How the 2025 Kia Seltos Bests the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

There comes a time in many drivers’ lives when they must make a difficult choice between two well-known, reputable, and enjoyable automobiles. For those shopping for a subcompact SUV, your search has likely turned up the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross as two such examples. But how do you know if you should be looking for a Kia Seltos for sale or if you should examine the Toyota Corolla Cross a bit closer?

Although we can understand why a driver would choose either vehicle, there are a few significant reasons why we like the 2025 Kia Seltos better. While the Corolla Cross seems to rest on its well-deserved laurels of exceptional Toyota engineering and design, we can’t help but appreciate the effort Kia puts into guaranteeing driver enjoyment year after year. So, let’s take a look at what’s new for the 2025 Kia Seltos and why, if we were shopping for a new subcompact SUV, we would choose it over the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.

What’s New for Both Models in 2025

Both the Kia Seltos and the Toyota Corolla Cross are fairly recent additions to their respective lineups. The Kia Seltos debuted in 2021, and the Corolla Cross was released in 2022. Still, it’s not uncommon for automotive manufacturers to tweak their new designs to reflect customer feedback and preferences.

The Kia Seltos received a major update for the 2024 model year, which included the introduction of the X-Line trim, an engine power upgrade, and exterior design modifications. Therefore, it came as a surprise to the automotive community when Kia announced additional new features for 2025.

For the most part, these updates expand the standard equipment on each trim of the Seltos, making life easier for drivers regardless of their shopping budgets. The EX and SX trims now include standard Parking Distance Warning-Reverse, which assists drivers in seeing what happens behind the bumper while in reverse. A Smart Power Liftgate is standard on the EX trim when all-wheel drive is chosen, as well as for the SX trim, which is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive. The EX trim is also now offered with an available Power Sunroof Package.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is largely the same vehicle as the 2022 release. There were a few updates to its technology and wireless connectivity in 2023, but the only update for 2025 is the addition of Soul Red Crystal as an exterior paint color. 

This, too, came as a shock to the automotive community. Though Toyota generally only releases a new generation every six or seven years, it seemed likely that a mid-cycle refresh would be announced in 2025. While experts look forward to big news for the 2026 model, that doesn’t help drivers who want to purchase a new subcompact SUV today. With that in mind, we hand the crown to the Kia Seltos in this category for having the latest and greatest features to meet drivers’ needs.

Trim Levels and Interior Space

Of course, there’s much more to an automobile than how cutting-edge it might be; just ask any used car driver! 

When it comes to providing drivers with the features they need without pushing them beyond their budget, we feel the 2025 Seltos offers drivers the best options. The Seltos is offered in LX, S, EX, SX, and X-Line trims. While the S and EX trims are offered with a choice between front- and all-wheel drive, the LX, SX, and X-Line trims have standard all-wheel drive. The X-Line trim also includes standard skid plates, high-utility roof rails, and an all-wheel-drive Lock Mode, making it the ideal choice for drivers looking for something a little more rugged.

To make the selection process easier, the Toyota Corolla Cross is offered in only three trims for 2025: L, LE, and XLE. Each trim is offered in your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. None of them have skid plates or Lock Mode.

In addition to providing drivers with more choices, the Seltos offers more room. Rear passengers can enjoy 38 inches of legroom. This added space also helps turn the 26.6 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats into 62.8 cu.ft. when the rear row is folded. 

In contrast, the Corolla Cross offers rear passengers only 32 inches of legroom. Toyota hasn’t released specifications regarding the maximum cargo capacity in the Corolla Cross, but the amount behind the rear seat depends on the model you choose: front-wheel-drive models have 25.5 cu.ft. of space, while all-wheel-drive models only get 24.3 cu.ft.

Connectivity and Convenience

The fact that the Kia Seltos is offered in a wide variety of trims makes it more likely that you’ll find all of the features you want in one place. Still, discerning drivers know that it’s just as important to pay attention to the fun features so you can enjoy your time on the road.

The 2025 Kia Seltos’s introductory LX trim includes plenty of necessities, including 2-way reclining rear seats, a 6-speaker audio system, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Stepping up to the S trim turns this into a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and adds the option of 3-level heated front seats, which then become standard on the EX trim. SX trim drivers even get a premium 8-speaker Bose audio system.

Meanwhile, all Corolla Cross trims include the standard 8-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, but a premium sound system—in this case, a 9-speaker version from JBL Premium Audio—is optional and only on the top XLE trim.

Power and Performance

While subcompact SUVs aren’t typically the most powerful vehicles on the road, every driver wants to know that they have enough power to safely commute on the highways and explore new destinations.

Each 2025 Seltos is equipped with one of two engines. The LX, S, and EX trims are powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that provides 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Those looking for more excitement may gravitate towards the SX and X-Line trims, which are equipped with a 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder engine that makes 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The 2025 Corolla Cross’s engine outpowers the base engine of the 2025 Seltos, but not its turbocharged engine. All Corolla Cross trims are equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that provides 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. However, there is no “more exciting” engine option; there is only one engine choice for Toyota drivers. Having an alternative is just another reason why we prefer the Seltos over the Corolla Cross.

Choosing Your Next Kia Seltos

We live in a world in which some of the most reliable automotive manufacturers are making a wide variety of reliable and convenient SUVs, providing us with almost endless options when shopping for a new car.

However, there is only one 2025 Kia Seltos, and it’s been carefully updated for the new model year with features that drivers will enjoy. Only the 2025 Seltos offers drivers this wide selection of trims and options, and that’s why we’d choose it over the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.