The 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage: Two Honest Hybrid Savers

Let’s take a look at how the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 stack up against each other.

Toyota and Kia go very different ways when it comes to hybrid drive : The new RAV4 is de facto a further developed Prius 3 in SUV dress, relies on a naturally aspirated engine with a generous 2.5 liter displacement, intake manifold injection, high compression and fuel-saving, but temperament-controlling Atkinson working principle - and on its patented stepless automatic planetary gear system, which has been tried and tested for 25 years and is fitted with a supporting electric motor.

The Kia, on the other hand, has a small 1.6-liter turbo, direct injection and a six-stage automatic converter with an electric motor in the housing. The five-series RAV4, which has been available since 2019, is not just the more conservative car in terms of looks: slim roof pillars with the exception of the D-pillars, round instruments with needles (are omitted in the facelift since autumn 2022), smaller, attached infotainment screen, physical buttons in abundance, therefore operation little secret and suitable for rental.

Performance

The Kia Sportage offers two engine options – a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower. Both engines offer plenty of power for everyday driving. The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Kia Sportage is the more efficient of the two, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway. The Toyota RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

Space and Comfort

The Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 both offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The Kia has slightly more legroom in the front and rear, while the Toyota has slightly more cargo capacity. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating and plenty of storage compartments.

Technology and Safety

When it comes to technology, both the Kia Sportage and the Toyota RAV4 offer a wealth of features. Standard technology features on the Sportage include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. The RAV4 also comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, but it also adds Amazon Alexa and Wi-Fi connectivity as standard features.

Both vehicles also offer a wide array of driver assistance and safety features. The Kia Sportage comes standard with blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning, while the Toyota RAV4 adds standard adaptive cruise control and a surround view camera system.

Price

The 2023 Kia Sportage starts at $25,990, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a base starting price of $27,575 MSRP. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and packages, so you can customize your vehicle to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Verdict

The Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 both offer a lot of value for the money. The Kia Sportage offers more power and better fuel economy, while the Toyota RAV4 has more cargo capacity and a wealth of technology features. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two vehicles.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: AutoBild.