2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2026 Kia Sportage

$24,135 · Crossover

$28,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Picking a small crossover often boils down to balancing budget against space, and that’s exactly where the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2026 Kia Sportage diverge. If saving money upfront is critical, the Corolla Cross starts at a compelling $24,135, significantly undercutting the Sportage's $28,690 MSRP—a difference of $4,555. However, you get tangible size gains with the Sportage, which is noticeably longer at 184.4 inches versus the Corolla Cross's 176.1 inches, translating directly into its substantial 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Toyota's 24 cu ft. On the road, the Corolla Cross offers superior fuel economy, achieving 32 MPG combined, while the Sportage delivers more pep with 187 hp. This comparison presents a clear choice between cost efficiency and outright utility and power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 32 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage

The Sportage is the clear choice for families, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 39.6 cu ft versus 24 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage

The Sportage provides superior performance metrics with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross offers better value by saving buyers $4,555 in initial MSRP while maintaining reasonable efficiency.

Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...

Your primary concern is saving money upfront, as the MSRP starts at $24,135.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, given its 32 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle for easier city parking (176.1 inches long).

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You need maximum cargo hauling capability, as it boasts 39.6 cu ft.
You prefer stronger acceleration provided by its 187 horsepower engine.
You want an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable one.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Corolla Cross	Kia Sportage
Length	176.1"	184.4"
Width	71.9"	73.4"
Height	64.9"	65.4"
Wheelbase	103.9"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	169 hp @ 6600 rpm	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Toyota	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	31/33 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	32 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.4/409.2 mi.	357.5/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 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	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	1
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	52.7 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	52.6 in.	54.8 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	Toyota	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.4 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.8 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/65R17	235/65R17
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2026 Kia Sportage.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Kia Sportage compared to the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Kia Sportage has a starting MSRP of $28,690, making it $4,555 more expensive than the Toyota Corolla Cross, which starts at $24,135.

Is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers significant?

Yes, the difference is notable; the Corolla Cross achieves 32 MPG combined, whereas the Sportage is rated lower at 28 MPG combined.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling groceries or gear?

The 2026 Kia Sportage is far superior for hauling, offering 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross's 24 cubic feet.

Do either of these cars require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2026 Kia Sportage specify regular unleaded fuel as their required type.

Which crossover has the more powerful engine?

The 2026 Kia Sportage is the more powerful option, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Corolla Cross's 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

Are there major differences in transmission type?

They use different transmissions; the Corolla Cross features a continuously variable automatic, while the Sportage is equipped with a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.