Compact SUVs are the most popular and best-selling class of vehicles today, offering practicality, value, and efficiency in a package that’s still easy to drive and park. There are over a dozen contenders vying for your attention, and they all bring unique strengths to the table. The 2025 Kia Sportage, for example, boasts fresh design and tech, while the 2025 Toyota RAV4 remains the best-selling model in its class thanks to a reputation for quality and resale value established over decades.
Here we compare the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 to see which might be the best compact SUV for you.
2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage is part of an impressively large lineup, which means there’s a model for just about every type of buyer. Kia’s best-selling model is available in seven trims, from the base LX to the top-line X-Pro Prestige. Powering them is a 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional or standard on the upmarket X-Pro trims. The Sportage is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, which we review separately.
This generation of Kia Sportage debuted just two years ago, and one look at its stylish exterior and tech-laden interior is proof that the Sportage is the fresher of the two models compared here.
Kia Sportage Highlights
Dual-screen displays: All Kia Sportage trims except the base LX include a slick 12.3-inch center touchscreen with navigation (the LX has an 8-inch screen), and all come with either a 12.2-inch or 12.3-inch instrument display. In addition to displaying a bounty of helpful information, these screens look great.
Blind-Spot View Monitor: Speaking of tech, we love this advanced safety system that’s available on the Sportage. When the turn signal is engaged, it displays real-time video of the Sportage’s left or right rear blind spots. The RAV4 offers no such tech.
Excellent warranty coverage: Kia has warranties that its rivals just can’t match. They include a 5-year/60,000-mile standard warranty, plus powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s far better than what Toyota offers.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models near you.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the original compact SUVs, debuting in the U.S. in 1996. The 2025 RAV4 is now in its final year of this generation before an all-new one arrives for the 2026 model year. Yet the model for sale today still has a lot to offer and attracts many buyers. In fact, it was the third-best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2024. Like the Sportage, the RAV4 is also offered as a hybrid, in addition to a plug-in hybrid. We focus on standard gasoline models here. Like the Sportage, the RAV4 uses a 4-cylinder engine and a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, rather than the continuously variable type that others use — and which can drone under acceleration.
Toyota RAV4 Highlights
12.3-inch digital display: Standard on the Limited trim, this customizable, all-digital instrument cluster adds panache to the top RAV4, and at least matches what the majority of Sportage models have.
Ventilated front seats: Also standard on the Limited, you’ll be thankful for this feature anytime the temperature rises.
Digital rearview mirror: This option gets you a rearview mirror that can switch from a traditional mirror into a digital screen that shows a wide, camera-based image of what’s behind you. It’s an asset when your view is otherwise compromised by cargo or passengers’ heads in the back seat — and it can’t be found in the Sportage.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RAV4 models near you.
Similarities
Both of these compact SUVs have generous cargo space, similar power output, an impressive standard suite of technology and safety features, and traditional 8-speed automatic transmissions.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Sportage Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$28,785 |
TBD |
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$30,885 |
TBD |
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$33,685 |
TBD |
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$34,385 |
TBD |
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$36,385 |
TBD |
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$37,885 |
TBD |
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$39,685 |
TBD |
New 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prices
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Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,645 |
TBD |
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$32,155 |
TBD |
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$35,045 |
TBD |
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$38,950 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sportage vehicles and New 2025 Toyota RAV4 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2025 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | automatic, 8-speed w/direct & sequential shift |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg | 27 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 180.9 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 67.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.3 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 37.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.3 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.5 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | 37.5 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 74.1 feet | 69.8 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Despite this being a contest between a fresher model (the Sportage) and one in its last year of this generation (the RAV4), this match is almost too close to call. If you like the idea of innovative technology, an unbeatable warranty, and forward-thinking design, the Kia Sportage will probably be your choice. If you don’t mind more familiar styling and prioritize a vehicle with an enviable reputation that still holds its own regarding feature set, the Toyota RAV4 remains an excellent choice. Our advice is to establish your budget, test drive both, and see which wins your heart and mind.
