VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
236hp @ 6000
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
172lb-ft
Fuel
24 mpg est.
42 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Toyota Rav4 produces 236hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Sorento returns 24 mpg est. while the Rav4 uses 42 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,290 for the Sorento and $41,300 for the Rav4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
236hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
172lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
42 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
45 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
39 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
181in
Width (in)
74.8in
73in
Height (in)
66.7in
67in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3979lbs
3825lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sorento
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Rav4
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price ($38,290)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Toyota Rav4
Better fuel economy (42 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Rav4?
The Sorento gets 24 mpg est. and the Rav4 gets 42 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rav4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sorento or Rav4?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Rav4 delivers 236hp @ 6000 and 172lb-ft of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Rav4?
The Sorento starts from $38,290 and the Rav4 from $41,300. The Sorento is cheaper by $3,010 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Rav4?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Rav4 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Rav4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.