Kia Sportage vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Overview | |
MSRP$26,290 | MSRP$31,225 |
Listings9959 | Listings9024 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryAt this point, Kia’s story is less one of an ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan, and more one of an underappreciated boxer who begins raining haymakers as soon as they’re put into the ring. After impressive debuts by the big Telluride and the just-right Sorento, the smaller 2023 Kia Sportage proves that the once-unloved Korean automaker can make a compelling car for every shopper. Compact-crossover shoppers whose default choices have always been Toyota, Honda, and Nissan can now add Kia to their list of worthy brands. | |
Reviews SummaryThe 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a solid choice in its rather limited class, with an easily attained 40 mpg, pleasant driving characteristics, and high levels of comfort. A new infotainment system helps its standing, as does a new off-road capable Woodland Edition. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6100 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.6 kWh |
MPG City25 | MPG City41 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6100 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.6 kWh |
MPG City25 | MPG City41 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space39.6 cu ft | Cargo Space37.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight3373 lbs | Curb Weight3690 lbs |
Height65.4 in | Height67.0 in |
Length183.5 in | Length180.9 in |
Width73.4 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase108.5 in | Wheelbase105.9 in |
Maximum Payload1301 lbs | Maximum Payload1210 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1750 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,290 | $31,225 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 6.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | At this point, Kia’s story is less one of an ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan, and more one of an underappreciated boxer who begins raining haymakers as soon as they’re put into the ring. After impressive debuts by the big Telluride and the just-right Sorento, the smaller 2023 Kia Sportage proves that the once-unloved Korean automaker can make a compelling car for every shopper. Compact-crossover shoppers whose default choices have always been Toyota, Honda, and Nissan can now add Kia to their list of worthy brands. | The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a solid choice in its rather limited class, with an easily attained 40 mpg, pleasant driving characteristics, and high levels of comfort. A new infotainment system helps its standing, as does a new off-road capable Woodland Edition. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 1.6 kWh | |
MPG City | 25 | 41 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 1.6 kWh | |
MPG City | 25 | 41 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 39.6 cu ft | 37.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3373 lbs | 3690 lbs |
Height | 65.4 in | 67.0 in |
Length | 183.5 in | 180.9 in |
Width | 73.4 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 108.5 in | 105.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1301 lbs | 1210 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2500 lbs | 1750 lbs |
Look and feel
The transformation of Kia from an underappreciated brand to a competitive powerhouse in the automotive market is further solidified with the introduction of the 2023 Kia Sportage. Following the success of models like the Telluride and Sorento, the new Sportage offers compelling features that make it a serious contender against traditional favorites like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan in the compact-crossover arena.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid continues to hold a strong position in its segment, offering excellent fuel efficiency of around 40 mpg, pleasant driving dynamics, high comfort levels, and an updated infotainment system. The addition of the off-road capable Woodland Edition also broadens its appeal.
Performance
Both vehicles score a 6 out of 10 in performance from CarGurus experts. The 2023 Kia Sportage, for the first time, introduces hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions alongside its gas-powered variant, which offers a 2.5-liter engine producing 187 horsepower. The vehicle provides a decent off-road capability, especially in the X-Pro trims, but its on-road dynamics and engine power may leave some drivers wanting.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5-liter engine paired with electric motors to deliver a combined 219 horsepower. It offers a smoother and quicker acceleration compared to its gas counterpart and maintains a balanced ride quality. However, its driving dynamics, while competent, aren't particularly thrilling.
Form and function
When evaluating the form and function of the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, both vehicles showcase their strengths in a highly competitive compact crossover segment, earning a 7 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts.
The 2023 Kia Sportage distinguishes itself with a significant increase in size over its predecessor, featuring a length that is 7.1 inches longer and a wheelbase that is 3.4 inches longer. This not only positions the Sportage as a clearly larger vehicle compared to the previous generation but also enhances its interior space. The rear-seat legroom is notably spacious at 41.3 inches, and the luggage capacity is impressive, offering 39.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, the Sportage provides practical storage solutions in the cabin, although its use of technology to control basic functions like the HVAC system can be frustrating for some drivers.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid maintains its solid stance in the segment with a focus on practicality and utility. The RAV4 Hybrid offers a comfortable and spacious interior for passengers, with cargo space nearly matching its competitors. The luggage capacity behind the rear seats is 37.5 cubic feet, only slightly less than the Kia Sportage's capacity. This space is efficiently managed to avoid sacrificing room for the hybrid battery, ensuring that the RAV4 Hybrid remains a practical choice for those needing to balance passenger comfort with cargo needs. The vehicle also excels in providing convenient storage for personal items, featuring a wide shelf on the dashboard and large cupholders, enhancing the overall user experience.
Technology
Technology is where the Kia Sportage shines, earning an 8 out of 10, compared to the RAV4 Hybrid's 6 out of 10. The Sportage impresses with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, panoramic driver display on higher trims, and a suite of standard and available tech features that are both useful and advanced. Despite some quirks, such as wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the top interface, it offers a leading technology package in its class.
The RAV4 Hybrid introduces a new, improved infotainment system with modern graphics and logically arranged menus. While it standardizes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, its base screen size is smaller, and optional features like a wireless charging pad are missing due to the chip shortage.
Safety
Both vehicles are rated 7 out of 10 for safety. The Kia Sportage comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard, with additional features available on higher trims. Its technology aims to prevent accidents before they occur.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been recognized for its safety, receiving high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It includes Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, providing a robust set of safety features designed to protect passengers and assist the driver.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Kia Sportage is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Kia Sportage emerges as the preferred choice for consumers looking for a blend of style, performance, technology, and value.
Choose the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if:
- Fuel efficiency and hybrid performance are your top considerations.
- You prefer a vehicle with a rugged look and feel.
- Safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features are important to you.
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Choose the 2023 Kia Sportage if:
- You value distinctive styling and a standout appearance.
- Advanced technology and interior features are a priority.
- You're looking for a competitive price coupled with an industry-leading warranty.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Kia Sportage is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Kia Sportage emerges as the preferred choice for consumers looking for a blend of style, performance, technology, and value.
Choose the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if:
Shop Now- Fuel efficiency and hybrid performance are your top considerations.
- You prefer a vehicle with a rugged look and feel.
- Safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features are important to you.
8836 results
Choose the 2023 Kia Sportage if:
Shop Now- You value distinctive styling and a standout appearance.
- Advanced technology and interior features are a priority.
- You're looking for a competitive price coupled with an industry-leading warranty.
9806 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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