Shoppers searching for a compact SUV typically have a simple list of wants in their potential new vehicle: plenty of cabin space, great style, good fuel economy, and the ability to handle a little bit of rough roads. The Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4 certainly hit all those marks. The Sorento has been growing in popularity recently, while the RAV4 has been Toyota’s top-selling vehicle for years.
Let’s check out the Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is on the large end of the compact SUV range. It’s large enough for an available third row, which is a rarity in this segment. It’s not a massive space, and it’s ideally suited to haul smaller people on shorter trips.
Powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder, you can upgrade to a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a turbocharger. It pushes the output to 281 hp, but the average combined fuel economy only drops from 26 mpg to 23 mpg. All-wheel drive (AWD) is also available. For 2025, the X-Line and X-Pro trims get new black badging.
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Class leader: Kia’s warranty coverage is as good as it gets. Kia backs the Sorento with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
X-Line: The X-Line models in the Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.
Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology, which is standard on all Kia Sorento models, includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The exterior of the RAV4 retains its squarish, angular overall look for 2025. Although it’s gotten a few updates during the past decade, it’s still very recognizable and attractive — one of the reasons why the RAV4 is a big seller. Unlike the Kia Sorento, every RAV4 has two rows of seats.
According to our reviewer, the RAV4 gets power from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder putting out 203 hp, which is “above average” for its class. Owners of this vehicle aren’t looking for big towing capacity but big fuel economy, which they get — it’s rated at 30 mpg combined.
The interior of the RAV4, even more so than the exterior, is familiar. It’s a simple setup, and if you’re tired of doing everything through a touchscreen, the RAV4 will be a welcome change, offering the right mix of touchscreen and knobs and buttons. For 2025, Toyota eliminated the outdoor-oriented Adventure and TRD Off Road models, leaving four trim packages to choose from. Despite the cuts, the RAV4 provides something for various buyers. A hybrid and PHEV are optional but not part of this comparison.
Toyota RAV4 Highlights
Awesome audio: The 11-speaker, 800-watt JBL system offers a premium audio experience. It comes standard on the Limited and optional in the Adventure, XLE Premium, and TRD Off-Road models.
All-wheel drive: All-wheel drive is a popular option on the RAV4, offered at a reasonable $1,400.
Big screen: Buyers can option up a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster — except on the Limited trim, where it’s standard equipment.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RAV4 models near you.
Similarities
These two SUVs feature appealing looks, ample cabin space, good safety, and convenience technology. They’re among the top sellers in the segment.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Sorento Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,405 |
$31,831 |
|||
$36,305 |
$34,671 |
|||
$39,505 |
$37,845 |
|||
$43,105 |
$41,109 |
|||
$43,205 |
$41,360 |
|||
$44,905 |
$42,834 |
|||
$47,805 |
$45,715 |
|||
$48,805 |
$46,208 |
New 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,645 |
$29,532 |
|||
$32,155 |
$31,154 |
|||
$35,045 |
$33,951 |
|||
$38,950 |
$37,263 |
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 Sorento 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 Sorento | 2025 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| 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 | automatic, 8-speed | automatic, 8-speed w/direct & sequential shift |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 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 | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 180.9 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 67.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.0 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 37.7 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 |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 12.6 feet | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 45.0 feet | 37.5 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.5 feet | 69.8 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Yes, you can squeeze in two more people in the Kia Sorento than the Toyota RAV4, but they’ll complain most of the time they’re back there unless they’re under 5. The Toyota RAV4 has been the best or second-best seller in the segment for over a decade. Quality, fuel economy, interior space, and a lower starting price all point to the RAV4.
