Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are an overlooked sector of the automotive market as a transitional point between fully electric vehicles (EVs) and standard hybrid models. With automakers releasing new models at a record pace, determining the best PHEV SUV on the market is often difficult. Here are three advantages the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV has over the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

1. The Kia Sportage PHEV has a lower price

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $39,785, which includes the $1,295 destination fee. Remember that this is a starting price and does not include dealer markups, add-on packages, and options.

The top-of-the-line Sportage X-Pro Prestige trim has a starting price of $44,825 and offers all the features of the lower-level trim packages. The standard all-wheel drive vehicle includes multi-terrain driving modes with all-terrain tires and LED fog lights. Other high-end features include a 360-degree parking camera with remote vehicle parking, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system, a heated windshield, and adaptive cruise control.

Offering plenty of value, the class-leading 2023 Kia Sportage outprices the Toyota RAV4 Prime. According to the Toyota website, the RAV4 Prime has an MSRP of $40,300 for the base model. With a delivery and handling fee of $1,335, the starting price jumps to $41,635, which is considerably higher than the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV.

2. Better standard warranty than the Toyota RAV4 Prime

Kia offers a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty on the 2023 Sportage PHEV. Edmunds reports the automaker also offers an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the drivetrain. There is also a generous five-year/100,000-mile warranty for rust and a five-year/60,000-mile warranty for roadside assistance.

In comparison, Toyota only offers a 36-month/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty on the 2023 RAV4 Prime. The powertrain warranty is only good for 60 months/60,000 miles, half of the time offered by Kia for the same coverage.

According to Toyota, the automaker also offers 60 months of unlimited mileage on a corrosion perforation warranty and 96 months/100,000 miles on the hybrid system. Toyota also offers a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty on the hybrid battery, which is transferable across the ownership. A 60-month/60,000-mile restraint system warranty is also included.

While Toyota does offer decent coverage, the automaker is known for providing the worst warranty in the industry. The standard warranty from Kia is much better, lasting considerably longer than the available coverage offered on the RAV4 Prime model.

3. More ground clearance with the Kia Sportage PHEV

Now in its fifth generation, Kia brags the 2023 Sportage PHEV is one of the largest SUVs in its class. The Sportage offers “best-in-class” rear cargo carrying capacity of 34.5 cubic feet with a spacious 39.5 inches allotted for rear legroom.

The minimum ground clearance on the Kia Sportage PHEV is 8.3 inches on the AWD models. Edmunds reports the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime has a shorter ground clearance of 8.2 inches.

Ground clearance is the space between the lowest part of the vehicle (excluding the tires) and the ground. While the difference between the two SUV models is minimal, the higher the ground clearance, the less chance you have of damaging the bottom of your vehicle by getting caught on obstacles such as speed bumps or low-lying road hazards. It also affects the way your vehicle handles and performs.