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Are you shopping around for a small crossover SUV? Two good choices are the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Kia Seltos. See how they stack up in this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Kia Seltos comparison. With its many advantages, the 2023 Corolla Cross beats the 2023 Seltos. 

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Kia Seltos

Front angle view of gold 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
Acidic Blast 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Kia Selts comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Corolla Cross vs. Seltos: Performance and gas mileage

Front angle view of Starbright Yellow 2023 Kia Seltos, highlighting its release date and price
Starbright Yellow 2023 Kia Seltos | Kia

With its more powerful engine options, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has the advantage for performance. It offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 horsepower) and a hybrid (194 horsepower). Engine options for the 2023 Kia Seltos include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (146 hp) and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp).

The Corolla Cross also has the advantage for efficiency. The gas-powered Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, while the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg. In comparison, the Seltos has an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 mpg. Unlike the Corolla Cross, the Seltos doesn’t offer an efficient hybrid model.

Corolla Cross vs. Seltos: Towing

On the towing front, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross can tow up to 1,500 pounds. However, the 2023 Seltos is not rated for towing.

Corolla Cross vs. Seltos: Off-road capabilities

Do you want to head off the beaten path? While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the Corolla Cross is more suitable for off-road use. This is because it has higher ground clearance than the Seltos (8.1 vs. 7.3 inches). 

Corolla Cross vs. Seltos: Safety

The Corolla Cross has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. However, the Seltos received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Corolla Cross vs. Seltos: Passenger and cargo space

Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, but the Seltos has slightly more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 99.0 cu-ft, compared to 95.0 cu-ft for the Corolla Cross. However, the Corolla Cross provides more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft, compared to 62.8 cu-ft for the Seltos.

Corolla Cross vs. Seltos: Warranty coverage

The Seltos has the advantage for warranty coverage, with 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 only has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. However, unlike the Seltos, the Corolla Cross offers a free maintenance plan, with two years and 25,000 miles of coverage.

Corolla Cross vs. Seltos: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Corolla Cross or the 2023 Seltos? The starting price of the 2023 Seltos ranges from $22,840 MSRP for the LX trim up to $28,340 MSRP for the SX trim. The price information is not yet available for the 2023 Corolla Cross. However, it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 Corolla Cross. The starting price of the 2022 Corolla Cross ranges from $22,445 MSRP for the L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim.

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

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Kia Seltos comparison, the 2023 Corolla Cross has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Seltos include passenger space and warranty coverage. 

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