Kelley Blue Book: The 2023 Kia Sorento vs. the Toyota RAV4: Which one is better?

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Americans bought more SUVs last year than cars and trucks combined. Their high seating position, great cargo space, and easy-driving character make them the right choice for more buyers than any other kind of vehicle.

If you’re SUV shopping, you’ve come across the Toyota RAV4. Most months, it’s America’s best-selling SUV. The Kia Sorento, though, may be a better solution for many drivers. Let’s compare and contrast these two popular SUVs.|

2023 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a Goldilocks vehicle. It’s not much bigger than a compact, 2-row SUV, making it easy to handle in tight traffic and urban settings. But it packs a third row, fuel economy numbers like a smaller vehicle, and a low starting price of $30,090. Kia also offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

Kia Sorento highlights

That third row: Most SUVs in this price range – not to mention this size – seat just five. The Sorento, however, has a third row of seating. To keep the vehicle in this size range, it’s not as roomy as the third row of a Telluride. But if you’ll be hauling kids or adults for short rides, it gives you flexibility the RAV4 doesn’t offer.

Second-row captain’s chairs: Even if you don’t use your third row often, seating might be the best reason to buy a Sorento. Its available second-row captain’s chairs offer more space and comfort than the standard bench in most SUVs, including the RAV4.

The longest warranty in the business: Kia’s
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outstanding 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides a sense of security most cars can’t give you. Your Sorento can shield you from a big repair bill, even nine years down the line.

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2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4


Toyota

America’s best-selling SUV, the RAV4, has been the right answer for a tremendous number of people. It’s well-rounded, with solid fuel economy, solid resale value, and balanced driving characteristics. Toyota
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also sells both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version. Prices start at $27,975.

Toyota RAV4 highlights

Lower Starting Price: The RAV4 offers just two rows, but that lets Toyota charge a lower starting price. The base RAV4 costs less than the base Sorento, and the top-of-the-line RAV4 costs less than the top-of-the-line Sorento.

Strong resale value: Toyota won Best Brand in our most recent 5-Year Cost to Own Awards because it has been known for quality for decades, and used car shoppers know it. Your RAV4 is likely to hold its value well.

Five-star safety score: The Sorento earned four stars in federal crash testing, but the RAV4 claimed the top score of five stars. Both vehicles earned the Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Similarities

Both come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed transmission or in hybrid or plug-in hybrid forms

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Conclusion

SUV shoppers might be happy with either the Toyota RAV4 or the Kia Sorento. The RAV4’s lower starting price, slightly higher safety scores, and better standard fuel economy make it an attractive option. But the Sorento’s long warranty means as much as strong resale value in many buyers’ calculations, and its seating options make for a more flexible vehicle.

Only your priorities can tell if one of those combinations appeals more to you.

Specifications

2023 Kia Sorento

2023 Toyota RAV4

Starting Price

$30,090

$27,975

Popular Powertrains

Engine

2.5-liter 4-cylinder

2.5-liter 4-cylinder

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6,100 rpm

203 hp @ 6,600 rpm

Torque

181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm

Transmission

8-speed automatic

8-speed automatic

Fuel Economy

24 city/29 highway/26 combined mpg

27 city/35 highway/30 combined mpg

Also Available

2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder; AWD; hybrid; plug-in hybrid

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, AWD

Specs

Basic Warranty

5 years/60,000 miles

3 years/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty

10 years/100,000 miles

5 years/60,000 miles

NHTSA Overall Safety

4 stars

5 stars

Max Seating Capacity

7

5

Wheelbase

110.8 inches

105.9 inches

Overall Length

189.0 inches

180.9 inches

Width

74.8 inches

73.0 inches

Height

66.7 inches

67.0 inches

Turning Diameter

18.96 feet

36.1 feet

Headroom, Front

40.3 inches

39.5 inches

Headroom, 2nd Row

39.1 inches

39.5 inches

Headroom, 3rd Row

36.8 inches

N/A

Legroom, Front

41.4 inches

41.0 inches

Legroom, 2nd Row

41.7 inches

37.8 inches

Legroom, 3rd Row

29.6 inches

N/A

Shoulder Room, Front

59.1 inches

57.8 inches

Shoulder Room, 2nd Row

58.1 inches

56.4 inches

Shoulder Room, 3rd Row

53.0 inches

N/A

EPA Cargo Volume

12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet

N/A/37.6/69.8 cubic feet

This story originally ran on KBB.com.