2022 Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage SUVs Comparison

toyota rav4 vs kia sportage

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable SUV, you can stick your options to a Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage. As both SUVs are well-made vehicles known for their quality performance and durability.

When buying the cheapest vehicles, budget and vehicle costs play an important role in choosing the right vehicle. In addition to being a newer model than the competitor’s 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs the 2022 Sportage is priced lower, making it a great option for many drivers. 

The compact SUV segment impresses with its style, smooth dynamics, and user-friendly interior. Both Vehicles stand out for all the right reasons, and we want to prove it. 

This Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage comparison looks at the specs and features that matter most to you. Discover performance, technology, and much more of our auto experts at Locar Deals.

2022 Kia Sportage Review

compare toyota rav4 and kia sportage

New for the 2022 model year, the Sportage now offers the Nightfall Edition instead of the S-Finish. The new trim is named LX Value Edition package with Smart Key with push-button start, dark gray 18-inch wheels, and heated front seats.

Suggestion For Reading: 2022 Kia Sportage Price, Review, Specs, Features & Photos

In addition, the panoramic sliding roof is now standard in the EX equipment. Now you will get free new map updates to feature in the EX Tech Package and SX Turbo that include new points of assessment for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features.

2022 Kia Sportage Specifications

  • MSRP: $24,090 – $35,250
  • Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 23 City / 3o Hwy 
  • Horsepower: 181 hp
  • Capacity: 5 Seats
  • Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

What is New In 2022 Kia Sportage?

The 2022 Kia Sportage remains largely unchanged for the new year. The S version is ditched in favor of a more comprehensive LX value package that closes the price and features gap for this popular small SUV. 

In the 2023 model year, you will be able to see a redesign of the model. The 2022 Kia Sportage is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that gives you 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a torque capacity of 175 lb-ft. at 4,000 rpm.

Different Trim Levels Of Kia Sportage

kia sportage vs toyota rav4

As a two-row compact SUV with five comfortable seats, the Kia Sportage 2021 offers a variety of amenities, regardless of the equipment variant selected. 

The 2022 Kia Sportage is available in four trim levels: base model LX, Nightfall Edition, EX, and premium trim SX Turbo. With this suite of unique options, you’re guaranteed to find exactly the Kia Sportage features you want. 

The LX version comes with the same motor along with the S and EX versions. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder develops 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

How Much Does the 2022 Kia Sportage Cost?

MSRP for the front-wheel-drive 2022 Sportage LX is $ 24,090, while the AWD starts at $ 25,590. The LX model serves as the base model in the range and comes with a 2.4-liter engine with 181 hp. 

An optional package for the Sportage LX is the LX Value Edition Package (FWD and AWD), which costs $ 2,100. These are the prices of the different variants of the Kia Sportage 2022: –

  • LX with 2.4L engine (FWD) – $24,090
  • LX with 2.4L engine, (AWD) – $25,590
  • Nightfall Edition with 2.4L engine, (FWD) – $28,090
  • Nightfall Edition with 2.4L engine, (AWD) – $29,790
  • EX with 2.4L engine, (FWD) – $28,390
  • EX with 2.4L engine, (AWD) – $29,890
  • SX with 2.0L turbo engine (FWD) – $33,750
  • SX with 2.0L turbo engine (AWD) – $35,250

Sportage Engine Performance and Power

 2021 toyota rav4 vs 2021 kia sportage

The 2022 Kia Sportage is a vehicle that, thanks to its exceptional performance features, enables you to master your daily adventure without worries or breaks. 

It’s a model with a fresh new look that delivers performance and capability in style. One of the two engine options available for the Kia Sportage 2022 is a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine which offers a great combination of performance and fuel efficiency. 

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The 2.4-liter engine is capable of producing power specifications of 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel Economy of Kia Sportage

With the standard 2022 engine and front-wheel drive, the Sportage can expect an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG. 

After adding AWD Feature you will get a respectable 22 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG. If you go for an available turbo engine, the EPA-estimated fuel economy will decrease due to impressive performance.  Yet at 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG, it’s still pretty remarkable.

Interior Design & Cargo Space of Sportage

With a total of 129.3 cubic feet of passenger space, the spacious interior of the Kia Sportage 2022 naturally also offers plenty of cargo space. 

When you consider the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats that allow you to expand passenger or cargo space as needed, you shouldn’t have a problem stowing what you need.

Advance Features Of Kia Sportage

You will get all the advanced features in the Nightfall Special Edition of 2022 Kia Sportage. The S-Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Premium Edition replace the S and Premium sunroof package variants on the 2020 model and offer sleek new exterior features that stand out on the road.

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This includes black trim along with the front bumper, rear skid plates, and fog lights. In addition, the exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels are equipped with blackened center caps. 

When it comes to detailed surfaces, each Nightfall Edition also has a unique Sportage logo along with the tailgate.

