2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross often comes down to balancing punch versus prudence. If you are looking to stretch every dollar at the pump while still getting reliable transport, the difference is clear. The Corolla Cross leads in efficiency, boasting a 32 MPG combined rating compared to the Seltos's 29 MPG combined. However, the Seltos fights back with a higher base horsepower figure of 146 hp versus the Corolla Cross's less potent 139 hp (based on standard engine estimates as per input). While the Seltos offers slightly more room, its 26.6 cu ft of cargo space nudges ahead of the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft. Priced nearly identically, with the Seltos at $24,690 and the Corolla Cross at $24,935, buyers must weigh Toyota's superior fuel economy against Kia's slight edge in utility and base power ratings for standard trims.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross offers better overall fuel efficiency with 32 MPG combined, which saves money on daily driving.
2025 Kia Seltos
The 2025 Seltos provides slightly more usable space with 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross offers significantly more power, producing 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque in its available configuration, beating the Seltos's 146 hp.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos undercuts the Toyota Corolla Cross on MSRP by $245 while offering standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive capability for handling various road conditions.
- Your budget is firm, as the Seltos has a lower starting MSRP of $24,690.
- You need slightly more vertical storage space, as the Seltos has 26.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- You drive long distances and need the best fuel economy, scoring 32 MPG combined.
- You want the highest performance output available, benefiting from 169 hp.
- You prefer a slightly larger footprint, as the Corolla Cross is longer at 176.1 inches.
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 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for city driving?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross holds a distinct advantage in fuel efficiency, rating at 31 MPG in the city compared to the 2025 Kia Seltos's 27 MPG city rating. This 4 MPG difference can add up quickly over months of commuting.
Is the power difference noticeable between the two cars?
Yes, the Corolla Cross offers a substantial boost if equipped with its higher output engine, delivering 169 hp versus the Seltos's 146 hp. This 23 hp difference suggests the Corolla Cross will feel noticeably quicker, especially when merging or climbing hills.
How do their price points compare directly?
The 2025 Kia Seltos is slightly more affordable at an MSRP of $24,690, while the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $24,935. That $245 difference is minimal, but the Seltos wins on initial cost.
Does the standard drivetrain configuration matter?
It matters for traction; the Kia Seltos is listed here with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the comparable Corolla Cross is listed with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). If you regularly face snow or slippery conditions, the Seltos has the edge out of the box.
How big is the difference in cargo space?
The 2025 Kia Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet of storage, which is marginally better than the 24 cu ft found in the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross. This is a difference of 2.6 cubic feet, useful for weekend trips.
What type of gasoline do both crossovers require?
Both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping operational costs low and accessible at any standard gas station.
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