Compare the2022 Toyota Corolla CrossVS 2021 Kia Niro

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Corolla Cross XLE has standard Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Niro doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Corolla Cross offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Corolla Cross XLE has standard Front and Rear Parking Assist to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The Niro doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The Corolla Cross has standard Safety Connect, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Niro doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Corolla Cross and the Niro have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Corolla Cross’ 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Niro runs out after 100,000 miles.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corolla Cross for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Niro.

There are over 62 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Corolla Cross’ warranty.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. Kia is ranked 15th.

The Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 30 more horsepower (169 vs. 139) than the Niro’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

The Corolla Cross AWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Niro (13.2 vs. 11.9 gallons).

The Corolla Cross has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Niro doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Corolla Cross’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Niro:

For better traction, the Corolla Cross has larger standard tires than the Niro (215/65R17 vs. 205/60R16).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corolla Cross has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Niro LX/LXS/EX Premium.

The Corolla Cross has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Niro; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Corolla Cross has a much larger cargo volume than the Niro with its rear seat up (25.5 vs. 19.4 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Corolla Cross offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Niro doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

The Corolla Cross has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Niro has no towing capacity.

The Corolla Cross’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Niro’s parking brake has to released manually.

The Corolla Cross’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Kia only offers heated mirrors on the Niro Touring/Touring Special Edition/EX Premium.

Both the Corolla Cross and the Niro offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Corolla Cross has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Niro doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Toyota Corolla comes in sedan, four door hatchback and four door bodystyles; the Kia Niro isn’t available as a sedan or four door hatchback.