2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in Canada in four trim levels, offered a range of options from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited exceeding $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in its US equivalent, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements, though it was more about appearance than off-road capability. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents and contrast stitching, with a relatively basic centre console. The RAV4's interior, while functional, leaned towards a more pedestrian feel, with the Limited trim offering a more premium experience. The RAV4 provided a variety of upholstery options and comfort features across its trims, culminating in the Limited trim with heated and ventilated seats and memory settings.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride. The Sorento's exterior featured a bold new grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and updated taillights, giving it a more imposing presence. The interior saw significant updates with a new dashboard design and combined gauge and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The Sorento's cabin materials were upgraded, offering a more upscale feel, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on higher trims. The Sorento's trims included the rugged X-Line and the new X-Pro, both offering aggressive styling and off-road capabilities. The Sorento's interior space was comfortable in the first two rows, with a tighter third row, but it offered more room than some competitors. The Sorento's cabin was well-assembled, with logical controls and ample storage space.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, with its standard all-wheel drive, was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more functional than thrilling, with acceleration described as unobjectionable. The RAV4 Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models, providing a stable ride but not excelling in off-road conditions.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options, with the base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which struggled with the Sorento's weight. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided more lively performance, with zero-to-100 km/h times in the mid-seven-second range. The Sorento's all-wheel-drive system was standard, with varying ground clearance depending on the trim. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and improved engine cooling, allowing for a higher towing capacity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear with the moonroof. Front legroom measured 1,039 mm, while the second row offered 960 mm, making it competitive in front-row space but less so in the rear compared to rivals. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it mid-pack in its class.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, with 1,052 mm of front legroom and 1,060 mm in the second row. The third row was tighter, with 752 mm of legroom, but it offered more space than some competitors. The Sorento's interior was well-designed, with ergonomic controls and ample storage. Cargo space was limited to 357 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 1,090 to 1,274 litres with it folded, and up to 2,139 litres with all seats down, providing competitive storage capacity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RAV4 Trail trim did not receive the upgraded multimedia system, which was reserved for the Limited trim, along with an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version for the Limited trim.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen standard across all trims. The gauge cluster varied, with lower trims having a 4.3-inch display and higher trims featuring a second 12.3-inch digital display. The new infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit," prioritized popular features and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento offered a Bose 12-speaker audio system on top trims and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access and sharing.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering advanced driver-assistance systems. It earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered an extensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced options included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento had not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received good ratings.