Hard-hitting hybrids: Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Nissan Kicks e-Power

The Philippine hybrid electric vehicle segment is shaping up to be one of the strongest groups in the country’s new-energy vehicle category.

On that note, we pit against each other two of the hottest nameplates in the hybrid crossover division: the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Nissan Kicks e-Power. Join us in this battle of hard-hitting hybrids to find out which of the two would best suit your budget, style, and motoring needs.

Tale of the tape

The recently updated Toyota Corolla Cross measures 4,460 millimeters (mm) long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall. It has a 2,640 mm wheelbase allowing it to offer good ride quality for its passengers.

Meanwhile, the Nissan Kicks e-Power has an overall length of 4,300 mm, an overall width of 1,760 mm, and an overall height of 1,615 mm. Its wheelbase is 2,620 mm and it can clear the ground by 180 mm.

Side-by-side, the Toyota Corolla Cross appears to be the larger and beefier of the two.

Exterior

Outside, the Toyota Corolla Cross dons a fresh fascia thanks to a new mesh-like grille with hexagonal outlines. Below it are horizontal lines that feed air to the components sitting behind the vehicle’s radiator. A robust-looking chin adds a muscular character to the otherwise sleek and sexy-looking crossover.

Its lighting setup at the front consists of two-beam projector LED headlights with sequential turn signals, LED daytime running lamps, and LED fog lamps.

To the side of the Toyota Corolla Cross are sport-utility vehicle-like appointments such as black B- and C-pillars, blacked-out wheel arches or overfenders, and dark-colored claddings on the doors.

Adding contrast to the said features are body-colored door handles, chrome trims on the window surrounds, a pair of two-tone side mirrors, and a set of 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Decorating the rear end of the Toyota Corolla Cross is a discreet roof-mounted spoiler, a fin-type antenna, LED taillamps with line guide, LED rear fog lamps, and a rear bumper that echoes the design of what’s found at the front.

It’s also worth noting that the Toyota Corolla Cross has a Gazoo Racing-inspired variant with more aggressive styling and model-specific exterior trims like roof rails, a panoramic moonroof, smoked rear lights, and GR-S design 18-inch wheels.

On the other hand, the Nissan Kicks e-Power wears a sporty look thanks to a healthy combination of straight lines and aerodynamic curves.

At the fore is Nissan’s V-Motion grille in a double black design just under the chiseled hood of the Kicks e-Power. The latticework appears modern and stylish due to its three-dimensional layout. The lower portion of the grille has a strong horizontal bar with large vents for cooling.

Providing much-needed lighting are full LED headlamps with auto on-and-off, auto hazard light, and follow-me-home functions. Thin LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lights round up the features at the front.

The flanks of the Nissan Kicks e-Power have black pillars, wheel arches, and door trims. Also seen from here are body-colored side mirrors (with integrated turn signals, auto-fold, and power-adjust functions), body-toned door handles, and roof rails.

Its back boasts a discreet spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp, signature-type LED taillamps connected by a horizontal bar, as well as a chunky rear bumper.

Overall, the two hybrid crossovers are neck and neck when it comes to their looks and list of exterior appointments. That said, we will call this round a tie.

Interior

The cabin of the Toyota Corolla Cross is as stylish as its exterior.

Greeting the driver is a comfortable leather seat with dark brown accents, a multi-functional leather steering wheel, and a shifter covered in leather.

A seven-inch thin-film transistor multi-information display shows relevant driving data to the person sitting behind the wheel while a large floating 10-inch infotainment screen (with smartphone link, wireless Apple Carplay, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity) not only shows entertaining and engaging content to the crossover’s occupants but also important driving data and serves as a helpful tool when maneuvering in tight parking spots.

Other notable features include its automatic air conditioning system with dual-zone climate control, wireless charging dock, and a handful of charging ports to juice up the passenger’s mobile and handheld devices.

As for the Nissan Kicks e-Power, its interior looks comfortable but a bit dated.

While it does have a leather steering wheel, a synthetic leather dashboard, and the brand’s noteworthy zero gravity seats, the round aircon vents, and eight-inch advanced touchscreen display audio head screams like it was made in the early 2000’s.

And although the hard plastic panels in the cabin make for easier cleaning and maintenance, they feel a little out of place for a hybrid car like the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

Other features found inside the cabin of the crossover include a 12-volt power socket and some USB type-A ports.

With better interior amenities, this round goes to the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Engine

Powering the Toyota Corolla Cross is a 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. In unison, the powertrain setup with a continuously variable transmission system makes as much as 120 horsepower with 142 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

The Nissan Kicks e-Power provides a 100-percent electric drive with its electric motor but uses a 1.2-liter gasoline mill to charge the battery, unlike most hybrids that work the other way around.

Mated to an automatic single-speed gear reduction transmission system, it makes 134 horses with 280 Nm of pulling power.

Better power and a more fuel-efficient way to travel make the Nissan Kicks e-Power this round’s winner.

Safety

The Toyota Corolla Cross is equipped with a boatload of safety features like vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), an emergency brake signal, parking sensors (front and back), a blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a panoramic view monitor, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety features, which come with a pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane departure control, and cruise control.

Not to be outdone, the Nissan Kicks e-Power gets ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, parking sensors, and the brand’s own safety technology systems dubbed the Nissan Intelligent Mobility: intelligent around-view monitor, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking, driver attention alert, hill start assist, and the Nissan e-Pedal.

Overall, the two hybrid crossovers are neck and neck in this round forcing another tie.

Variants and pricing

Toyota Corolla Cross

• Corolla Cross G – P1.498 million
• Corolla Cross V – P1.763 million
• Corolla Cross GR-S – P1.917 million

Nissan Kicks e-Power

• Kicks e-Power EL – P1.239 million
• Kicks e-Power VE – P1.339 million
• Kicks e-Power VL – P1.539 million

Verdict

The Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Kicks e-Power have a tightly contested battle to see which is the better hybrid crossover. On that note, the choice of selecting either of the two boils down to preference.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV and Jirehl Kent Flores

Also read:

Toyota Motor PH updates Corolla Cross to an all-hybrid lineup

Electric feel: A drive to Albay with the Nissan Kicks e-Power

Here are the new Toyota Corolla Cross variants