Head-to-head
2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 edges it, 96.1 to 91.8, on tech & comfort, performance, fuel & range. The Kia Sportage is ahead on price and space & cargo.
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2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sport…
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A2026 Toyota RAV4
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4, is EPA-rated at 43 mpg c…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota RAV4
Slight edgeThe Toyota RAV4 edges it, 96.1 to 91.8, on tech & comfort, performance, fuel & range. The Kia Sportage is ahead on price and space & cargo.
Tech & comfort 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 34.1
Price 2026 Kia Sportage leads by 9.7
Performance 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 9.6
| Category · weight | 2026 Kia Sportageoverall 91.8 | 2026 Toyota RAV4overall 96.1 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 90.3 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 97.2 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 96.6 | 95.4 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 95.3 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 88.3 | 97.9 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 65.9 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 91.8 | 96.1 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Kia Sportage: base trim LX FWD · Toyota RAV4: base trim LE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Toyota RAV4 wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (22 points against 14.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It makes 226 hp against 187.
- It lists 25 standard driver-assist features against 23.
Where the 2026 Kia Sportage answers
- It starts $3,110 lower ($28,790 against $31,900 base MSRP).
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (40 against 42 filed with NHTSA).
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
51 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $31,900 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | Atkinson Cycle |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,497 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 4-cyl, GDI, DOHC 16-Valve, P1+P2 motors | 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 226 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 25 mpg | 47 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 28 mpg | 43 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 33 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.648:1 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | — |
| Transmission type | automatic | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in | 8.1 in |
| Overall height | 65.4 in | 66.7 in |
| Overall length | 184 in | 181 in |
| Overall width | 73.4 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 109 in | 106 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 74.1 cu-ft | 70.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 39.6 cu-ft | 37.8 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 98.9 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.6 in | 37.9 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.4 in | 39.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.4 in | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | 41.3 in | 37.8 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,697 lbs | 3,640 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,434 lbs | 3,640 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,740 lbs | 4,920 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | McPherson Strut, Stabilizer and High-Performance Dampers | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link Independent, Self-Leveling, Stabilizer Bar | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Column Type - Motor Driver Power Steering (MDPS) | Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack-mounted parallel-type |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19.3 ft | 36.9 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 320 mm | 305 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 300 mm | 282 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 7 in | 7.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 235/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.3 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Toyota Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.5 in | 57 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 55.6 in | 56.4 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
84 features · differences first, then sharedSafety21 differ · 35 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance - Junction Turning (FCA-JT) | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA2) | std | — |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision - Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | opt | — |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning - Forward (PDW-F) | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning - Reverse (PDW-R) | std | — |
| Rear side (2nd row) airbags | std | — |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | — | std |
| Adjustable front shoulder anchors | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | opt | std |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | — | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold | — | std |
| Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | — | std |
| Front and rear side-impact door beams | — | std |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | — | std |
| Rear Occupant Alert (door-logic system) | std | — |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | — | std |
| Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) | — | std |
| Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Eco Mode (DRCC) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0 (TSS 4.0) — Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Eco Mode (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Proactive Driving Assist | std | std |
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) | std | std |
| Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | std |
| Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert | std | std |
Infotainment10 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch audio display unit with navigation and ccNC, Wireless Apple CarPlay TM, Android Auto TM, Sirus XM and Bluetooth | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Spotify® – separate subscription required) compatibility. 30-day trial subscription with Unlimited Hotspot Data | — | std |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone and voice-command via steering wheel | — | std |
| 10.5-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 360L with 3-month trial | — | std |
| 2 - 15w front USB-C charging ports and 1 center console media USB-C charging port | — | std |
| Drive Connect — 1-year trial for Limited AWD, XSE, GR SPORT; capable/subscription required for others | — | std |
| Drive Recorder Dash Cam- integrated drive recording system that utilizes front and rear (front and Panoramic View Monitor if equipped) camera systems for video recording | — | std |
| Remote Connect — 1-year trial subscription | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| Service Connect — 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| Steering wheel controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | std |
Convenience5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, and panic functions, power liftgate and remote illuminated entry | std | — |
| One 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet in front instrument panel storage tray and one 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet [12v] in cargo area | — | std |
| Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic functions, and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| 12V Power outlets (x2) | std | — |
| Driver and Passenger's central door lock | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual zone automatic climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | — | std |
Seating4 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support | opt | — |
| Heated front seats | opt | — |
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | opt | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
| 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
Interior5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, integrated multimedia information, odometer, tripmeters, clock, outside temperature, rear passenger seatbelt indicators, fuel gauge, hybrid energy monitor, battery charge meter, fuel economy information, trip timer, shift-position and scheduled maintenance indicators, and warning messages | — | std |
| Interior door handles - metal paint | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accent and controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | — |
| Overhead console with maplights, sunglasses storage and Safety Connect® button | — | std |
| Front seatback pockets | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | std |
Exterior10 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Front Windshield | std | — |
| Low-profile black roof rails | — | std |
| Outside mirror turn signal indicators | opt | — |
| Piano black heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators | opt | — |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) - inflator based | std | — |
| Auto light control (ALC) | std | — |
| Color-keyed upper front bumper, and satin black lower front bumper, overfenders and rear bumper | — | std |
| Hidden single muffler | std | — |
| LED High Mounted Stop Lamp, integrated into rear spoiler | std | — |
| Spare Tire/Wheel Temporary | opt | std |
| LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and front side marker lamp with chrome accent, Automatic High Beams (AHB) | std | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Privacy glass on all rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
Powertrain0 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| FWD (LE, SE, XLE Premium) | std | std |
| Center console with covered storage compartment, reversible armrest/console tray, two cup holders, drive mode (trail, snow, normal and EV mode), auto LSD/VSC, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and automatic Brake Hold controls, and front storage tray | std | std |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo area tonneau cover | — | std |
| Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia Sportage
Safety Signal 97 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 40 · 5 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (10), Electrical System (10)
Top recalls
- minor Electrical System 26V046000 · 42,677 vehicles
Toyota RAV4
Safety Signal 94 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 42 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (17), Unspecified (13), Electrical System (8)
Top recalls
- minor Engine And Engine Cooling 26V659000 · 30,978 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V571000 · 135 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia SportageLX FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28,790 (base trim) | $31,900 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $28,790 – $47,190 16 trims | $31,900 – $48,500 13 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV, GAS | HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Sportage Hybrid FWD | RAV4 |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 42 | 43 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,600 | $1,550 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Kia Sportage or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 edges it, 96.1 to 91.8, on tech & comfort, performance, fuel & range. The Kia Sportage is ahead on price and space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota RAV4 scores 96.1 and the 2026 Kia Sportage 91.8. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Kia Sportage or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The 2026 Kia Sportage starts lower — $28,790 against $31,900, a gap of $3,110 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Kia Sportage or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
2026 Kia Sportage: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 1 recall. 2026 Toyota RAV4: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 2 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Kia Sportage and the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Where the 2026 Toyota RAV4 wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (22 points against 14.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), makes 226 hp against 187, and lists 25 standard driver-assist features against 23. Where the 2026 Kia Sportage answers: it starts $3,110 lower ($28,790 against $31,900 base MSRP) and has drawn fewer owner complaints (40 against 42 filed with NHTSA).