How Safe is the Kia Sportage?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Kia Sportage received an overall rating of five stars. 

In the event of a frontal collision, however, the SUV offers 4-star protection for the driver. In the safety test of the IIHS, the Sportage was one of the best safety options for the 2022 calendar year.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Reviews

2022 toyota rav4 vs 2022 kia sportage

As part of the fifth generation, the Toyota RAV4 2022 will only receive new adventure equipment, which not only improves the off-road capabilities of the SUV but also has a new hybrid-electric drive with i-AWD as standard. 

Following the same recipe above, the regular Toyota RAV4 will be powered by the same 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, while the RAV4 Prime will have the same engine but tuned to 302 horsepower.

Full Specification of 2022 Toyota RAV4

  • MSRP: Starting at $27,500
  • MPG: 25 City / 28 Hwy 
  • Horsepower: 203 HP
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain: FWD, AWD
  • Seating: 5

What is New In 2022 Toyota RAV4?

The fifth-generation RAV4 started a new era for this compact SUV. Ditching its softer design from previous years.

It adopted a bold new look that added an upright posture, flat nose, sharp truck-like grille, flared wheels, thick body trim, defined body lines, and more. 

It looks and feels like a legitimate off-road crossover, especially in its TRD off-road trim. As a carry-over, we expect that the RAV4 will continue to look the same in 2022.

Different Trim Levels Of Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 comes with six trim levels. These include LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Offroad, and Limited. The LE is the basic Rav4, while the XLE has conveniences like ignition and keyless entry, as well as USB ports.

The XLE Premium comes with larger wheels, a sunroof, and synthetic leather. If you choose the Adventure, you lose the sunroof but gain higher roof beams and a larger touchscreen.

How Much Does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Cost?

comparativa toyota rav4 vs kia sportage

We expect prices for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 to start around $ 27,000 and end at around $ 36,000. The basic equipment of the RAV4 is known to be well equipped, but it can become even more beautiful by moving up the model range. 

The RAV4 range offers a great variety, such as the robust TRD off-road equipment, the premium Limited model, and several other options in between.

Toyota RAV4 Performance and Power

Toyota RAV4 performance begins with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

Overall, the powertrain makes 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque along with up to 30 mpg on the highway. That means you get the performance you need for any adventure, along with efficient performance so you go for it as the best SUV for towing travel trailers.

Fuel Economy of Toyota RAV4 2022

We expect the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2022 to continue to use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in conjunction with electric motors for a total system output of 219 hp. 

In some tests, the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid ran from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, making it much faster than the standard RAV4. 

The fuel economy for 2022 should be similar to that of the 2022 RAV4 hybrid, which has a solid city/highway rating of 41/38 mpg.

Interior Design & Cargo Space of Toyota RAV4

toyota vs kia

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has room for five people. Behind the rear row of seats, you will find 37.6 cubic meters of storage space, with the seats folded down there is a total of 69.8 cubic meters.

If the same model persists as the previous year, the dimensions of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 will be 181-182 “L x 73” W x 67-69 “H. You can also choose from 16 exterior finishes.

Advance Features Of Toyota RAV4

It comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a WiFi access point, and a USB input / charging port. 

In terms of safety, the RAV4 LE 2022 has a collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane and lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition.

A package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, and a reversing camera are available.

How Safe is the Toyota RAV4?

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This rating is made up of four stars in the frontal crash and rollover test and five stars in the side crash test. 

In IIHS testing, the RAV4 achieved good grades in all crash categories in 2022, helping it win a Top Safety Pick Award in 2022.

2022 Toyota rav4 vs 2022 Kia Sportage Comparison – Which Is Good For You?

As both SUVs have packed a lot of features and specs up to a point. To be able to better compare the 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Kia Sportage, we first provided the prices, interior design, specifications, and safety ratings of sport utility vehicles. 

Now we are going to see an in-depth comparison between Kia and Toyota SUV, which is the perfect way to get a great model. 

Those looking for a combination of capacity and efficiency will quickly compare the 2022 Kia Sportage with the Toyota RAV4. We are here with some important tips to help you find a better vehicle for you.

1. Price

If we compare any two vehicles, We notice the price of both. The same is true when we make a comparison between Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage

The starting price of the Kia Sportage is $ 2,500 less than the Toyota rav4. And the top equipment of the Kia Sportage is cheaper than the top version of the Toyota Rav4. So if we look at the price parameter, the Sportage is ideal for this purpose.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

2. Interior Design

In the Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage, you feel comfortable and connected every time you drive. Keep your favorite sunglasses close at hand in the Sportage’s roof rack, which is not available on the RAV4.

Additional interior features are exclusive to the Kia Sportage 2021. In terms of interior design, the Kia Sportage is making its way into the battle between Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

3. Performance

The 2022 Kia Sportage leads the way in terms of peak performance compared to the RAV4’s gasoline range. 

