In today’s competitive subcompact SUV market, drivers are spoiled for choice with stylish, practical, and tech-savvy options. Among the standout models for 2025 are the Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, and Honda HR-V—each bringing something unique to the table. Whether you’re focused on fuel economy, interior comfort, or everyday versatility, these three crossovers are worth a closer look. In this comparison, we break down their strengths and differences to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.

Performance & Efficiency

Toyota Corolla Cross
Under the hood, the 2025 Corolla Cross features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower—ideal for city commuting and highway cruising. For eco-conscious drivers, the hybrid variant shines with a combined output of 196 horsepower and an impressive fuel efficiency rating of up to 45 mpg city / 38 mpg highway. It also comes with standard all-wheel drive, offering confidence year-round—especially in Canadian winters.

Kia Seltos
The Seltos offers a choice between a base 2.0-litre engine (146 hp) and an optional turbocharged 1.6-litre engine (195 hp). While the turbo variant provides peppier acceleration, it comes at the cost of fuel economy. The base engine delivers decent mileage, but the hybrid option is notably absent from the lineup.

Honda HR-V
The HR-V comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine making 158 hp. It’s a solid performer for urban driving, though acceleration is more leisurely compared to its rivals. Fuel economy is respectable, with a combined rating of around 28 mpg, though it falls short of the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s efficiency.

Interior & Comfort

Toyota Corolla Cross
Inside, the Corolla Cross blends simplicity with functionality. The seats offer great comfort for long drives, and the layout is intuitive and easy to navigate. Available features like a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control add an upscale touch. Toyota has also thoughtfully designed rear seat space and cargo capacity, making it a practical everyday vehicle for singles, couples, or small families.

Kia Seltos
The Seltos sports a bold, modern interior with good materials and eye-catching ambient lighting in higher trims. It boasts one of the largest cargo areas in the class and plenty of rear legroom. However, base models can feel more utilitarian than upscale.

Honda HR-V
Honda continues its reputation for clean, functional interiors. The 2025 HR-V borrows styling cues from the Civic, offering comfortable seating and an uncluttered dash. Its “Magic Seat” has been retired in recent generations, but cargo space remains generous and flexible.

Technology & Safety

Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is equipped with Toyota’s latest multimedia system featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and available connected services. It also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0—a comprehensive suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision with pedestrian detection.

Kia Seltos
Kia’s tech suite is robust, especially in upper trims, with an available 10.25-inch touchscreen and a digital gauge cluster. Safety features like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist are standard, though some advanced features are reserved for higher trims.

Honda HR-V
The HR-V offers a 7- or 9-inch infotainment display depending on the trim, and includes wireless smartphone compatibility. Honda Sensing®—the brand’s safety suite—is also standard, covering basics like adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking.

Driving Experience

Toyota Corolla Cross
Quiet, composed, and stable—the Corolla Cross is designed for everyday comfort. The suspension smooths out rough roads, and available all-wheel drive adds extra grip in inclement weather. While not a performance SUV, it strikes an ideal balance between ride quality and responsive steering.

Kia Seltos
The Seltos’ optional turbo engine adds zest, but base models feel more restrained. Handling is decent, but the ride can feel firm over bumps compared to the Corolla Cross’ more refined suspension tuning.

Honda HR-V
The HR-V drives like a compact sedan—comfortable, but without much excitement. Its calm demeanor will appeal to those who value a smooth, composed ride over sporty handling.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 subcompact SUV landscape offers plenty of choice, but the Toyota Corolla Cross stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency, well-rounded feature set, and legendary Toyota reliability. It’s a smart, forward-thinking option for drivers who prioritize value and peace of mind in their daily drive.

Whether you’re navigating the city streets of Mississauga or planning weekend getaways across Ontario, the Corolla Cross offers the versatility and efficiency to make every trip enjoyable. Visit us at Dixie Toyota to explore it in person and see how it compares for yourself.