Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design approach, contrasting with some of Toyota's more daring recent launches. Its styling, reminiscent of the Toyota Tundra with a snub nose and obligatory SUV features like a tall ride height and plastic fender flares, was understated. 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 hidden Corolla Cross logos. The interior mirrored the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. However, material quality was perceived as below that of the Corolla sedan and hatch, with the base L model feeling basic and the XLE offering SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained its previous design with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid's design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety. The interior followed this philosophy, featuring large air vents, a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen, and mismatched textures and tones. The dashboard's design was visually overwhelming, and the quality of materials was questioned, with controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quietness on the road, a factor Toyota emphasized.

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 improved acceleration, though it exhibited typical CVT issues like engine droning and rubber-banding at higher speeds. The Corolla Cross felt solid on highways, though the engine worked hard to maintain pace. The optional AWD system, similar to that in the Toyota Camry, could send 10% 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 was limited to 680 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The electric motors assisted acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's torque was limited to 175 pound-feet, affecting high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid's towing capacity was 1,588 kilograms, though it struggled with power when towing. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, with AWD and a Trail mode available. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that contributed to a lack of engagement.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with additional rear legroom and headroom. It featured standard rear climate-control vents and dual-zone automatic climate control on XLE models. Cargo space was generous, with 750 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,890 litres with them folded. However, the interior comfort was lacking, with hard and unsupportive seats and a tall, upright driving position that wasn't ideal for long trips.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the Platinum package. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and 2,387 litres with the second row down. The centre armrest storage console was complex, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on base models, with an 8-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models. The XLE also included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked fancy graphics, and the optional digital instrument cluster was cluttered. USB ports were available, with wireless charging standard on the XLE.

For 2023, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display on upper trims. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch display on the Limited. It supported over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access to vehicle functions. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could be improved.

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 were not available at the time.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with front and rear parking sensors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Platinum also had a surround-view camera. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.