Both the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Kia Seltos are solid choices for small crossover SUVs. While the Seltos has some positive attributes, there’s a key factor that gives the Corolla Cross an edge. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has one huge benefit over the 2023 Kia Seltos: an efficient hybrid model.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has a new hybrid model — but the 2023 Kia Seltos doesn’t offer one

Toyota has long been the industry leader for hybrid technology. And for the 2023 model year, the Japanese automaker applied it to the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross with a new hybrid model. Like other hybrids, the Corolla Hybrid delivers high fuel economy. It gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg. Since gasoline is one of the most significant costs of vehicle ownership, an efficient crossover SUV like the Corolla Hybrid can save you a great deal of money at the pump over the long haul.

Conversely, the 2023 Kia Seltos doesn’t offer a hybrid model. All Seltos models are fully gas-powered, with an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 combined mpg, which is lower than the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Also, even if you opt for the fully gas-powered version of the Corolla Cross, you’ll still benefit from slightly higher gas mileage (up to 32 combined mpg).

Another advantage of the higher fuel economy of the Corolla Cross is convenience. With lower gasoline consumption, it requires fewer stops at gas stations than the Seltos.

2023 Corolla Cross is a better-performing crossover SUV than the 2023 Seltos

In addition to its high fuel economy, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid crossover SUV has respectable performance. The hybrid system generates 194 horsepower. The perception that many people have of hybrids is they are weak for performance — and are not as powerful as traditional gas-powered cars. 

However, the opposite is true for the Corolla Cross Hybrid, for it has a higher output than the fully gas-powered model (169 horsepower). It’s also more powerful than all of the 2023 Kia Seltos models. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in Seltos produces 146 horsepower, while its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 175 horsepower.

Other strengths of the Toyota Corolla Cross over the Kia Seltos

Along with its hybrid model, the 2023 Corolla Cross crossover SUV has some other strengths over the 2023 Seltos. This includes higher ground clearance (up to 8.1 vs. 7.3 inches). The higher ground clearance makes the Corolla Cross a better option for off-road use, for it can more effectively drive over rough terrain. It also makes it easier to drive in the snow. 

Also, unlike the Seltos, the Corolla Cross is rated for towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Additionally, the Corolla Cross provides more storage space, with a total cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft, compared to 62.8 cu-ft for the Seltos.

Furthermore, unlike the Seltos, the Corolla Cross offers a complimentary maintenance plan, which is good for two years or 25,000 miles. It covers factory-scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, multi-point inspections, tire rotations, and topping off the fluids.

With its more efficient and powerful hybrid model, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has a huge benefit over the 2023 Kia Seltos. If you’re deciding between the two small crossover SUVs, then the hybrid model is a key factor to consider.