When choosing your next compact SUV, this 2025 Kia Sportage vs Toyota RAV4 comparison is worth a closer look. These two are longtime favorites for a reason—they’re practical, efficient, and packed with features. But depending on what you’re looking for, one might suit your lifestyle better than the other. Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
- As of April 23, 2025, 2025 Kia Sportage trims are $28,785 to $39,685; the 2025 Toyota RAV4 starts at $30,645 and goes up to $38,950.
- There are minor changes to the RAV4 and virtually none to the Sportage for 2025.
- While compact crossovers aren’t great for towing, the Sportage has a larger capacity.
Which Compact SUV Is Better on Price and Options: It’s a Tie
There are no new changes to the ever-popular and reliable Sportage, which comes with plenty of trim options and price levels to suit every buyer.
- LX: $28,785
- EX: $30,885
- X-Line: $33,685
- SX: $34,385
- SX-Prestige: $36,385
- X-Pro: $37,885
- X-Pro Prestige: $39,685
Most everything carries over unchanged for the RAV4 from 2025; however, Toyota dropped the Adventure and TRD off-road models from its lineup for 2025, and the advanced all-wheel-drive system they came with is no longer available. The streamlined lineup features the following trims:
- LE: $30,645
- XLE: $32,155
- XLE Premium: $35,045
- Limited: $38,950
Which Compact SUV Is Better on Power and Towing: It’s a Tie
The 2025 Sportage features one engine—a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder that pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive.
The RAV4’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is admittedly stronger, delivering 203 horses. It also mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive.
Towing is where the Sportage shines in this comparison. While you shouldn’t expect massive hauls with a compact crossover, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 can tow 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Sportage beats that number heartily with a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds with the right gear.
Which Compact SUV Has More Room: 2025 Kia Sportage
The RAV4’s interior hasn’t been refreshed since 2019, while the Sportage’s interior saw its glow-up in 2023, and the difference in modernity and comfort is obvious. The Sportage and RAV4 are close in interior dimensions, but the Sportage has more room to spare, particularly in its rear seat legroom, with 3.5 inches more than the RAV4—sure, it’s a just a few inches, but that little extra space means a lot with a packed car on a long journey.
The Sportage features more cargo space as well, with 39.6 cu.ft. behind the back seat and a solid 74.1 cu.ft. of space behind the first row. The RAV4 trails, with just 37.6 cu.ft of space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cu.ft., all told. Again, that few feet makes a big difference depending on what you’re hauling.
Which Compact SUV Is Your Best Bet: 2025 Kia Sportage
At the end of the day, both the 2025 Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 bring a lot to the table, but if you’re after more interior space and a stronger towing capacity for those weekend getaways, the Sportage edges ahead. Contact us at Alan Jay Kia if you’re ready for a test drive!