2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2022 Kia Sportage is a stylish, sophisticated, safe, and–with its available turbocharged engine–speedy SUV. Kia hasn't redesigned it since 2017, but that doesn't mean you should cross it off of your shopping list. Even the technology is up to date.

Compact in size, the 2022 Sportage comes in LX, LX Nightsky, EX, EX Premium S, and SX trim levels with front- or all-wheel drive. LX Nightsky trim is new, replacing the LX S version for 2022. The Sportage EX gains a standard panoramic sunroof for 2022.

In Canada, MSRP ranges from $25,995 to $40,195, plus a destination charge of $1,850. Our test vehicle for this review was an SX, which comes with the turbocharged engine and standard AWD and was also equipped with a cargo mat and a tow hitch. The sticker price came to $42,746, including destination (Canadian, estimated). (A U.S. model is shown; the exterior colour on the test unit is not available in Canada, where the SX comes only with red, white, grey, or black paint.)

Toyota Corolla is the most popular automotive nameplate in history, but the compact cars it’s attached to are slowly being usurped by crossover SUVs. So, Toyota is trying to achieve the best of both worlds by launching a new Corolla model that’s also a crossover.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross seeks to expand the Corolla lineup in much the same way that the Corolla Matrix hatchback did two decades ago, adding all-wheel drive (AWD) and more upright bodywork but keeping the Corolla name for familiarity. The Corolla Cross shares the TNGA-C platform, as well as a powertrain, with the Corolla sedan and hatchback, but the exterior styling is all SUV.

The Corolla Cross launches into a crowded market segment. At its media preview, Toyota said it’s counted 20 competitors, including the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru is likely the Corolla Cross’s closest rival, as it’s also a small SUV derivative of an existing compact hatchback.

Built at a new factory in Huntsville, Alabama, the Corolla Cross is scheduled to reach dealerships in October. It will be available in L, LE, and XLE trim levels, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). We got a chance to sample all three during a day of driving.