Suzuki Just Slapped its Badge on the New Toyota RAV4 and Called it Across

Toyota-Suzuki: Swapping Badges Since 2019

Outside of the U.S., Suzuki and Toyota have been exchanging badges for quite some time already. The first product of the collaboration was with the revived Toyota Starlet and Glanza, which was (and still is) based on the Suzuki Baleno. Since then, several Suzukis bore Toyota badges in select regions, particularly in South Asia and Africa.

Of course, Toyota is doing its share too. In Japan, its Noah minivan is also called the Suzuki Landy, while the Indian market has a Suzuki-fied version of the Innova HyCross called the Invicto. Over in Europe, the Corolla Touring (wagon) and RAV4 have S-badged counterparts in the form of the Swace and Across, respectively.

All-New RAV4 Means an All-New Suzuki Version

One could say that the badge swap has been pretty effective so far. Otherwise, Suzuki won't be getting the latest generation of the RAV4 and slap its logo on it again. With that, say hello to the second-generation Across, and it's more of a copy-paste effort than the first one.

Like before, the new Across benefits from the RAV4 PHEV's powertrain. That means a 2.5-liter engine mated to two electric motors and a 22.7 kWh battery pack. Mind you, that setup is detuned for Europe, so from 320 hp, it's down to a still respectable 304 hp. Those figures are identical to the previous generation, and just like its predecessor, it's the only powertrain option.

Same Same, But (Slightly) Different

The previous Across had a totally different front end from the old RAV4, although the rest of the body was pretty much the same. For the latest version, it adapts the Woodland's front bumper, as well as the rear bumper and wheels. Truth be told, it was easier to differentiate the Suzuki and Toyota versions before. Then again, for those who want the Woodland look but want plug-in hybrid power, the new Across is the way to go.

Inside, it's a dead ringer for the new RAV4. From the dashboard layout to switchgear and buttons, you'll be hard-pressed to find any differences between Suzuki and Toyota versions, save for the badge on the steering wheel. As far as we can tell, even the graphics in the infotainment system are straight from the original. In terms of equipment, it's the same as a fully-loaded RAV4.

Europe-Only Model

Given that Suzuki Auto pulled out of the U.S in 2012, there's zero chance of this car ever appearing on American soil. It's specifically made for the European market, and it won't be leaving the Old Continent any time soon.

Based on the pricing of the outgoing model, the all-new Across is likely to start at around €60,000 or a little over $71,000. Oddly enough, the RAV4 PHEV in Europe has a cheaper base price, although the Suzuki gets more standard kit from the start. Either way, it'll be a lot of cash for a Suzuki, and you thought car prices in America were reaching ridiculous highs.

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