2 weeks ago
By NICK KURCZEWSKI
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]
Many car shoppers simply want a conveyance that’s practical, easy to thrust and comparatively inexpensive. High substance system is progressively a celebrated desire arsenic well. If this sounds for illustration what you’re looking for successful your adjacent vehicle, see nan 2024 Kia Niro aliases nan 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
The Kia Niro is caller from a redesign past year. It’s 1 of Kia’s smaller crossover SUVs and it stands retired pinch its unique styling, modular hybrid powertrain and plentiful exertion features. Much of nan aforesaid tin besides beryllium said of Toyota’s Corolla Cross Hybrid. This fuel-sipping spinoff of nan Corolla Cross is likewise fresh, introduced conscionable past year. It’s besides loaded pinch celebrated features and is simply a batch much applicable than a regular Corolla sedan. Edmunds’ car experts put these hybrid SUVs head-to-head to spot which 1 offers much for your money.
ENGINES AND FUEL ECONOMY
Under nan hood of nan Niro is simply a four-cylinder hybrid electrical powertrain that sends 139 horsepower to nan beforehand wheels. During testing, Edmunds recovered acceleration is beautiful leisurely. The Niro is pleasantly punchy astatine metropolis speeds but it quickly runs retired of steam connected nan highway. The trade-off is awesome substance economy. Depending connected nan trim, its EPA-estimated mixed mean is simply a singular 49 to 53 mpg.
Motivating nan Corolla Cross Hybrid is simply a 196-horsepower four-cylinder hybrid electrical powertrain that sends powerfulness to each 4 wheels. That’s right, nan Corolla Cross Hybrid comes modular pinch all-wheel drive. All-wheel thrust is not disposable connected nan Niro. Its 42 mpg mixed mean trails nan Niro’s, yet acceleration is stronger. Edmunds recovered nan Corolla Cross Hybrid needed 7.9 seconds to sprint from zero to 60 mph — almost 2 seconds quicker than nan Niro.
If awesome substance system is your apical priority, nan Niro wins. But Edmunds recovered nan Corolla Cross Hybrid’s quicker acceleration and modular all-wheel thrust to beryllium worthy nan trade-off.
Winner: Corolla Cross Hybrid
FEATURES AND VALUE
Credit Kia and Toyota for packing successful truthful galore features into these budget-minded SUVs. In guidelines format, they each travel modular pinch keyless introduction and ignition, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Both besides connection a robust group of driver assistance features including lane keeping assistance, blind-spot informing and adaptive cruise control.
There are a fewer aspects that thief nan Niro propulsion ahead. For one, it starts astatine $28,315, including destination fees. That’s astir $1,200 little than nan Toyota’s value of $29,570. Kia besides offers apical trim levels for nan Niro that travel pinch upscale features specified arsenic ventilated beforehand seats and a premium sound system. You can’t get these connected nan Corolla Cross Hybrid.
The Niro is backed by a lengthy five-year/60,000-mile basal warranty paired pinch 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Toyota offers a much manufacture modular combo of 3 years/36,000 miles (basic) and 5 years/60,000 miles (powertrain), though it’s worthy noting nan Corolla Cross Hybrid has a two-year/25,000-mile free attraction plan.
Winner: Niro
COMFORT AND UTILITY
Both of these SUVs are maneuverable successful metropolis driving and reasonably comfortable during road jaunts. The Corolla Cross Hybrid rides much smoothly complete bumps, but different they’re beautiful akin for all-around comfort. Cargo abstraction is besides similar. You’ll beryllium capable to fresh a decent magnitude of worldly down nan rear seats aliases fold them down to load larger items.
The Niro does person 1 large advantage compared to nan Toyota: rear legroom. Measuring successful astatine 39.8 inches, nan Niro has astir 8 inches much than nan rear confines of nan Corolla Cross Hybrid. That other abstraction makes nan Niro much comfortable for taller teens aliases adults sitting successful back. Parents needing to instal bulky kid information seats will admit it too.
Winner: Niro
EDMUNDS SAYS
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is simply a coagulated and sensible choice. It goes astir its business pinch a minimum of fuss and feels built to last. Yet nan Niro has amended substance economy, added rear legroom and a much upscale interior. It’s sensible pinch a spot of pizzazz.
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This communicative was provided to The Associated Press by nan automotive website Edmunds. Nick Kurczewski is simply a contributor astatine Edmunds.
