The SUV market is all the rage in Pakistan these days with several new players making a significant impact on the auto industry. Seven new SUVs — MG HS and ZS, Hyundai Tucson, Proton X70, DFSK Glory, Kia Sorento, and Toyota Corolla Cross — were debuted over the past few months in Pakistan.
While certain SUVs are selling by the thousands, there is a new one in particular that stands out in more ways than one — the Toyota Corolla Cross — a subcompact crossover SUV with a hybrid powertrain that is intended by the company to be a strong and well-equipped commuter car.
This SUV has been launched in Pakistan as a CBU imported from Thailand and can be had in three trim levels — base trim, smart mid-trim, and premium trim. All the variants have the same powertrain save a few differences in terms of features.
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The Corolla Cross is being commended around the world by numerous auto-enthusiasts as a well-equipped car that offers a good value for money, but is that the case in Pakistan? Let us put the Corolla Cross side by side against other popular local SUVs in the market and see if it has what it takes to be a strong contender in the Pakistani car market.
| Particulars | Kia Sportage | Hyundai Tucson | MG HS | Proton X70 | DFSK Glory | Toyota Corolla Cross |
| Performance | ||||||
| Engine | 2.0 liter N/A | 2.0 liter N/A | 1.5-liter Turbo | 1.5-liter Turbo | 1.5-liter Turbo | 1.8 liter N/A | 1.8-liter Hybrid |
| Power | 155 hp | 155 hp | 160 hp | 177 hp | 130 hp | 150 hp | 168 hp |
| Torque | 197 nm | 197 nm | 250 nm | 255 nm | 187 nm | 220 nm | 305 nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 7-speed auto | 7-speed auto | 6-speed manual | 6-speed auto | e-CVT |
| All-Wheel-Drive Option | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Suspension | Front: McPherson Struts | Rear: Multilink | Front: McPherson Struts | Rear: Multilink | Front: McPherson Struts | Rear: Multilink | Front: McPherson Struts | Rear: Torsion Bar | Front: McPherson Struts | Rear: Torsion Bar | Front: McPherson Struts | Rear: Torsion Bar |
| ABS Brakes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 8 – 11 km/liter | 8 – 11 km/liter | 11 – 14 km/liter | 10 – 12 km/liter | 8 – 12 km/liter | 8 – 12 km/liter | 16 – 18 km/liter |
| Safety and Convenience (Top Trim Level) | ||||||
| Immobilizer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Burglar Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Backup Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Climate Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Infotainment System | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| ISO Fix Child Seat Anchor Points | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 4 Years | 100,000 Kilometers | 4 Years | 100,000 Kilometers | 4 Years | 100,000 Kilometers | 5 Years | 150,000 Kilometers | 3 Years | 60,000 Kilometers | 2 Years | 50,000 Kilometers |
| Price Range | ||||||
| Price Range (PKR) | 43.99 lacs – 53.99 lacs | 50.99 lacs – 55.99 lacs | 54.85 lacs | 46.90 lacs – 49.90 lacs | 37.50 lacs – 45.49 lacs | 76.89 lacs – 83.99 lacs |
As can be seen from above, all the SUVs have some strengths and weaknesses performance-wise while their features are more or less the same. However, in terms of price, there is a considerable difference between that of the other SUVs and the Corolla Cross.
The huge price tag of the Corolla Cross leads to the question of whether the hybrid powertrain and the brand name are important enough for buyers to pay the huge premium as compared to its competitors? Other than that, the competitors arguably offer a much better value for money than the Corolla Cross as they are bigger and more practical SUVs.
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Additionally, one can even buy a KIA Sorento (7-seater SUV with more power and practicality, apart from a questionable fuel economy) for the same price or less.
Therefore, it is safe to say that the Corolla Cross will only appeal to a very limited niche and that it would be in the best interest of the company to consider offering a CKD version of the SUV in Pakistan at a more reasonable price tag.
FYI, Corolla Cross doesn’t offer Panoramic Sunroof, it only offers standard Sunroof.
Corolla cross is going to become 2nd Hyundai Santa Fe in terms of sales, i.e. their units will keep biting dust at showrooms.
I think kia sportage-A ,is the best SUV in its price , features and elegance .
It literally has the least features and nothing about it is elegant. Boring, plain and very dated interior.
Out of all the SUVs introduced, so far MG is the best in price, features, performance, etc
Proton X70 is better then MG
Toooooooooooo much price.
I will never ever think about this
Toyota ke naam se bikay gi chae ju bhi features ho
Good comparesion
Toyota Corolla Cross must not be priced more than Pkr 60 lac.