The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling compact crossover SUV, but it faces stiff competition from its rivals, including the redesigned Kia Sportage. See how the two models stack up in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Kia Sportage comparison.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Kia Sportage: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Kia Sportage comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a higher base engine output and maximum horsepower output than the 2023 Kia Sportage. Engine options for the RAV4 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). 

In comparison, engine options for the Sportage include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower). 

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the fully gas-powered Sportage has an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, while the Sportage Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Towing

The 2023 RAV4 can tow more than the 2023 Sportage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,500 pounds for the Sportage.

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the RAV4 is the better choice for off-road use. This is because it has higher ground clearance than the Sportage (up to 8.6 vs. 8.3 inches). Also, while the Sportage offers rugged new X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims, they don’t match the off-road capabilities of the RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim. The RAV4 also offers two other off-road models with the Woodland Edition and Adventure trims.

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Safety

With its plethora of driving assistance technologies, the Sportage has the advantage for safety. Unlike the RAV4, the Sportage offers features such as safe exit warning, highway driving assist, speed limit assist, and driver attention warning. 

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 Sportage is slightly bigger than the 2023 RAV4, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 74.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the RAV4 has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Warranty coverage

The Sportage has more generous warranty coverage than the RAV4. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the RAV4. However, unlike the Sportage, the RAV4 has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

RAV4 vs. Sportage: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 Sportage? The starting price of the 2023 Sportage ranges from $25,990 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige trim. 

For the 2023 RAV4, the official price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 RAV4 will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 version. The starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Kia Sportage: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Kia Sportage comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 RAV4, advantages include performance, higher fuel economy for the fully gas-powered and plug-in hybrid models, towing, off-road capabilities, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Sportage include higher gas mileage for the traditional hybrid model, safety, passenger and cargo space, and warranty coverage.