Kia Sportage vs Toyota RAV4 comparison

With a budget of about 1.5-2 million rubles, you can safely count on buying an excellent car from one of the leading manufacturers. Chasing premium brands is definitely not worth it. Here the emphasis is on reliability, economy and practicality. The optimal choice for many city dwellers, who periodically get out of the village, is increasingly becoming a crossover. Some people prefer a compact SUV, others choose mid-size models.

The most popular and objectively the best cars in this segment are the South Korean Kia Sportage and the Japanese Toyota RAV4.

General technical information

To compare the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 with each other, it is worth looking at their technical characteristics, appearance, and organization of the interior. This will make it possible to draw certain conclusions about the practicality, economy and expediency of buying one or another SUV version.

At the end of 2018, the world premiere of the new generation RAV4 produced by Toyota took place. But the novelty will reach Russian consumers only by the end of 2019. It will immediately be a Japanese crossover of domestic assembly. In the meantime, the 4th generation remains relevant.

A restyled version of the 2016 model year is currently on sale. Outwardly, it was transformed against the background of the pre-styling version, received new equipment and an updated interior.

Toyota RAV4 is built on the Toyota MC platform with a monocoque body and a transverse engine. The suspension is fully independent with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link system in the rear. Already in the base, the steering comes with electric power assistance. All brakes are disc, front ventilated. ABS, EBD and BAS systems are provided as standard. Front-wheel drive or plug-in full.

Kia Sportage 4 generations, relevant so far, were shown in 2015. To create the South Korean crossover, an upgraded platform from its predecessor was used. Like the RAV4, the suspension is fully independent with multi-link rear and MacPherson struts in front. The steering rack and pinion mechanism is supplemented by an electric booster. The front brakes, like the rear ones, are disc brakes, but they also have ventilation. ABS, EBD and BAS systems are installed as standard. Front-wheel drive or plug-in full.

Technically, the cars are very similar to each other. Therefore, they need to be compared by other parameters in order to determine the favorite.

Exterior

It's worth starting with the most subjective criterion. When choosing between Toyota RAV4 or Kia Sportage, many initially look at the exterior.

The exterior of the Japanese crossover looks quite solid and moderately modern. Although some note rather simple solutions and a prominent rear massive stern.

Kia Sportage received a proprietary radiator grill, fairly swift body lines, and optimal proportions.

Each car is beautiful and interesting in its own way. Everyone has different tastes, and therefore it is impossible to talk about the visual superiority of one crossover over another. The consumer will judge the appearance based on his preferences.

But it is important to say about the external dimensions. Although the RAV4 is a compact crossover, its dimensions are on the verge of falling into the mid-size segment:

• length 4605 mm .;
• height 1670 mm .;
• width 1845 mm .;
• wheelbase 2660 mm.;
• ground clearance 197 mm.

But it will not work to make claims for going beyond its class to the 4th generation Kia Sportage. Everything is pretty expected here:

• length 4480 mm .;
• heights 1635 mm .;
• width 1855 mm .;
• wheelbase 2670 mm.;
• ground clearance 182 mm.

With the larger size of the Japanese, the Korean even surpasses the opponent in wheelbase. But the Kia's ground clearance is standard, which can affect off-road capability.

Interior and luggage compartment

It is also worth comparing two crossovers from Japan and South Korea in terms of interior decoration and interior organization.

In the 4th generation Sportage, the interior is in many ways reminiscent of the flagship South Korean SUV Sorento Prime. Stylish and expensive appearance, dashboard slightly turned towards the driver, modern multifunction steering wheel. The new generation Sportage has managed to increase the interior space. As a result, it became much more comfortable for tall passengers. There is more space in the legs and above the head. The sofas are comfortable, with a pronounced profile. The finishing materials are also solid. The advantages include improved sound insulation. How comfortable 3 adult passengers will be in the back is a moot point. Maximum comfort is available for 2. But the low center tunnel makes it quite comfortable to sit in the middle.

