2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, reminiscent of French automotive styling. Its distinctive features, such as the bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, added a touch of class to this compact crossover. The interior was modernized with synthetic leather upholstery, offering a durable and animal-friendly alternative to traditional leather, although it lacked the same luxurious feel. The driver’s seat provided excellent visibility, and the dashboard was dominated by an impressive display, though some areas of the cabin were more typical of the compact-crossover class.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, while fitting in with the general vibe of current crossover designs, offered a unique blend of angular flourishes and crisp lines. Its exterior was characterized by expressive headlights and a snub-nosed grille, creating a playful yet aggressive appearance. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design included distinctive geometric patterns that tied various cabin elements together, providing a cohesive and stylish look. The RAV4’s fit and finish elevated the overall feeling of quality, making it a mature and sophisticated choice in the crossover segment.

The 2023 Kia Sportage was powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering front-wheel drive as standard on the LX trim, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Despite its increased size and power compared to the previous model, the Sportage's performance was not particularly quick, especially when compared to the previous generation's turbocharged engine. The Sportage offered decent off-road capability with 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models, although it lacked the more advanced off-road features available in other markets.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime models offered enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, with the Prime delivering an impressive 302 horsepower and the ability to run on electricity alone for up to 68 kilometres. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring on AWD models, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, with its increased dimensions, offered a spacious interior with impressive rear-seat legroom of 1,050 mm and 966 mm of rear headroom. The trunk provided 1,121 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded down. The front seats featured ample storage options, including a cubby ahead of the shifter, tandem cupholders, and a spacious centre console bin. However, the Sportage's technology, particularly the touch-sensitive HVAC controls, could be frustrating to use, as they required navigating dual-functionality buttons.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still classified as a small SUV, offered a generous cargo capacity of 1,059 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided a comfortable and roomy space for four adults, with plenty of legroom and storage options throughout the cabin. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable, but the overall interior design was practical and user-friendly.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on EX-and up trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. While the technology was impressive, the lack of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on higher trims was a notable drawback. The Sportage offered Bluetooth, keyless entry, and a wireless charging pad on higher trims, with a Harman Kardon audio system available on the X-Line Limited.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch screen available on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The RAV4 Prime offered advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and an available bird’s-eye view camera system. The RAV4's technology package was comprehensive, providing a range of features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a robust suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera as standard. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim included advanced features like a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist, although these were not available on lower trims. The Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.