2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross often boils down to prioritizing horsepower versus long-term efficiency for daily driving. If you're looking for the slightly more robust package and greater interior volume, the Seltos starts at an MSRP of $24,690 and offers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space. However, the Corolla Cross is the clear winner for maximizing fuel economy, achieving 32 MPG combined compared to the Seltos's 29 MPG combined. While the Seltos has 146 hp, the Corolla Cross packs a punch with 169 hp, giving it a substantial 23 hp advantage for passing power. Despite the power difference, both use a CVT transmission and regular unleaded fuel. The Corolla Cross is slightly larger overall, measuring 176.1 inches long versus the Seltos at 172.6 inches, presenting a tough choice for practical buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 32 MPG.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos offers more room for family gear with a higher cargo capacity of 26.6 cubic feet.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides significantly more pep with 169 horsepower compared to the Seltos's 146 hp.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross edges out the Seltos by having a lower starting MSRP of $24,135.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- You frequently haul larger items and need the best cargo space at 26.6 cubic feet.
- You prefer the marginally smaller exterior footprint (172.6 inches long) for easier city parking.
- You are comfortable with the Seltos's 146 hp output paired with standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- You prioritize fuel savings, as the Corolla Cross nets 32 MPG combined.
- You want the extra power boost, boasting 169 horsepower from its engine.
- You are looking for the lower entry price point, starting at $24,135.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Seltos | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.6" | 176.1" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 63.4" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/31 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 356.4/409.2 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.8 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/55R | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.
Which crossover is better for highway driving efficiency between the two?
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the more efficient choice for long highway stretches, delivering 33 MPG Highway compared to the Kia Seltos's 31 MPG Highway rating. This efficiency difference can add up over thousands of miles traveled annually.
Is the power difference between the Seltos and Corolla Cross noticeable in real-world driving?
Yes, the Corolla Cross has a clear advantage with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, which is 23 hp more than the Seltos's 146 hp. This extra power will likely make merging and passing feel less strenuous in the Toyota.
How much more cargo space does the Seltos offer over the Corolla Cross?
The Kia Seltos is slightly more accommodating for luggage, offering 26.6 cubic feet of storage space. This is more than the 24 cubic feet found behind the rear seats of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Does the All-Wheel Drive availability affect the MPG ratings differently?
The specified MPG ratings are based on the AWD version of the Seltos (29 MPG combined) and the FWD version of the Corolla Cross (32 MPG combined). If you opt for the Corolla Cross AWD, its efficiency will likely decrease slightly from the 32 MPG combined benchmark.
What is the price gap between the base models?
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the more affordable entry point with an MSRP of $24,135. The 2025 Kia Seltos is slightly higher, starting at $24,690, creating a difference of $555 between the two.
Are both vehicles powered by the same type of automatic transmission?
Yes, both the Kia Seltos and the Toyota Corolla Cross utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) as their standard transmission type. This aims to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range.
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