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 a tall ride height and plastic fender flares, contributed to its understated appearance. 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 hidden Corolla Cross logos throughout the vehicle. The interior mirrored the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. However, material quality was perceived as inferior to the Corolla sedan and hatch, with the base L model feeling basic and the XLE trim offering SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available in Rugged and Sport trims, maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers for added length. The Woodland trim extended the length by an inch, while the GR Sport's grille and rear diffuser added 1.9 inches. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence, with square wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road aesthetics with wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, such as red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and interior accents included red stitching on the GR Sport. All trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with a streamlined design and improved integration.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT included an actual first gear for responsive acceleration, though transitions to normal CVT operation were abrupt. At higher speeds, typical CVT issues like engine droning and rubber-banding were evident. The Corolla Cross managed highway speeds but required effort from the engine. The optional AWD system, similar to the Toyota Camry's, could send 10% to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, though body roll was noticeable during hard cornering. With 8.2 inches of ground clearance, the Corolla Cross wasn't designed for off-roading, and its 1,500-pound towing capacity was modest.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated 52-mile electric range. In EV mode, it accelerated quickly off the line but plateaued at 30 mph. Auto mode combined the engine and motors for a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim, with 20-inch black alloy wheels and summer performance tires, offered enhanced handling and less body roll. The RAV4 PHEV's 4,500-pound weight was noticeable in corners, but the GR Sport's suspension tweaks improved damping force and handling.

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 the rear seats folded. Despite its spaciousness, the Corolla Cross's interior comfort was lacking, with hard and unsupportive seats and minimal storage spaces.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage features like a dashboard shelf and center console storage. The RAV4 PHEV seated four comfortably, though five passengers were a squeeze. Rear legroom was 37.8 inches, and cargo space was 33.6 cubic feet, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area featured a flat floor and a temporary spare tire.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on base L models, with LE and XLE models receiving an 8-inch touchscreen. 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 times. LE and XLE models offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system as an upgrade, and wireless charging was available on the LE trim.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu. The new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and a built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras. The system also provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

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, and Lane Tracing Assist. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the XLE trim included rear automatic braking and front and rear park assist. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera views and radar detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. All but the base SE had a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from NHTSA.