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The 2022 Kia Sportage is the fourth-best new small SUV, according to U.S. News. How does it compare to the final trim level of the new Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV? Time for 2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE.

The 2022 Kia Sportage shines in the small SUV segment

A blue 2022 Kia Sportage is driving on the road.
The 2022 Kia Sportage is driving on the road | Kia

The 2022 Kia Sportage may not be as popular as its larger sibling, the Kia Telluride, but it’s representing for its family in a big way. No, the Sportage isn’t class-leading, but it certainly holds its own against rivals when it comes to value.

The Kia Sportage starts at $24,090. It uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to make 181 horsepower. The Sportage achieves 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Sportage comes standard with remote keyless entry. It also includes rear privacy glass, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats. The small SUV also features standard lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and driver attention warning.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE is packed with standard features

A blue 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross is driving on the road.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE starts at $26,325. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 169 horsepower. The Corolla Cross XLE gets 31 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Corolla Cross XLE is the final Corolla Cross trim. It comes standard with SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and ambient lighting. The subcompact SUV also includes wireless smartphone charging, a smartkey system that works for the front doors and liftgate, and push-button start. It features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Car and Driver calls the XLE the best Corolla Cross trim for the money. The Corolla Cross isn’t making big noise in its segment, but it’s a great alternative for fans of the Corolla’s price and practicality that may desire a little more cabin and cargo space.

2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE

A blue 2022 Kia Sportage is driving on a bridge.
The 2022 Kia Sportage | Kia

The base model Kia Sportage is more affordable than the Corolla Cross XLE. The price difference is $2,235. That $2,235 gets you premium features in the Corolla Cross XLE, like heated SofTex-trimmed front seats and a wireless device charger. It’s tough to beat the value that the Toyota Corolla Cross XLE provides for its price.

When it comes to the 2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE, the two deciding factors are space and power. The Corolla Cross XLE is a great sedan alternative, but it isn’t as spacious as the Kia Sportage is. It isn’t a great vehicle for a family. It does make a great commuting vehicle for a driver that doesn’t need space or power. The Sportage is the better small SUV if you’re keeping passengers in mind. The Corolla Cross XLE wins for drivers that will be alone with its comfy cabin and standard tech more often than not.

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