2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Adventure model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road with matte black wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and SofTex upholstery, though material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage's design was a mix of successful and questionable elements. While the tiger-nose grille was less appealing, other design details like the four-dot running lights and symmetrical rear fascia added style. The Sportage SX Turbo, with its 19-inch wheels, had a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and metal pedal covers, creating an upscale feel. The interior offered a choice of colors, enhancing its rich look, and the controls were user-friendly, contributing to an overall sense of quality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine boasted 40% thermal efficiency, a feature typically found in racing engines, and delivered power at high RPMs. However, the transmission was sluggish, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 excelled in off-road capability with models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. These models also had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a more powerful 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the SX Turbo. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with optional all-wheel drive featuring a locking center differential. The SX Turbo provided quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The Sportage's suspension, with MacPherson struts and multi-link rear, delivered a smooth ride, though it exhibited some body roll. The SX Turbo's upgraded brakes and 19-inch wheels contributed to its sporty character, though it wasn't as refined as the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly lacking. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and while the aperture was wide, the cargo lip was higher than some competitors. The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space was limited.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite its smaller size, had a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim offered perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air vents, and a USB port. Cargo space was 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage featured a smart liftgate for hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked advanced features like a head-up display, available only on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo added wireless charging and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the UVO Link system was less advanced, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Kia Sportage included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received good safety ratings, with the SX Turbo earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick due to its acceptable headlight rating.