The luggage compartment is designed for 503 liters without a spare wheel. If you add it to the package, the trunk will be reduced to 491 liters. The wide hold and low loading height made loading and unloading more convenient.

Inside the RAV4, the features of Lexus crossovers can be traced, which is quite logical. The interior looks fresh, modern and pretty. It is immediately obvious that this is a 21st century car. There are no complaints about finishing materials. The salon is designed for 5 people, including the driver. The front seats offer pronounced lateral support and many adjustments. The backrest can be tilted at the back. There is enough space in all directions. You can sit with three of us, but only two can get real pleasure.

The trunk holds 506 liters. And this is taking into account the presence of an incomplete spare wheel under the raised floor. The rear sofa folds down like the Sportage, more than 3x the space.

Absolute equality so far. The two cars are worthy of each other, and it is impossible to determine the obvious favorite.

Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities

Comparison of technical parameters will help to determine who is better - the South Korean Kia Sportage or the Japanese Toyota RAV4.

For the current 4th generation RAV4, 3 engines, 3 boxes and 2 drive options are available.

• The base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 146 hp. Powered by gasoline. Combines with 6MKPP or continuously variable variator. Front-wheel drive or full. It accelerates from zero to hundreds in 10.2-11.3 seconds. Average fuel consumption is 7.4-7.8 liters per 100 km.
• The top-end gasoline engine has a volume of 2.5 liters with a return of 180 horses. Accelerates to hundreds in 9.4 seconds. Comes only with four-wheel drive and 6АКПП. Consumption per 100 km. will average 8.6 liters.
• The 2.2-liter diesel version with a turbine generates 150 horsepower. Comes only with a gun and all-wheel drive. It picks up from one place to a hundred in 10 seconds, consuming an average of 6.7 liters of diesel fuel.

The Kia Sportage also has 3 engines, 2 of which are gasoline and another diesel.

• The base is considered to be 2.0 MPI with a capacity of 150 horsepower. It is completed with an automatic machine or a mechanic with 6 steps. Average fuel consumption of 7.8-8.3 liters per hundred. The crossover accelerates to 100 km / h in 10.5-11.6 seconds.
• Next comes the 4-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 177 horsepower. Combines only with all-wheel drive and a 7-band robotic gearbox. Requires 7.5 liters per 100 km. paths. It can accelerate to hundreds in 9.1 seconds.
• The top-end 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 185 hp. Comes only with four-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic. Acceleration takes 9.5 seconds. up to a hundred, but the average consumption is about 6.3 liters in the combined cycle.

And again, none of the crossovers has a clear superiority. Although the Kia is somewhat more dynamic, there are no problems with fuel consumption. Yes, the new generation RAV4 will surpass these figures, but so far the Sportage has pulled out a little ahead.

An intermediate comparison makes it clear once again that the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 are equal and worthy rivals.

Cross-country ability and handling

You can now determine which is better between the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage crossovers by looking at their capabilities on and off the road.

In both cases, we are talking about urban compact SUVs.At the same time, Toyota's ground clearance is noticeably higher. Plus the body configuration adapts the car slightly better to driving outside the asphalt. You shouldn't count on excellent all-terrain capabilities, but the RAV4's cross-country ability is slightly better than that of the Sportage.

The handling in the case of the Korean crossover evokes pleasant emotions. The car is quite low, with good aerodynamics. It behaves confidently at high speed, the electric booster works accurately and without delay. In corners, the roll is almost not felt. The RAV4 feels roughly the same, but the Toyota feels heavier. But this is a relative advantage, since traditionally for the Japanese brand, their SUVs are docile, agile and stable.

If you are a fan of measured driving, do not like to step on the gas unnecessarily and enter sharp turns, both crossovers will definitely suit you. At the same time, the off-road characteristics are somewhat better for the Japanese SUV. But for Kia there is a special GT Line package with more sporty suspension parameters.

Security and electronic assistants

There is no significant difference between the installed security systems. In the basic configuration of the two crossovers, you can already see ABS, EBD and BAS.