The Sportage SX has a GDI 2.0 turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque – that’s a lot more than the gasoline engine in the RAV4. 

While both SUVs are available with all-wheel drive, the Kia Sportage models offer the powertrain upgrade at a lower price than the RAV4 all-wheel-drive models.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

4. Technology 

The 2022 Kia Sportage may be a compact SUV, but it is great value for money and has more features than the Rav4. 

In particular, the Sportage offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on a large 8-inch touchscreen on the base panel. If you want to have these features in the Toyota Rav4, you will have to spend a lot of money opting for one of the taller and more expensive models. 

On the high-tech extreme sport, Sportage wins in the 2022 Toyota rav4 vs 2022 Kia Sportage debate.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

5. Towing Capacity

When horsepower, torque, and towing capacity are taken into account, the 2020 Kia Sportage gives you the best. With Sportage, you can choose between two four-cylinder engines. 

The Toyota Rav4 only offers a 203 hp, 184 lb-ft engine. of the pair. And when you put those engines to the test, the Rav4 manages to pull just 1,240 pounds while the Sportage can hit around 2,000 pounds.

To transport bigger things, Kia Sportage outpaced our comparison of the Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

6. Reliability

The reliability rating of the Toyota RAV4 is 4.0 out of 5.0, which is third out of 26 for compact SUVs. 

The average annual repair cost is $ 429, which means you have a great cost of ownership. On the other hand, the Kia Sportage’s reliability index is 4.0 out of 5.0, which puts it in sixth place out of 26 for compact SUVs. 

The average annual repair cost is $ 462, which means you have a great cost of ownership. Both SUV reliability ratings are the same, but the Toyota RAV4’s annual repair cost is lower when we compare Toyota rav4 and Kia Sportage.

Winner: 2022 Toyota RAV4

7. Handling

The Sportage has standard gas-filled shocks in the front and rear for better control on bumpy roads. The Rav4 Hybrid’s suspension does not have gas shocks. 

The Sportage has speed-dependent power steering with variable support for energy-saving parking, better control at highway speeds and in sharp corners, as well as a better driving experience. The Rav4 Hybrid does not offer power steering with variable assistance.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

8. Safety

Both models are equipped with features such as lane departure warning and lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. 

Where the Kia shines, however, is the standard blind-spot collision warning and the driver attention warning. Additionally, based on your driving habits, the Driver Attention Alert can recognize when you are feeling tired and alert you when the system thinks it is time for you to take a break from the road. 

To receive the blind spot warning on the Toyota, you have to upgrade to a higher equipment variant and there is no driver attention warning. 

When we consider all these points, Kia Sportage leads again in the comparison of Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

9. MPG

The Kia Sportage sets a solid standard with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 23 city / 30 highway MPG. 

It’s a solid sum, although the Toyota RAV4 outperforms it by up to 28 MPG city / 35 highway. With the Toyota SUV, you go a little further on less fuel.

Winner: 2022 Toyota RAV4

10. Final Verdict

With a choice between the 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs the 2022 Kia Sportage, Now finding your next SUV is easy. 

After going through all of these points we can say that you will enjoy the 2022 Kia Sportage on engine performance and interior space for both driver and passengers and considering safety and price and interior design.

Winner: 2022 Kia Sportage

Top FAQs About Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage

Which is better between Kia Sportage or RAV4?

When comparing the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage, Kia Sportage outperformed the Toyota RAV4 in many criteria such as price, interior, performance, technology, handling, and safety. Then you can go to Kia Sportage.

Is a RAV4 bigger than a Kia Sportage?

In the Toyota, passengers get 41 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 54.3 inches of hip room. Passengers in the 2022 Kia Sportage get 39.3 inches of headroom, 41.5 inches of legroom, and 54.3 inches of hip room. As you see, The Kia Sportage is smaller than the Toyota RAV4, making parking easier.

Is Kia Sportage performance better than Toyota RAV4?

Yes, Sportage and RAV4 have largely similar engines with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. The Sportage, however, offers a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine with 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque; the RAV4 does not have a drive train that can match this performance.

Final Thought

In our Toyota RAV4 vs. Kia Sportage comparison, the Kia Sportage outperformed the Toyota RAV4 in head-to-head competition. 

This compact SUV offers maximum value thanks to an exceptional package with plenty of passenger comfort and space, all covered by an unrivaled warranty. If you’re like a more valuable vehicle, you’ll find the new 2022 Kia Sportage to be the best bang for your buck.

Dylan Miller

I am a Chicago native and regular contributor to "Locar Deals". I have a master's degree in English, am an automobile content creation specialist, and have written professionally for a variety of automotive companies over the past few years. I write on a variety of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to ten-year-old gas guzzlers and everything in between. And I love sharing valuable car buying tips with consumers from all walks of life.

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