Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Sportage
The Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 43 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 3 measured categories, the Kia Sportage leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Toyota RAV4
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2015–2027
Kia Sportage
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 69 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Toyota RAV4 | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 43 mpg | 43 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 47 mpg ✓ | 42 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 40 mpg | 44 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,450 | $1,450 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 72 g/mi | 55 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEV | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity | Regular Gas and Electricity, Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 69 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
RAV4 vs Sportage: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Toyota RAV4 or the Kia Sportage?
The Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 43 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Sportage runs about $1,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,450 for the Toyota RAV4 — a difference of roughly $0 per year.
What engines do the RAV4 and Sportage offer?
Toyota RAV4: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEV. Kia Sportage: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sportage as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: toyota-rav4-vs-kia-sportage