A new player is entering the subcompact SUV segment for 2022 and it has a name that will ensure it is well received in the market. The Toyota Corolla Cross is the SUV version of the compact car of the same name and it has some interesting assets.
Not enough, however, to threaten another new product on the market, the Kia Seltos. The latter made its debut in the spring of 2020 and has already won over the public because of its many qualities.
So here's why it's not afraid of the new competition introduced by Toyota.
Assertive styling
The Toyota Corolla Cross borrows a classic, simple and traditional signature design. You can even see features of the larger RAV4 in it. So much for identity.
At Kia, we created the Seltos with one idea in mind: to make it a unique, original product with its own identity. A simple look at its lines quickly makes us understand it. The front grille is unique and stands out from the rest of the company's vehicles.
And what about the colors that are on the menu? One word describes them well: lively. Unfortunately, Toyota doesn't offer the kind of combinations that make the Seltos a product you instinctively want to buy.
Powertrain choices
The Toyota Corolla Cross will come with a single powertrain, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that offers 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That's fine, but at Kia, you have a choice of two powertrains, depending on what your needs dictate. At the entry level, there's also a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, this time with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. If you want more, you can opt for the 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder version, which delivers 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The first engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the second is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Once again, there's plenty of choice. At Toyota, the Corolla Cross makes do with a CVT.
Interior space
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross promises to be roomier than some of its class rivals, but Kia has outdone itself with the Seltos. The trunk volume is 1778 liters, which is more than some compact SUVs. Then, in the second row, they really thought about the passengers. In the Seltos, your guests will enjoy more legroom and shoulder room than in the Toyota SUV.
In every way, you win with a Seltos. Come and see for yourself at the dealership to see just how much this model offers you.
