Kia gave the Sportage a thorough redesign for the 2023 model year, making it a more competitive choice for the compact crossover SUV segment. Toyota also aims to make waves for the segment with the first-ever Corolla Cross. However, when stacking the two models up against each other in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison, the Sportage dunks on the Corolla Cross with its many advantages.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

For our 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison, we analyzed several different factors. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, technologies, and warranty coverage.

Sportage vs. Corolla Cross: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2023 Kia Sportage offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp) and a hybrid powertrain (226 hp). In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offers just a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Kia hasn’t yet released the efficiency ratings for the gas-powered 2023 Sportage. However, the automaker claims that the Sportage Hybrid will have an estimated fuel economy of up to 39 combined mpg. In comparison, the Corolla Cross gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg.

Sportage vs. Corolla Cross: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, the Sportage is the only one that offers off-road-focused models with the X-Line and X-Pro trims. The Sportage X-Pro is the best overall choice for off-road adventures with features such as the B.F. Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black off-road wheels, and multi-terrain drive modes.

Sportage vs. Corolla Cross: Passenger and cargo space

For the redesign, Kia increased the size of the 2023 Sportage, resulting in more passenger and cargo space. While the complete interior specs of the 2023 Sportage are not yet available, the crossover SUV has a class-leading 41.3 inches of rear legroom and a rear cargo capacity of 39.6 cu-ft. In comparison, the 2022 Corolla Cross has only 32.0 inches of rear legroom and a rear cargo capacity of 26.5 cu-ft. 

Sportage vs. Corolla Cross: Technologies

Another impressive aspect of the redesign for the 2023 Sportage is on the technology front. The standout feature is the dual panoramic curved display, which includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. In comparison, the largest screen that the Corolla Cross offers is 8.0 inches for the infotainment system and 7.0 inches for the digital instrument cluster.

The Sportage is also strong for safety with its many driving assistance technologies. This includes standard rear occupant alert and driver attention warning, as well as available safe exit warning, highway driving assist, and speed limit assist. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer any of these features.

Sportage vs. Corolla Cross: Warranty coverage

All Sportage models have the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Corolla Cross has just a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

However, unlike the Sportage, the Corolla Cross has a free maintenance plan, with two years and 25,000 miles of coverage. 

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: Which crossover SUV is better?

In our 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross comparison, the 2023 Sportage dunks on the 2022 Corolla Cross in many different ways. With advantages for performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, technologies, and warranty coverage, the Sportage offers crossover SUV buyers a very compelling choice. For the Corolla Cross, the only advantage that it has over the Sportage is its free maintenance plan.