The compact SUV section is full of sturdy contenders, and two of the most well-liked selections are the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4. Each provide a number of powertrain choices, superior security options, and roomy interiors. For 2026, the Sportage focuses on tech upgrades and daring styling, whereas the RAV4 receives a whole redesign that builds on its custom of reliability and flexibility, in a variety of trims.
Let’s see how the Sportage and RAV4 examine.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage enters 2026 with a refreshed design and extra customary expertise. It’s constructed for patrons looking for a dapper, feature-rich SUV with ample area and beneficiant worth. Kia provides gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid fashions, making it a flexible alternative for a variety of life.
2026 Kia Sportage Highlights
Powertrain choices: The Sportage provides a number of powertrain choices, beginning with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) gasoline fashions, progressing to a 232-horsepower turbocharged AWD hybrid, and an AWD plug-in hybrid that includes a 268 hp turbocharged engine with 34 miles of all-electric vary.
Journey trims: The X-Line and X-Professional Status fashions function rugged styling and terrain modes (Snow, Mud, Sand) for some off-road use.
Cargo area: The Sportage boasts as much as 74.1 cubic toes with the rear seats folded, making it one of many roomiest in its class. As compared, the RAV4 trails barely with 70.4 cubic toes.
Examine this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Sportage fashions close to you.
2026 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 stays a top-selling compact SUV due to its fame for reliability, effectivity, and practicality. For 2026, all RAV4 fashions have a hybrid powertrain — both a typical hybrid system obtainable with FWD or AWD, or an AWD-only plug-in hybrid powertrain with as much as 50 miles of electric-only vary. The usual RAV4 hybrid fashions go on sale first.
Toyota RAV4 Highlights
Huge alternative of trims: From the bottom LE to the well-equipped Restricted, to the outdoorsy Woodland or the GR plug-in hybrid efficiency mannequin, the 2026 RAV4 could be had in many various flavors.
Plug-in energy: Whereas the 226 hp FWD or 236 hp AWD RAV4 Hybrids ship nice utility, the plug-in hybrid takes issues into the efficiency realm with 320 hp, plus as much as 50 miles of electric-only vary.
Gasoline economic system: The RAV4 achieves an estimated 44 mpg mixed, narrowly edging out the Sportage Hybrid’s better of 42 mpg.
Examine this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the RAV4 fashions close to you.
Similarities
Each the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 provide a alternative of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, giving patrons a variety of effectivity and efficiency choices. Every mannequin comes customary with a complete suite of driver-assist applied sciences, together with lane-keeping help and automated emergency braking, to reinforce security. Inside, each SUVs have spacious cabins with two rows of seats that accommodate 5 folks, in addition to versatile cargo areas that cater to household wants and energetic life. Lastly, they ship sturdy total worth, with Kia standing out for its lengthy guarantee protection and Toyota incomes reward for its distinctive resale worth.
Pricing and Specs Tables
Pricing
New 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Costs
|
Retail Worth
|
Honest Buy Worth (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$33,350
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$32,300
|
|||
|
$36,150
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$35,000
|
|||
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$37,550
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$36,300
|
|||
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$41,350
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$40,000
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|||
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$42,750
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$41,400
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|||
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$44,750
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$43,300
|
The Kelley Blue Guide Honest Buy Worth for any particular person used car can fluctuate tremendously in line with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what patrons are presently paying for New 2026 Kia Sportage autos and New 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s steered retail value (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2026 Kia Sportage | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | |
| Fashionable Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capability | 2,500 kilos | 1,750 kilos |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 183 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 163 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | automated, 8-speed | Computerized, ECVT |
| Gasoline Economic system | 25 metropolis/33 freeway/28 mixed mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Security | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Total Size | 183.5 inches | 181.0 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Top | 65.4 inches | 66.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.3 toes | 36.9 toes |
| Headroom, Entrance | 39.6 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.4 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.3 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.5 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 74.1 toes | N/A |
Specification desk displays the standard configuration of autos proven.
Conclusion
The 2026 Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 are two of essentially the most compelling selections within the compact SUV market. The Sportage lures with a gas-only choice and a decrease beginning value, cutting-edge tech, daring styling, an unbeatable guarantee, plus a barely roomier inside. The RAV4 counters with a contemporary redesign, plug-in hybrid efficiency, and Toyota’s fame for reliability and robust resale worth are your priorities. Study your finances and desires, then take a look at drive each. Both method, you’ll get a flexible, well-equipped SUV that’s prepared for every day life and weekend adventures.
