Small SUVs are strong sellers for many automakers, appealing to a broad audience due to their leading-edge technology, ever-improving looks, and ability to handle more than dry pavement. The 2024 Kia Sportage and 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross are among the best examples in the group.
You’ll want to compare these two small SUVs if you’re in the market.
2024 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage received a complete revision last year, getting a stellar exterior design and a praiseworthy interior with ample space that seemingly puts everything where it’s needed.
Great looks, an industry-leading warranty, and hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants have raised Kia’s profile with the buying public. Pricing starts at $28,565.
Kia Sportage Highlights
Great space: Kia designers create some of the best interiors, and the Sportage’s luxurious cabin certainly supports that notion, including borrowing tricks like two screens housed as one and available trendy aluminum pedals.
Top warranty: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are industry leaders. It’s peace of mind knowing you can keep the Sportage for a decade, and if something falters, there will be some assistance.
Three powertrain options: Kia offers one of the most complete lineups at the compact SUV level, with gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Not only are there three options, but they’re all reasonably priced.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models near you.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota’s often the best-selling automaker in the world for a reason: it makes quality products and leverages that reputation — and those vehicle names — whenever possible. The number of Corolla variants continues to grow each year. The Corolla Cross is now in its second year and remains a popular choice in the segment as it borrows exterior styling from both the Corolla and the RAV4.
Importantly, it does that while keeping prices around $25,000, which is critical to success in this segment. Prices start at $25,210, including destination charge.
Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights
Hybrid option: Toyota offers a hybrid option that’s more efficient than the Kia Sportage Hybrid. The hybrid model provides plenty of power, so it’s a win-win if it fits your budget.
Cool factor: Here comes the Nightshade trim with 18-inch gloss black sport alloy wheels, black and red fabric trimmed interior with red accent stitching, and black accented head and tail lamps; if you were going to call any Corolla Cross cool, this is the one.
Safety first: All 2024 Corolla Cross models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems. The new system includes enhancements made possible by sensors with improved detection capability. Improved lane recognition delivers better performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Corolla Cross models near you.
Similarities
Fantastic exterior designs, multiple powertrains, and excellent interiors make these fine competitors.
Conclusion
This one is tough to call, but if price is your biggest consideration. The Toyota Corolla Cross is more than $3,000 cheaper from the start, plus it’s more fuel-efficient. However, the Kia Sportage is roomier, more powerful, and has a better warranty while keeping the price reasonable. It’s worth the extra cost if you need the extra space.
| 2024 Kia Sportage | 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross | |
| Starting Price | $28,565 | $25,210 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 169 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 150 lb-ft @ 4,400-4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg | 31 city/33 highway/32 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, AWD | AWD, Hybrid |
| 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 | TBD | TBD |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 103.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 175.6 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 64.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.6 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 41.3 inches | 32.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.5 inches | 52.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 52.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.6 cubic feet | 24.0 cubic feet |
