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Kia Cerato vs Toyota Corolla

What's the difference?

VS
Kia Cerato
Kia Cerato

$20,990 - $39,999

2022 price

Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla

$29,270 - $40,450

2024 price

Summary

2022 Kia Cerato
2024 Toyota Corolla
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.6L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
6.9L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Harsh ride quality
  • Unrefined, noisy cabin
  • Ageing interior design

  • Safety could be better
  • Drony CVT
  • No rear (adjustable) ventilation
2022 Kia Cerato Summary

Three years after the fourth-generation Cerato small car rolled into Australian dealerships, Kia launched a mid-life facelift for the sedan and hatch range in mid-2021.

It ushered in styling tweaks including new headlights and Kia’s new logo, as well as more safety tech and a multimedia upgrade.

At the top of the range sits the warmed-up Cerato GT. It’s not quite Hyundai i30 N-level performance, more i30 N-Line. In other words, more than enough performance to keep most people satisfied and enough poke to get away quickly at the lights.

But is the updated version of Kia’s Cerato trying to be something it’s not, or is it a performance bargain?

Read on to find out.

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2024 Toyota Corolla Summary

Full disclosure, the Cleary family’s main transport is a Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid hatch, purchased new in mid-2021.

And the chance to catch up with the Corolla Hybrid sedan in entry-level Ascent Sport form, boasting an upgraded motor and battery set-up (added in late 2022) was one I didn’t want to miss.

Four-door sedans of any description are a rarity these days, but Toyota is reluctant to let go of the format with the Camry remaining a popular option (not just with cab and Uber drivers) and the booted Corolla retaining a committed bunch of devotees.

So, how does this car compare to the hatch, and have the recent powertrain improvements made a meaningful difference to its performance and economy? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Kia Cerato 2024 Toyota Corolla

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