The Toyota Raize marks another cool SUV that we can’t have in America. The Toyota Raize is probably most equivalent to Toyota Corolla Cross, but it’s smaller and honestly cuter. Let’s see if we really want the Raize in America. 

Why isn’t the Toyota Raize in America? 

Despite being attractive and cute, the Toyota Raize probably wouldn’t do well in America. It’s just a little weak for our tastes. The Raize has a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 92 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. 

It can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission. Both setups only send power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available in global markets, but Mexico will only receive two-wheel drive models. 

Mexico gets the Raize because the economy car market is much more prevalent there. We get the safer and more powerful Toyota Corolla Cross instead. 

How does the Toyota Corolla Cross compare to the Toyota Raize? 

The Toyota Raize is like a little cousin to the larger 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. The subcompact SUVs have a similar shape, but the Corolla Cross is curvier, with more aggressive styling. 

Also, the Corolla Cross starts at $22,195, making it an economical option. The Raize begins at $15,900 for the manual option and about $17,00 for the automatic model with the black roof. 

With the Corolla Cross, you get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. So that’s 77 more hp than the Toyota Raize has to offer. Also, the Corolla Cross is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds. 

So, the acceleration is below average, but it’s not terrible. The hybrid powertrain in 2023 could add some extra juice. But until then, give yourself a little extra time to merge into traffic and pass people on the highway. 

The Corolla Cross is available with AWD, while the Toyota C-HR isn’t. Also, the Corolla Cross can tow up to 1,500 lbs. It gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. 

Does the Raize or Corolla Cross have better features? 

We already know that the Toyota Corolla Cross is more robust and safer than the Toyota Raize. The Corolla Cross may have higher-quality interior materials as well. The layout is almost identical to the Corolla sedans. 

The Raize offers up to 13 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, which seems pretty tiny. The Corolla Cross provides 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with up to 66.8 cubic feet total. 

With the Raize, you get an 8-inch infotainment display, push-start, and a backup camera. The Corolla Cross comes with a 7.0-inch display that can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch unit. Both SUVs come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The 2022 Corolla Cross takes tech a step further with optional wireless phone charging, USB ports in the rear, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a JBL stereo system. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 

While we’re sad that the pint-sized Toyota Raize isn’t in America, we get it. The Raize needs to be more powerful and safer. But we can still be jealous of its attractive design while enjoying the Toyota Corolla Cross.