L model, 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. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked sophistication, with slow boot-up times and plain graphics. The LE and XLE models offered additional tech features like wireless charging and pushbutton start.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid introduced a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The new Arene operating system improved responsiveness and graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of commands. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings, while the digital cluster offered various display options.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Lane Tracing Assist. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the XLE included front and rear park assist with automatic braking. Crash-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar capabilities for improved detection. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's strong safety record was expected to continue, pending crash-test results.