According to burlingtonkia.com
Exterior Comparison
While Toyota completely ditched the previous styling of the Rav4, the new versions dated exterior still hints of its previous highly criticized exterior. On the other hand, the Sportage has consistently been praised for having one of the sharpest exteriors in its segment, while the Sportage comes with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, the Rav4 offers consumers less stylish steel wheels.
Under the Hood
While the Rav4 offers consumers a single 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 176 horsepower, the Kia Sportage offers consumers a choice of two different powerful engines. The base Sportage offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that mirrors the Rav4's horsepower of 176. However, the Kia Sportage SX offers consumers an unparalleled 2-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that delivers a staggering 260 horsepower. In addition, the Sportage SX includes sports shift paddles, which makes the vehicle's driving experience significantly more responsive and fun. The turbocharged engine of the Sportage SX delivers blistering acceleration and propels the vehicle as the fastest vehicle in its class.
Fuel Economy
The Rav4 delivers excellent fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 24/31 mpg city/highway, while the Kia Sportage delivers 20/27 mpg city/highway.
Cargo
While the Toyota Rav4 offers massive cargo space with 73.3 cubic feet (second row folded), the substantial cargo space of the Kia Sportage (54.6 cubic feet) more than suffices. In addition, the 2013 Kia Sportage features an ingenious lower cargo floor, which makes loading and unloading cargo extremely easier. Consumers and expert writers have continually praised the Sportage's lower cargo floor as being an amazing benefit to the owner.
Interior
The Kia Sportage offers a phenomenal value package with standard satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. In addition, the available panoramic sunroof, navigation system, backup camera, push-start button, automatic headlights, and dual zone climate control offers all of the features of a high end vehicle. The Rav4 offers many of the same features but lacks satellite radio and doesn't offer the convenient overhead storage.
Safety
Simply put, th
e NHTSA Front driver crash test rated the Sportage an impressive 5 stars, while the Rav4 is not rated. In addition, the Sportage offers standard front active headrests which helps prevent whiplash and hill assist control which supports drivers on steep hills and descending slopes, while neither of these standard Sportage features are even available on the Rav4.
Overall Value
The Kia Sportage offers an amazing value and is typically priced less than the Rav4. The value grows with Kia's 60-month/60,000 comprehensive warranty, compared to the Rav4's 36-month/ 36,000 mile warranty. In addition, the Sportage's powertrain warranty offers 120-month/100,000 mile-warranty, while the Rav4 only offers a 60-month/60,000 powertrain warranty.
Conclusion
The Kia Sportage offers more power, more interior features, a more stylish exterior, and a significantly better warranty. Even then, the Rav4 has certain benefits over the Sportage like its MPGs. All things considered, the 2013 Kia Sportage's significantly lower pricing point creates a gap that nothing about the Rav4 suggests it can overcome.