2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design approach, pulling back from the daring styles Toyota had recently embraced. 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 ensure it didn't overshadow 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. The interior mirrored the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4, but material quality felt below par. The base L model felt basic, while the XLE offered SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with a moonroof available as an option.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and refined styling details. The redesign made it longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, while the Luxury trim boasted real leather and open pore wood trim. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner defined the sporty version, with a new F Sport steering wheel and unique instrumentation. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, moving away from the button-heavy dashboard of the previous model. However, the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen posed usability challenges. Despite these, the NX maintained high-quality levels, though some elements like the turn signal felt less refined.

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). This CVT featured an actual first gear for improved acceleration, though it transitioned abruptly to normal CVT operation. At higher speeds, typical CVT issues like engine droning and rubber-banding were noticeable. While the Corolla Cross managed highway speeds without feeling like a liability, 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, though body roll was evident during 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 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer ride. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. Despite improvements, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals, and road and wind noise were more pronounced than expected.

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. It featured standard rear climate-control vents, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on XLE models. 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 interior wasn't particularly comfortable, with hard and unsupportive seats and a tall, upright driving position.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. It offered comfortable accommodations, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system. Cargo space increased by 14% to 22.7 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen on base models, with an 8-inch screen 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 times. The optional digital instrument cluster was cluttered, and the charging pad struggled to fit larger phones. Only LE and XLE models had pushbutton start, with the base L requiring a key.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features were included. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect service was included. Additional features included User Profiles, digital key capability, and a digital mirror. However, the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

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, traffic-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The LE 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 were not yet available.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. Standard features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. A Vision Package offered additional safety features.