There's no stopping the influx of crossover SUVs to the market.  The Kia Seltos arrived in 2019 to replace the Soul. Based on the Hyundai Kona, the Seltos centers on styling, with its signature Tiger Nose grille and two-tone paint options. 

The Toyota Corolla Cross, on the other hand, is basically a raised Corolla. That means it possesses the solid quality of what was once the best-selling car in the world. Aside from that, the Corolla Cross brought a hybrid powertrain to the segment.

So if you're looking for a crossover, and are torn between the Seltos and Corolla Cross, then read on to know more about each car. 

Kia Seltos (P1.098 to P1.505 million)

The entry-level LX has a price tag of P1.908 million, the mid-level EX P1.198 million, and the top-spec SX trim P1.505 million. 

All Seltos cars are powered by a two-liter gasoline engine that's good for 147hp and 179Nm of torque. Meanwhile, gear changes are done by an infinitely variable transmission (IVT). 

The IVT system comes with a Drive Mode Select feature, allowing driver to choose between five different driving modes: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom. 

Other features across the Seltos range are 17-inch alloy wheels, and the eight-inch touchscreen multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The EX and SX share LED daytime and taillights, while only the SX gets full LED headlamps and fog lights, and that two-tone paint option. Buyers can opt for a Starbright Yellow body and Black roof, or a Clear White/Black combo. 

Aside from automatic climate control and push-button start, the SX includes a host of safety features. These include airbags dotted around the cabin, electronic stability control, and downhill brake control and hill-start assist. 

Toyota Corolla Cross (P1.285 million and P1.650 million)

A price difference of P365,000 separates the two Corolla Cross trims, with P1.285 million for the 1.8 G CVT, and P1.650 million for the 1.8 V Hybrid. 

The 1.8 G is powered a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that generates 138hp and 172Nm of torque. The 1.8 V Hybrid pairs the same engine with a 53kW electric motor, which adds 71hp and 163Nm. Both cars share a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

A six-way power adjustable driver's seat is found inside the Corolla Cross G, and a 6.8-inch touchscreen for Apple and Android. 

In contrast, the Hybrid features an eight-way power driver's seat and a bigger touchscreen. This car illuminates the road with LED headlights, and automatically swishes the wipers when rain hits the windscreen. 

The  Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a suite of driver assistance technologies. TSS includes Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Despite not having TSS, the base model still comes with Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist. ASEAN NCAP safety tests rate the Corolla Cross a five-star car.

Standard safety features on both models include anti-lock brakes, a rearview camera, and seatbelts all around. Both models also have clearance sensors, but the Hybrid has more with six (two front, four rear), as opposed to the base’s two (rear only).

Corolla Cross units wear four standard colors: Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Metal Stream Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl Mica (which costs an extra P15,000).

Verdict

There's a lot going for the Corolla Cross. The Japanese crossover packs more features and safety, especially for the base model. These qualities justify the car's higher price and more conservative looks, compared to the Korean car. 

The famous Toyota hybrid powertrain will also appease folks who want to lessen their fuel expenses and carbon-dioxide emissions. 

Photos from Toyota and Kia

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