Lexus NX vs Toyota Corolla Cross

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Lexus NX and Toyota Corolla Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 85% for the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus NX, against 4 on the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 8 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Corolla Cross gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Corolla Cross. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Corolla Cross offers cloth.

Drivetrain

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Toyota Corolla Cross responds with a Petrol making 146kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 146kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 200mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 4,460mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 425L in the Toyota Corolla Cross, giving the Lexus NX a 95L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Lexus NX turns in a 11.4 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Toyota Corolla Cross's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota Corolla Cross about $1,197 a year (4.2 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $228 a year less for the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota Corolla Cross). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus NX), no data (Toyota Corolla Cross).

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 146kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 425L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 750kg).

The Toyota Corolla Cross: the lower starting price ($37,440 against $71,700) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,197 a year against $1,425).

The Verdict

Toyota Corolla Cross scores higher, 81 vs 79

The Toyota Corolla Cross scores 81 to the Lexus NX's 79 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Toyota Corolla Cross ahead by 14 points), practicality (Lexus NX ahead by 14 points), performance (Lexus NX ahead by 8 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota Corolla Cross costs about $228 less (4.2 L/100km against 5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Lexus NX, 425L in the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Common questions