Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sorento

The Toyota RAV4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 37 mpg for the Kia Sorento, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $200 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota RAV4 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2026

Toyota RAV4

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations

43mpg combined (best)
All Toyota RAV4 specs

2015–2027

Kia Sorento

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 74 configurations

37mpg combined (best)
All Kia Sorento specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricToyota RAV4Kia Sorento
Best combined MPG43 mpg37 mpg
Best city MPG47 mpg39 mpg
Best highway MPG40 mpg36 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,450$1,650
Lowest CO2 output72 g/mi105 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEVSIDI; Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI
TransmissionsAutomatic (AV-S6), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S8)Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8), Automatic (S8)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, Regular Gas and ElectricityRegular, Regular Gas and Electricity
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20262015–2027
Configurations on record7274

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

RAV4 vs Sorento: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Toyota RAV4 or the Kia Sorento?

The Toyota RAV4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 37 mpg for the Kia Sorento, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $200 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota RAV4 runs about $1,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,650 for the Kia Sorento — a difference of roughly $200 per year.

What engines do the RAV4 and Sorento offer?

Toyota RAV4: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEV. Kia Sorento: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sorento as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More RAV4 comparisons

Comparison id: toyota-rav4-vs-kia-sorento