In addition, from the start, the Toyota RAV4 boasts an uphill start assist system, TRC, VSC, EBS and TSC. And there will be 7 airbags at once.

The basic equipment of the Kia Sportage is somewhat simpler, a number of electronic assistants are not present, and they appear in the top versions. And in terms of the number of airbags, it was not possible to get ahead of the competitor or even catch up with him. There are 6 of them. Not so little, but less than that of the RAV4. But ABS is paired with ESC.

Yes, in terms of equipping with electronic assistants, the Kia Sportage is slightly inferior to the more advanced RAV4 crossover from Toyota. But don't forget about the difference in starting cost.

If you compare both cars, then the 2019 Kia Sportage, like the Toyota RAV4, belongs to the category of modern SUVs with a wide range of security systems and electronic assistants. Kia is slightly inferior, but this is far from critical. The lack of some of the systems available for the RAV4, but not offered by the Sportage, will simply not be noticed by many consumers. According to the same crash test results, the result is equally high in both cases.

Service costs

The confrontation between Kia Sportage VS Toyota RAV4 enters the home stretch. Quite a significant issue is the cost of cars, as well as the cost of their maintenance and maintenance.

The South Korean SUV looks like a favorite here. Kia cars are traditionally more affordable and cheaper in Russia. Yes, this is not the same impeccable level of reliability as in the case of Toyota, but we cannot talk about total domination. The Sportage also has a number of benefits. One is more affordable service and lower operating costs.

Toyota will be more expensive to maintain. But this is justified by the resource and reliability of the units. Here Kia is still lagging behind. When buying a RAV4, you can be sure that the car will serve reliably and faithfully for at least 10 years. But in the case of Kia, the first doubts will arise after about 5 years of operation. Therefore, the owners rush to get rid of the Koreans more often after running 100-150 thousand kilometers. This is not an indicator for the RAV4. The crossover will surely pass the same amount. And with proper operation, it can serve 300-500 thousand km. before the first major replacements and repairs of the main units.

Options and prices

As of 2019, the current 4th generation RAV4 from Toyota is more expensive than the Kia Sportage.

For the basic equipment of the Japanese crossover, official dealers ask from 1.5 million rubles. In the same version, albeit with less equipment, the Kia Sportage will cost 1.3 million from the start. The top version of the GT Line starts at 2.25 million rubles. From the same amount, they begin to offer RAV4 in the richest performance. Taking into account all the options, the price tag exceeds 2.5 million.

The difference of 200 thousand rubles for the basic configuration does not seem so significant. Many will give preference to the Kia Sportage. The starter version is quite rich, offers a number of systems, a set of 6 airbags, an audio system, air conditioning, etc.

The basic components of the basic configuration of the Toyota RAV4 are similar to the Kia Sportage, but there is something that the Korean cannot offer. Hence the difference of 200 thousand rubles. In the top, in both cases, there will be multimedia, large light alloy wheels, climate control, leather interior and other privileges of expensive trim levels.

Although the Toyota RAV4 is more expensive, it has richer equipment and an extended equipment list. Kia Sportage looks decent against the Japanese, although in some respects it is inferior. That still doesn't make the RAV4 an obvious favorite. Much depends on the buyer's budget and what he expects from the car in terms of equipment.

Who to give preference to

It is really difficult to make the final choice. Only the buyer himself will be able to decide what is preferable to choose specifically in his case.

Toyota RAV4 is positioned as a more status car, it is famous for its reliability, unpretentiousness, offers a decent level of basic equipment and resource engines. But this crossover is more expensive than the competitor.

Kia Sportage is a more compact car, but spacious inside, with a decent luggage compartment, a good choice of power units. The basic equipment also looks solid against the background of a status opponent.

If you want to save a little without losing much quality, you should take the Kia Sportage. If you can afford to spend more money, wanting the most modern equipment and a larger SUV with decent flotation, buy the RAV4. There is one more thing. A new generation of the Japanese crossover will soon enter the Russian market. It might be worth the wait. The prices will not differ much, but this is a new generation machine, with a new and improved platform. The choice is yours.