The brand-new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact crossover SUV model based on the wildly popular Corolla compact sedan. The Corolla Cross enters the compact SUV class of vehicles with its size evolution. This means Toyota has plenty of competition to deal with in this crowded segment. The new competition includes the 2022 Jeep Renegade, which was thoroughly trounced and embarrassed by the Corolla Cross in most areas.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Car and Driver reports that the top-of-the-line 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE trim has a starting MSRP of $27,540, with the LE trim starting at $25,760 and the L trim having a starting MSRP of $23,410. There is seating for five passengers and a decent amount of space behind the rear seats, with 25.5 cubic feet. The infotainment system is integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the Toyota Corolla Cross can also become a mobile 4G hotspot.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has a 2.0-liter, 169 horsepower engine with 150 lb-ft of torque. The Corolla Cross is estimated to get 31 mpg in the city. The compact SUV will have standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Advanced safety features include Toyota’s standard suite of driver assistance technology, including emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 

Available features on the Corolla Cross include LED headlamps, roof rails, and available black-painted, machine-finished 18-inch alloy wheels. An optional 18-way adjustable power driver’s seat and available heated front seats are also available. Rear-seat vents and 60/40 split-folding rear seats are standard in all models. 

The 2022 Jeep Renegade

The 2022 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 and the Renegade Limited 4×4 trims check in with a starting MSRP of $30,290, while its baseline trim has a starting MSRP of $22,790. The standard engine is a 1.3-liter I4 Turbo mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with 177 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver reports the combo gets an EPA estimated 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models drop to 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. 

The 2022 Jeep Renegade operates on an 8.4-inch touchscreen integrated with the UConnect system for infotainment. Smartphones are seamlessly connected through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there is an available Kenwood audio system available on select models. The Renegade has seating for five, with four doors and a hatchback. 

Safety features on the Jeep Renegade include a full suite of driver assistance technology. There is standard rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitor, standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, and standard lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning. The available rear backup camera and rear park assist help in tight spots, while the advanced steel safety cage and airbag system keep passengers safe in a crash.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2022 Jeep Renegade

The Toyota Corolla Cross and the Jeep Renegade are comparable in many ways, including their infotainment systems, cargo capacity, and available all-wheel drive. Like most car companies today, both Toyota and Jeep have amazingly advanced active safety systems to keep both driver and passenger protected, including a full suite of driver assistance tech. Both models also put out comparable horsepower and torque.

The main reason the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is superior to the 2022 Jeep Renegade is its value. The Renegade is very pricey for its class, and it has a lot less cargo space than is expected for an SUV in this class. Even though it has more power, the Renegade is less refined than the Corolla Cross, which leads to sluggish and uneven performance. The Corolla Cross also gets better gas mileage.