battle of the subcompact hybrids

There are a number of nice subcompact crossovers available on the market, however solely two of them supply actually efficient hybrid choices. The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is superior in each metric bar entry worth to the gasoline solely model. The Kia Niro comes normal as a hybrid, and has plug-in hybrid and full EV variations as nicely.

The 2 regular hybrid variations are very related in dimension, with the Toyota giving a bit extra energy, whereas the Kia has higher fuel-efficiency. Each automobiles supply good tech for his or her worth bracket, and though not as spacious as a RAV4-size crossover, nonetheless have more passenger and cargo space than a small sedan.

There are a number of causes to decide on a small crossover, starting from getting a sensible drive with low working prices at an affordable worth, to easily preferring the better drive and parking of a smaller dimension. The Toyota and Kia each supply ranges from extra primary to fairly loaded, so it’s going to rely upon what you’re on the lookout for and your finances.

Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid vs Kia Niro hybrid

A variety of worth and have choices

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

There’s lots of worth within the identify Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. Toyota is the epitome of practical and reliable motoring, whereas the Corolla is the top-selling automobile of all time. The ‘Cross’ means crossover, the preferred automobile form. Hybrid is just Toyota taking their hottest automobiles and making them higher in all methods by including a hybrid drive. This hybrid has extra energy and manner higher gasoline consumption than the abnormal gasoline model.

Three of the six Corolla Cross variations are hybrids, the S, SE, and XSE, starting from $28,995 to $33,030. All three come normal with AWD, and the worth variations are primarily based on nice-to-haves like tinted home windows, fake leather-based upholstery, and heated entrance seats.

Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro hybrid is on the market in 5 trim ranges, the LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring, starting from $26,990 to $35,390. The most affordable LX is clearly the econo mannequin, with an eight-inch infotainment display screen, however in any other case fairly totally loaded. The EX is a step up, with an even bigger display screen, roof rails, satellite tv for pc radio, and so forth. The primary two variations have 16″ wheels and higher gasoline consumption, whereas the opposite three sport 18″ wheels and progressively extra fancy goodies. All 5 are FWD solely.

Ought to I purchase a Niro hybrid, I might select the LX, as $2,700 appears an terrible lot to pay for an even bigger display screen and roofrails on what is actually a finances alternative. However in order for you a subcompact crossover that’s totally loaded, that’s clearly your alternative. The Niro can also be accessible as a plug-in hybrid at $35K, or an EV at $40K, however each face critically robust competitors at their respective worth factors.

Cabin and cargo

The place you spend your time

Each the Corolla Cross and Niro are subcompact crossovers, seating 5. The rear seats on each automobiles are most likely extra suited to 2 adults on longer journeys, however can slot in three for regular metropolis driving.

The styling on the 2 automobiles is markedly totally different, nevertheless. The Corolla Cross is similar because the Corolla sedan, blandly useful, virtually austere in its therapy. The Niro exhibits an energetic effort at design, with curvy shapes on the dashboard, pure fibers within the upholstery, and ambient inside lighting. The Niro has a nicer cabin than the Corolla, not higher, simply much less bland.

Inside expertise

The Corolla Cross comes normal with an 8.0-inch sq. infotainment display screen with the Toyota interface and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Commonplace are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with non-obligatory wi-fi charging, rear USB charging ports, and a very good JBL sound system.

The Niro’s base LX trim has an 8.0-inch infotainment display screen, with the upper trims transferring to 10.3-inch. The instrument display screen is smaller than the Corolla’s, at 4.3-inches. The infotainment runs by way of Kia’s UVO interface and contains each Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The EX and up have wi-fi charging. The primary three trims have a six-speaker sound system, whereas the 2 SX trims include a seven-speaker Harman/Kardon rig.

Inside and cargo quantity

The Niro has a barely larger passenger quantity at 102 cu-ft, in comparison with the Corolla Cross at 89 cu-ft. The Niro has 23 cu-ft of cargo quantity behind the rear seats, whereas the Corolla has 22 cu-ft. Each automobiles have rear seats that may fold down for extra cargo area.

Efficiency the place it issues

Gas effectivity and warranties

Credit score: Toyota

The Toyota has an even bigger engine and has extra energy, whereas AWD drive provides it the sting over the FWD of the Niro when highway situations get iffy. In any other case, the Niro FWD is completely ample for many city driving and the odd weekend away.

Neither automobile was meant for drag racing, however relatively for fuel-efficient every day driving. One space the place I want the Niro is within the six-speed automated transmission. It provides a larger driving really feel than the CVT of the Toyota.

Specs

Guarantee

The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid’s warranties are:

• Restricted guarantee: 3-years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee: 5-years/60,000 miles
• Hybrid parts: 10-years/150,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled upkeep: 2-years/25,000 miles

The Kia Niro Hybrid warranties are:

• Restricted guarantee: 5-years/60,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee: 10-years/60,000 miles

Which is the very best?

The Kia ticks many of the packing containers, however it’s a bit slower than the Toyota. I might nonetheless choose it although, even when just for the automated transmission. Pace just isn’t a shopping for choice on this class of automobile.

However, I’ve seen a variety of Corolla Cross hybrids driving round my space as nicely, and they’re very nice wanting automobiles. Neither are very large, however they nonetheless each present a strong highway presence. Ultimately, I feel it’s going to come down as to if you favor Kia or Toyota, and even the very best deal you may get on the day.