Crossover comparo: Kia Seltos vs. Toyota Yaris Cross

The local automotive market offers a wide range of options for car enthusiasts, and two popular contenders in the crossover segment are the Kia Seltos and Toyota Yaris Cross. With their stylish designs, advanced features, and impressive performance, these vehicles have caught the attention of many car buyers.

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Seltos and the Yaris Cross, exploring their design, interior comfort, performance, safety features, and pricing.

Exterior

When it comes to looks, the Seltos and Toyota Yaris Cross are both head-turners in their own right. The Seltos boasts a bold and muscular design, with sleek lines and a confident stance. On the other hand, the Yaris Cross takes a more sophisticated approach, with clean lines and a compact silhouette that is perfect for city driving.

Both the Seltos and the Yaris Cross come with their own unique styling elements that add a touch of flair. From eye-catching LED headlights to chrome accents, these crossovers know how to make a statement. The Seltos offers a sportier vibe with its rugged body cladding and aggressive grille, while the Yaris Cross embraces a more refined aesthetic with its sleek body lines and elegant front fascia.

Since the two crossovers have their own distinct appeal, we give this round a tie.

Interior

When it comes to interior space, both the Seltos and the Yaris Cross offer comfortable seating for five passengers. However, the Seltos has a slightly roomier cabin and generous headroom and legroom.

In the tech department, both vehicles come equipped with modern infotainment systems that keep you connected on the go. The Seltos offers a user-friendly 10.25-inch touchscreen display with support for Apple Carplay and Android Auto, making it easy to access your favorite apps and navigation.

The Yaris Cross, on the other hand, offers a similar setup on a seven-inch touchscreen display, ensuring you stay entertained and connected wherever you roam.

When it comes to comforts, both the Seltos and the Yaris Cross have got you covered. From available leather upholstery to climate control, these crossovers know how to keep you cozy no matter the weather. Additionally, both vehicles offer cleverly designed compartments to keep your belongings organized. 

We give this round to the Seltos since its cabin is more spacious, ensuring every passenger a more comfortable ride.

Engine

Under the hood, the Seltos and the Yaris Cross offer different engine options to suit your driving needs.

The Seltos is available with a 1.5-liter Smartstream engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.

On the other hand, the Yaris Cross opts for a more efficient approach, offering a hybrid powertrain that balances power and fuel economy. It is also available with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine.

In terms of performance, both vehicles offer smooth acceleration and nimble handling, making them a joy to drive in various road conditions.

The Yaris Cross takes the crown for this round as it is available with a hybrid powertrain that delivers fuel efficiency.

Safety

When it comes to safety, both the Seltos and the Yaris Cross have got your back. They come equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems that help prevent accidents and keep you on the road. 

The Seltos comes standard with smart cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear-camera display, and parking distance warning.

Meanwhile, the Yaris Cross comes with Toyota Safety Sense that includes pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, panoramic view monitor, and clearance and back sonar.

Since the two crossovers are packed with the same level of safety technologies, we give this round a tie.

Variants and pricing

The Seltos is available in three variants: the LX priced at P1.198 million, the EX priced at P1.288 million, and the SX priced at P1.688 million.

Likewise, the Yaris Cross comes in three variants: the G CVT priced at P1.199 million, the V CVT priced at P1.306 million, and the S HEV priced at P1.598 million.

Verdict

After a thorough comparison of the Seltos and the Yaris Cross, it is clear that both vehicles have their own unique strengths and appeal, therefore, we conclude this battle with a tie. The Seltos impresses with its spacious interior, while the Yaris Cross has a reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency. Ultimately, the decision between these two crossovers will depend on individual preferences and specific requirements.

Photos from Kia Philippines, Ruben Manahan IV, Toyota Motor Philippines, and Roy Robles

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