The EU-exclusive Suzuki Across is now based on the latest Toyota RAV4

Ever heard of the Suzuki Across? For the unacquainted, it’s a European market-exclusive compact crossover that’s largely based on the Toyota RAV4, essentially a product of the collaboration between the two brands such as the Suzuki e Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser, among many others models.

And as the world got a new generation Toyota RAV4 last year, it also means that it’s time for a new Suzuki Across and that has just crossed over from across the pond (pun intended), now based on the XA60 version of the RAV4. Oh, and this is not to be confused with the Suzuki Across found in Seychelles which is all Suzuki.

Unlike the previous generation which based itself on the Chinese market Toyota Wildlander for a little distinction, Suzuki this time went for a nearly straight-up rebadge, now using the RAV4 Adventure trim as a base.

That’s clearly visible from its C-shaped headlights and beefy bumpers that give off a very rugged overall appearance, down to its six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and interior which follows what Toyota calls its Island Architecture, and comes with large screens for the instrument cluster (12.3-inches) and infotainment system (12.9-inches).

The differences? Basic. The Toyota badges have been replaced with Suzuki badges, along with the Across badge replacing the RAV4 badge and a “Plug-In Hybrid” badge from Toyota’s older parts bin replacing the Beyond Zero “PHEV” badging.

And yes, this is a plug-in hybrid as Suzuki has selected Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine, paired to dual electric motors and a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup produces a combined 309 horsepower and is mated to an E-CVT.

Chances of this coming to the Philippines are very low as the Toyota-based Suzuki Across has always been a European exclusive. Despite that, it’s still an interesting product and is proof that automakers can still work together despite being competitors.

_{Photos from Suzuki}