Are you thinking about getting behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 or the 2023 Kia Sportage? The RAV4 has several advantages for compact crossover SUV shoppers. Here are four reasons to buy a 2023 RAV4, not a 2023 Sportage.

2023 Toyota RAV4 has better performance than the 2023 Kia Sportage

The first reason to buy a 2023 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2023 Kia Sportage is the RAV4 has better performance than the Sportage. It boasts a higher base engine horsepower and maximum horsepower.

Engine options for the RAV4 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). For the Sportage, engine options include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (261 hp). Also, the RAV4 can tow more, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,500 pounds for the Sportage.

2023 RAV4 is more maneuverable than the 2023 Sportage

The second reason to buy a 2023 Toyota RAV4 instead of a 2023 Kia Sportage is the RAV4 is more maneuverable than the Sportage. This maneuverability is due to a couple of things. First, the RAV4 is slightly smaller than the Sportage, with a shorter length and narrower wheelbase. Also, the RAV4 has a tighter turning circle than the Sportage (36.1 vs. 38.6 feet).

With the greater maneuverability, the RAV4 can more effectively drive through traffic and navigate curves and corners. The maneuverability is also helpful for parking and backing up the crossover SUV.

Toyota RAV4 has higher gas mileage than the Kia Sportage

The third reason to buy a 2023 RAV4 instead of a 2023 Sportage is the RAV4 has higher gas mileage than the Sportage. Considering the record high prices of gasoline, an efficient vehicle like the RAV4 is an appealing choice for crossover SUV buyers.

The 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.

For the Sportage, the gas-powered model 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.

Except for the hybrid variant, every engine type for the RAV4 gets a higher gas mileage. Also, the RAV4 Prime has a higher electric driving range than the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (42 vs. 34 miles).

2023 RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the 2023 Sportage

The fourth reason to buy a 2023 RAV4 instead of a 2023 Sportage is the RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the Sportage. For one, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the Sportage (up to 8.6 vs. 7.9 inches). High ground clearance enables a crossover SUV to more effectively and safely drive over uneven terrain that it encounters in the wilderness.

Also, while the Sportage offers new off-road models with the X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims, they don’t match the off-road prowess of the RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Plus, the RAV4 offers other off-road models, including the Wilderness Edition and Adventure trims.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has advantages over the 2023 Kia Sportage for performance, maneuverability, gas mileage, and off-road capabilities. These are four key reasons for crossover SUV shoppers to buy a 2023 RAV4, not a 2023 Sportage.