2023 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

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 Sportage was available in five trim levels in Canada, starting with the LX trim, which offered front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which, while durable, didn't quite match the feel of genuine leather. The interior boasted a large display dominating the dash in higher trims, though some hard plastic elements detracted from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, truck-based SUV appeal with a design that harkened back to the 1970s. The 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, featured retro body stripes, bronze wheels, and unique badges, adding a nostalgic touch. The interior was purposeful, with solid plastic components and easy-to-use controls, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design emphasized functionality, with a focus on off-road capabilities and a spacious, comfortable cabin. However, the analog gauges and smaller infotainment display reflected its more traditional approach to technology.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it provided slightly more power than its predecessor, it lacked the punch of the previous turbocharged engine. The Sportage's fuel economy was commendable, with figures of 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 on the highway for front-wheel drive models. The all-wheel drive version had slightly higher consumption. The Sportage's off-road capabilities were adequate for typical crossover buyers, with 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD system. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 L/100 km combined, and it excelled in off-road conditions with 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered increased interior space compared to its predecessor, with 1,050 mm of rear-seat legroom 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. The front seats featured ample storage options, though the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating to use. The Sportage's larger size positioned it as a more competitive option in its segment.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area offered good legroom and headroom, while the optional third-row seat was less comfortable and reduced cargo space. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. The rear window, which powered down into the tailgate, added a unique touch, enhancing ventilation and providing an immersive driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster in the X-Line Limited. While the technology was impressive, the lack of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in higher trims was puzzling. The Sportage offered Bluetooth, keyless entry, and a wireless charger as standard, with additional features like a Harman Kardon audio system available in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with options for navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2023 Kia Sportage came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim offered advanced safety features such as a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist, though crash-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less favourable, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.