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2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4
2023 Kia Sportage HEV ・ Photo by Kia
The 2023 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover that’s all-new for this model year. It has a more powerful gas engine and hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Kia also made the Sportage larger, which gives it more room for cargo and more room for passengers to spread out and get comfortable.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is also a compact crossover. There’s a choice of gas or hybrid powertrains along with a plug-in hybrid that’s sold as the RAV4 Prime. It also has a roomy interior that has comfortable seating and good room for cargo. Let’s take a closer look at these two crossovers to see which is the best.
So Many Trims
The Kia Sportage is available in seven trim levels. The base LX starts at $25,990 with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,800. Sitting in the middle of the lineup is the SX Prestige at $33,490. Three new off-road trims with standard all-wheel drive range in price from $30,790 to $36,790.
The Toyota RAV4 has a range of six trims from which to choose. It starts at $26,975 with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive adds $1,400. Sitting at the top of the lineup are the Limited at $36,875 and TRD Off-Road, which comes in with a price of $36,915. We give this to Kia for its slightly larger trim lineup and lower starting price.
: Kia Sportage
Photo by Kia
What About Hybrids?
Both of these crossovers offer hybrids for better fuel efficiency. The Sportage debuts three hybrid trims this year with pricing ranging from $27,290 to $36,190. There are also two plug-in hybrids with pricing yet to be announced.
The RAV4 has a choice of six hybrid trims. These range in price from $29,575 to $38,075. There are also two plug-in hybrid trims sold as the RAV4 Prime priced at $40,300 and $43,624. The Sportage has lower pricing for its hybrid, but the RAV4 offers more trims from which to choose.
: Toyota RAV4
Photo by Toyota
Plenty of Powertrain Choices
The base Sportage is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid gets a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 227 net system horsepower paired to a 6-speed automatic. The plug-in gets that same engine, but with 261 net system horsepower.
The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 203 horsepower that’s also paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 219 net system horsepower while the plug-in RAV4 Prime has the same engine tuned for 302 net system horsepower. Overall, the RAV4 offers stronger performance.
: Toyota RAV4
Photo by Toyota
Room for Everyone
The Toyota RAV4 delivers a pleasant ride with plenty of room for passengers to spread out. It’s well-suited to families who plan to have kids riding in back, but adults will find it equally spacious. There’s seating in back for three, which is fine for shorter trips, but it's best kept to two adults for longer drives.
The Kia Sportage also has room for your family and friends. Once again, there’s seating for three adults in the rear seats, but two will find it more comfortable. Where the Kia comes out ahead is in legroom. There’s 41.3 inches for rear passengers to stretch out, which makes it a better choice.
: Kia Sportage
Photo by Kia
A Comfortable Ride
In addition to having room for everyone, a crossover needs to deliver a compliant ride that doesn’t jostle passengers at the slightest road imperfection. The Toyota RAV4 has a smooth ride that remains composed even over rough road surfaces. Handling is good, but it has a bit more bounce and sway along with road and wind noise at higher speeds.
The Kia Sportage has a more refined ride that stays controlled during quick maneuvers. Even broken or pebbled pavement won’t rattle passengers and there’s a minimum of road and wind noise. Especially if there are road trips in your future, the Sportage provides a smoother, more comfortable ride for the trip.
: Kia Sportage
Photo by Kia
Can You Go Off Road?
Neither of these crossovers is designed for hardcore off-roaders who plan to climb over rocks in the middle of nowhere. The good news is that both offer select trims that are a bit more off-road worthy. Kia has two X-Pro trims with drive modes tailored for all-terrain tires, standard all-wheel drive, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance
The Toyota RAV4 has the TRD Off-Road with drive modes, multi-terrian select with four additional drive mode options, standard all-wheel drive, a front skid plate, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The Toyota RAV4 offers more capability for those who want to explore off-road.
: Toyota RAV4
Photo by Toyota
Room for a Lot of Cargo
The beauty of a crossover is in its ability to manage both people and cargo. The Toyota RAV4 has 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row with 69.8 cubic feet behind the first row. That’s a good amount of room whether you’re heading out for a weekend adventure or just carrying the weekly groceries.
The Kia Sportage, which is larger this year, also has an impressive amount of room for cargo. It offers 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row with 74.1 cubic feet behind the first row. That’s a big difference, and it’s one that makes the Sportage a better choice for those with greater cargo needs.
: Kia Sportage
Photo by Kia
Infotainment That’s Easy to Use
Base infotainment in the Sportage includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 6-speaker audio system. The rest of the lineup gets a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen that is easier to use and gives the Sportage a more premium feel.
The Toyota RAV4 has either 7.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen all depending on the trim level you choose. It’s easy to use and includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the smaller screen sizes make this one an easy win for Kia.
Photo by Kia
Fuel Economy That’s Easy on Your Budget
The Toyota RAV4 with the gas engine gets up to gets up to 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. The hybrid gets 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined while the plug-in hybrid gets 94 mpge.
The Kia Sportage with the gas engine gets up to 25 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. The hybrid gets up to 42 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined with plug-in hybrid figures yet to be released. We give this to the RAV4 for its better gas engine fuel economy, which is what most will purchase.
: Toyota RAV4
Photo by Toyota
And the Winner Is…
These are two well-matched vehicles that are both strong contenders for crossover shoppers. The Toyota RAV4 is a better option when it comes to fuel economy and off-roading. It also has a wider range of hybrid trims, making it easier to find one that has the right features with the right price for your budget. It also has a more responsive gas engine.
The Kia Sportage gets high marks for is affordable starting price and for its roomy interior with that exceptional rear legroom. There’s also good room for cargo and a smooth ride that makes long road trips easy, and it has a larger infotainment screen that’s easier to use.
: Kia Sportage
Photo by Kia