Kia Sportage vs Toyota Corolla Cross
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 8 Oct 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Toyota Corolla Cross: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h and turning circle.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$38,490RRP
- no option data for this car
$37,440RRP
- with the Kia Sportage's standard kit: $37,440 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the manufacturer's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Kia Sportage test page Toyota Corolla Cross test page
Track the Kia Sportage & Toyota Corolla Cross
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Corolla Cross opens at $37,440. That makes the Toyota Corolla Cross the more affordable entry point by $1,050.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,339 and $41,184 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Cross by roughly $5,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Toyota Corolla Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 85% for the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sportage and 8 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Recalls on our record
Kia Sportage
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006112 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2009
- REC-006109 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2014
- 10 more on the model page.
Toyota Corolla Cross
- REC-006390 · published 22 Jul 2025Due to a software programming issue, a memory device in the Combination Meter may deteriorate over time.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006191 · published 29 Nov 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, cracks may develop in the upper universal joint of the steering intermediate shaft assembly.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-005691 · published 1 Jun 2023Due to a software issue, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Corolla Cross gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Sportage stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Corolla Cross. The Toyota Corolla Cross counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Toyota Corolla Cross responds with a Petrol making 146kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Toyota Corolla Cross has the clear power advantage at 146kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 225mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 4,460mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 425L in the Toyota Corolla Cross, giving the Kia Sportage a 118L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.0 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage and $1,197/year for the Toyota Corolla Cross. That is a $1,112 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Corolla Cross). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Toyota Corolla Cross: Top CarSorted Score, 81 vs 75
The Toyota Corolla Cross comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (81 vs 75), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Toyota Corolla Cross ahead by 35), practicality (Kia Sportage ahead by 14), value (Toyota Corolla Cross ahead by 7). The Toyota Corolla Cross will save you roughly $1,112 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The Kia Sportage adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sportage and Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross is the cheapest at $37,440 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sportage by $1,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Cross uses the least fuel at 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia Sportage and Toyota Corolla Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Corolla Cross makes the most power at 146kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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