Do you want to get behind the wheel of either the Toyota Corolla Cross or the Hyundai Kona but can’t decide which small crossover SUV to buy? Find out the differences between the two crossover SUVs in this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona comparison.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona 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. Kona: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross has a higher base-engine horsepower, but the 2023 Hyundai Kona has a higher maximum horsepower. The Corolla Cross offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 hp) and a hybrid (194 hp). 

In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Kona offers three gas engine options, along with an all-electric model: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 hp), a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (195 hp), a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (207 hp), and 201 hp for the Kona Electric. 

For efficiency, the gas-powered Corolla Cross has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, and the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 37 combined mpg. In comparison, the gas-powered Kona has an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, while the Kona Electric has an estimated fuel efficiency rating of up to 120 combined MPGe.

Corolla Cross vs. Kona: Towing

The Corolla Cross has the advantage for towing. While the Kona is not rated for towing, the Corolla Cross can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Corolla Cross vs. Kona: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Corolla Cross is more suited for off-road use. This is because it has higher ground clearance than the Kona (8.1 vs. 6.7 inches).

Corolla Cross vs. Kona: Safety

The Corolla Cross is safer than the Kona. For the previous model year, unlike the Kona, the Corolla Cross earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Given that both crossover SUVs are carryover models, the IIHS ratings will likely be similar for the 2023 models.

Corolla Cross vs. Kona: Passenger and cargo space

The Corolla Cross is slightly bigger than the Kona, resulting in more interior space, especially for the storage area. It has a total passenger volume of 95.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the Kona has a total passenger volume of 94.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 45.8 cu-ft.

Corolla Cross vs. Kona: Warranty coverage 

For warranty coverage, the Kona has the advantage. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the Corolla Cross. 

Also, while both crossover SUVs offer a free maintenance plan, the one for the Kona is good for three years or 36,000 miles, compared to two years or 25,000 miles for the Corolla Cross.

Corolla Cross vs. Kona: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Corolla Cross or the 2023 Kona? The price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year, but both models will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 versions. 

For the 2022 Corolla Cross, the starting price ranges from $22,445 MSRP for the L trim up to $26,575 MSRP for the XLE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Kona ranges from $21,300 MSRP for the SE trim up to $42,500 MSRP for the Kona Electric Limited trim.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Corolla Cross, advantages include base engine horsepower, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, and passenger and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Kona include maximum horsepower, higher efficiency with an electric model, and warranty coverage.