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

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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-0.78%
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

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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+1.12%
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

This story originally ran on KBB.com.