The Toyota RAV4 is the most popular compact SUV in the country, but that's mostly due to its good reputation. In other words, it doesn't hold the truth, and a much-anticipated vehicle is about to rub its nose in it.
The Kia Sportage, which will be brand new for 2023, will have all the tools to compete with and even surpass its Japanese rival. Let's see how it will measure up.
Assertive styling
When it comes to design, Kia is not afraid to be daring, and the lines of the 2023 Sportage prove it. The model's signature is very strong. It's nice from the front, the back and also from the side. In fact, the cut of the vehicle is magnificent, nothing less.
With RAV4, we have a much more generic looking SUV. So, in this respect, the advantage goes to the 2023 Sportage, because the RAV4 remains a styling model that's a little less distinctive than its rival.
Space
The new Sportage is bigger than the one it replaces. Its length is up 7.1 inches to 183.5 inches. That's more than the Toyota RAV4 (180.9 inches). Same story with the wheelbase, which jumps 3.4 inches to 108.5 inches. With the RAV4, it's 105.9 inches.
This translates into two obvious benefits inside; more room for second row occupants, as well as more cargo space. Full figures are not yet available, but we do know that the Sportage's trunk will be larger than the RAV4's (1,121 liters versus 1,062 behind the second row of seats).
Luxury
Kia may be known as a generic automaker, but its sister division has always played the luxury card to a higher level. So, as you move up the lineup, you'll enjoy a model that offers a richer environment inside. This can be seen in the level of equipment offered for the price, but also in the quality of the materials offered, as well as the quality of the presentation.
Finally, even though we haven't yet taken the wheel of the new 2023 Sportage, we know that it will be more solid than the RAV4. The latter has shown some misfires in terms of stability and obstacle avoidance during tests. At Kia, all recently introduced product levels have proven to be more solid; we expect the same thing with the Sportage.
And yes, a plug-in hybrid version will also be included. And yes, we shouldn't have to wait two years to get it.
In every way, the Kia Sportage will have nothing to envy to the Toyota RAV4. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, trust us, the wait will be worth it.
