Kia Sportage vs. Toyota RAV4

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, the 2025 Kia Sportage and 2025 Toyota RAV4 are sure to be prominent contenders. The Sportage, in particular, is styled to impress with LED projector headlights, sleek black molding, and high-utility roof rails to support any adventure. Amenities such as a panoramic sunroof and smart power liftgate add to the experience.

The Toyota RAV4 has a more traditional shape with timeless appeal. Details such as its panoramic glass roof keep this SUV competitive in its class. Check out our head-to-head comparison to learn more about pricing, features, and capabilities and find out why we think the Kia Sportage has the edge.

Pricing and Value

The Kia Sportage is less expensive than the Toyota RAV4, with a starting MSRP of $27,190. The similarly equipped RAV4 starts at $28,850. This price difference presents an immediate saving if you choose the Sportage — an important place to start if you’re a budget-conscious consumer.

Beyond the initial cost, the Sportage offers a more extensive warranty, with limited warranty coverage for five years or 60,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles. In comparison, Toyota’s limited warranty coverage lasts just three years or 36,000 miles, and its powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Kia’s extensive warranty coverage underscores the automaker’s confidence in the Sportage’s durability while offering you greater peace of mind.

Interior Comfort and Space

The 2025 Kia Sportage boasts a spacious and well-appointed interior, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. You’ll enjoy 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Features such as a dual-level cargo floor and 60/40 split-folding rear seats maximize storage space and flexibility. The Kia’s modern design will have you cruising the streets of Lynn in comfort, with available features including heated and ventilated front seats and a 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment.

While the RAV4 offers a comfortable cabin, some of its premium amenities are limited to higher trims. The cabin itself is also smaller, with just 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

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Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Under the hood, the Sportage is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This delivers 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Normal, Smart, and Sport drive modes let you customize your experience. While most trims come with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on selected models and standard in the X-Line AWD. With AWD, you also unlock a fourth drive mode optimized for snow, perfect for chilly Massachusetts winters. The powerful Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds, making it a great choice for adventurous families who want to haul a canoe, Jet Ski, or motorcycle trailer.

In the Toyota RAV4, you’ll find a comparable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the RAV4’s engine produces slightly higher horsepower, though, the Sportage’s performance is optimized for a balanced and responsive driving experience. The RAV4 falls behind in functionality, too, as it can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.

When it comes to pure efficiency, the RAV4 pulls ahead slightly with 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. The FWD Sportage gets 25 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. In the AWD model, EPA estimates drop slightly to 23 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount in the Kia Sportage, which comes with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies provided as standard. The 2024 Sportage was recognized as a 2024 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard driver assistance features in the 2025 model include:

• Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and car detection
• Park distance warning (rear)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane following assist
• Driver attention warning
• Rear occupant alert

Higher trim levels also offer additional driver assistance features. In the SX and above, you’ll enjoy navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go and curve navigation. The SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige offer a wide range of additional assistance features, including a blind-spot view monitor and 360-degree surround view monitor.

The Toyota RAV4 offers a comparable suite of safety and driver assistance features, including:

• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
• Hill-start assist and downhill assist control
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5

A panoramic view monitor with overhead view is also available as part of an optional package.

Technology and Connectivity

The Sportage’s infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a standard 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Touch-sensitive controls under the infotainment screen provide intuitive access to the stereo and climate systems. Higher trims offer a larger 12.3-inch display and additional connectivity options, such as wireless charging and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Seat-side USB-C charging ports in the second row provide convenient charging opportunities for passengers.

The Toyota RAV4 similarly features an 8-inch infotainment screen in lower trims. In the top trim, you’ll get a 10.5-inch screen, although this still doesn’t match the superior experience on offer in the Sportage. Optional upgrades include a premium JBL audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad for your smartphone.

Experience the Kia Sportage at Pride Kia of Lynn

While both vehicles offer a strong selection of features, the Kia Sportage distinguishes itself in several key areas, making it a superior choice for discerning drivers. With better pricing, warranty coverage, interior comfort, technology, and towing capacity, it’s hard to argue against the Sportage. The Kia’s core advantages make it a compelling choice if you’re seeking a reliable, feature-rich, and value-oriented compact SUV.

Our team is ready to help you schedule a test-drive, compare trims, and secure financing for your perfect SUV. Experience the benefits of the 2025 Kia Sportage for yourself at Pride Kia.

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