The 2025 Kia Niro and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid are hybrid subcompact SUVs with fuel-sipping engines that deliver terrific mileage.
Fresh from a complete redesign for the 2023 model year, this latest generation of the Niro gained considerably more style and substance. Added driver aids and more advanced tech make the Niro hybrid all the more tempting.
In the opposite corner, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is an MPG-minded spinoff of the Corolla Cross SUV, which debuted for the 2022 model year. In hybrid format, the Corolla Cross delivers better fuel economy, more power, and stronger acceleration than its non-hybrid sibling.
Big on value and kind to your fuel budget, which of these hybrid SUVs is the better pick? Let’s check out some highlights of the Kia Niro and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
2025 Kia Niro
2024 model shown
The 2025 Niro has a starting price of $28,365, including destination charge, and can be had in five trims: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring. Even the top-of-the-line SX Touring has a reasonable price tag of $36,765, and it comes loaded with features like a heated steering wheel, power-operated liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Kia Niro is also available as a plug-in hybrid or as an all-electric model.
Kia Niro Highlights
Futuristic exterior: With its recent redesign, the Niro sports a modern exterior with “aeroblade” rear quarter panels. Style is always subjective, but there’s no arguing the new Niro is far more attention-grabbing than the forgettable wrapper of its predecessor.
Amazing MPGs: At its most frugal, the Niro returns an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in combined city and highway driving. This applies to the LX, EX, and SX trims fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels. Fancier models with larger wheels still return an outstanding 49 mpg combined that bests the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s 42 mpg combined rating.
Kia Drive Wise: This suite of driver aids is equipped to every version of the Niro hybrid. It includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitor, and safe exit alert.
Class-leading warranty: A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty is coupled to a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In terms of coverage, that’s a veritable mic drop moment for the Kia Niro. You also get 24/7 roadside assistance for the length of the basic warranty.
Read our Kia Niro Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Niro models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2024 model shown
The Corolla Cross Hybrid can be had in four trims: S, SE, Nightshade, and XSE. With a starting price of $29,745, including destination, this hybrid Toyota is about $4,000 steeper than the entry-level fee of the non-hybridized Corolla Cross. What do you get for the added expenditure? To start, a whole lot of miles for every drop of gasoline. The Corolla Cross Hybrid also comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is unavailable on the Kia Niro.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Highlights
Standard AWD: Having all-wheel drive standard is a big selling point for this small SUV. Many car shoppers in snowy climates might knock Niro off their shopping list simply because it’s strictly front-wheel drive.
Warranty for hybrid components: We’ll admit that the Kia Niro has the better overall warranty. However, to give credit where warranty credit is due, let’s not overlook the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which has 8-year/100,000-mile coverage for its hybrid powertrain components. And it also has a transferable 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for its battery pack.
Nightshade Edition: This is a new addition to the Corolla Cross Hybrid lineup for the 2024 model year. The Nightshade Edition comes with black 18-inch alloy wheels, an available two-tone exterior, red interior stitching, and a roof rack. It adds a little more visual punch to this otherwise practically-minded SUV.
Quicker than the regular Corolla Cross: So, wait a minute. Does the Corolla Cross Hybrid have better fuel economy than the standard version, and is it also quicker? That’s right, the 196-hp hybrid powertrain has 27 more ponies than the regular Corolla Cross. This pays off when merging onto a highway or when an extra jolt of acceleration is called for in city traffic. Its EPA-rated 42 mpg combined is 12 mpg better than the standard model (when equipped with AWD).
Read our Toyota Corolla Cross Expert Review or see 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Kia Niro and Corolla Cross Hybrid have a lot in common regarding how they drive, their feature content, and their impressive degree of safety features. Each is also extremely good in terms of fuel economy, too.
New 2025 Kia Niro Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$28,385 |
$27,632 |
|||
$31,185 |
$30,358 |
|||
$33,485 |
$32,597 |
|||
$34,385 |
$33,473 |
|||
$36,785 |
$35,810 |
New 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$29,845 |
$28,851 |
|||
$31,165 |
$30,476 |
|||
$32,090 |
$30,719 |
|||
$33,030 |
$31,857 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Niro vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Kia Niro | 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.6-liter gas-electric 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter gas-electric 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5,700 rpm | 196 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ | 139 @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel economy MPG | 53 city/54 highway/53 combined | 45 city/38 highway/42 combined |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 103.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 174.0 inches | 176.1 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Height | 60.8 inches | 64.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.8 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.5 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.5 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.8 inches | 32.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.3 inches | 52.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.4 inches | 52.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 22.8 cubic feet | 21.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Kia Niro and Toyota Corolla Cross are great bargains; each has a lot to offer anyone wanting an economical vehicle with easy-going driving manners. When you read the fine print, each has excellent warranty coverage, and their modest dimensions make them maneuverable in tight parking spots.
After hitting the highlights, what might be some downsides? The Niro doesn’t offer AWD, and wireless smartphone connectivity is only available with the standard infotainment system, not the upgraded one. You also have to get at least an EX trim if you want adaptive cruise control, which is standard in the Toyota. As for the Corolla Cross Hybrid, its rear legroom is tight for taller passengers, and its simplistic interior design lacks the flair of its Kia rival.
Are these deal-breakers? Probably not. And that’s why we suggest taking each for a test drive and seeing which pulls your heartstrings and makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
