Edmunds: 2024 Kia Niro versus 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

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Many car shoppers simply want a vehicle that’s practical, easy to drive and relatively inexpensive

Many car shoppers simply want a vehicle that’s practical, easy to drive and relatively inexpensive. High fuel economy is increasingly a popular desire as well. If this sounds like what you’re looking for in your next vehicle, consider the 2024 Kia Niro or the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The Kia Niro is fresh from a redesign last year. It’s one of Kia’s smaller crossover SUVs and it stands out with its distinctive styling, standard hybrid powertrain and plentiful technology features. Much of the same can also be said of Toyota’s Corolla Cross Hybrid. This fuel-sipping spinoff of the Corolla Cross is similarly fresh, introduced just last year. It’s also loaded with popular features and is a lot more practical than a regular Corolla sedan. Edmunds’ auto experts put these hybrid SUVs head-to-head to see which one offers more for your money.

Under the hood of the Niro is a four-cylinder hybrid electric powertrain that sends 139 horsepower to the front wheels. During testing, Edmunds found acceleration is pretty leisurely. The Niro is pleasantly punchy at city speeds but it rapidly runs out of steam on the highway. The trade-off is great fuel economy. Depending on the trim, its EPA-estimated combined average is a remarkable 49 to 53 mpg.

Motivating the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a 196-horsepower four-cylinder hybrid electric powertrain that sends power to all four wheels. That’s right, the Corolla Cross Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not available on the Niro. Its 42 mpg combined average trails the Niro’s, yet acceleration is stronger. Edmunds found the Corolla Cross Hybrid needed 7.9 seconds