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 5.3 inches 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. Wheel options varied from 17-inch steel on the base model to 18-inch alloy on the top XLE trim, which also included LED daytime running lights and fog lights. Inside, the Corolla Cross 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 moonroof available as an option.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels, with the TX 350 available in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusive to the top Luxury trim. For 2026, the 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and a new Matador Red Mica paint option. Most models had 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The grille retained a large, spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Roof rails were included for additional storage options. Inside, the TX offered two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. Ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, though material quality was not up to luxury standards, with basic plastics present. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, reacting to pressure rather than pulling out, but some felt more attention to cabin detail was needed.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT included 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 noted. The engine worked hard to maintain highway pace, but the interior remained quiet, and ride quality was solid. 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 towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a base model with 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the plug-in hybrid test car generated 404 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The seven-kilowatt charger provided a full battery in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The 550h+ provided a quiet, smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system could distribute power variably between front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for slippery surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with an extra 2.1 inches of rear legroom and 1.4 inches of rear headroom. Rear climate-control vents were standard, and XLE models featured dual-zone automatic climate control. Cargo space was 26.5 cubic feet with FWD and 25.2 cubic feet with AWD, expanding to 66.8 cubic feet with FWD and 65.5 cubic feet with AWD when rear seats were folded. Despite its spaciousness, the interior was not particularly comfortable, with hard, unsupportive seats and minimal storage spaces.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was complex. Front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. Climate controls were mostly on-screen, with physical dials for temperature. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on base models, with an 8-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked sophistication, with plain graphics and slow boot-up. Two front USB-A ports were standard, with a third port and wireless charging on LE models. Pushbutton start was available on LE and XLE models.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring reliance on the 12.3-inch gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. A subscription was needed for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a clear view, with an available Advanced Park system for automated parking. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered.

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

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control was effective once set up, though initial setup was confusing. NHTSA ratings were not available for the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" score for the passenger's side.