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The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most efficient SUVs on the market. In general, the RAV4 has been battle tested and proven to be a great affordable SUV that is not only reliable but light on the gas as well. However, with the Koreans catching up with Hyundai and Kia SUVs rolling off the assembly line, it’s only a matter of time before the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid meets its match.
It turns out, the Germans have found that match. According to a recent article by German auto house, Auto Bild, the Kia Sportage hybrid is more driver oriented while the RAV4 Hybrid is more centered around the road and how it drives. The RAV4 is a little taller than the Sportage but once you hop into the driver’s seat, you can tell that the cabin was an afterthought with the Kia boasting more modern designs and a mini-screen housing display.
The RAV4 does have a bigger engine compared to the turbo-powered Kia but it also responds to the hybrid system a little better, almost like the 3rd generation Prius. Engineering wise, it is said by experts that hybrid cars with a turbocharged engine typically only have the hybrid system for better torque and not for efficiency. We can see this on the brand new 2023 Toyota Tundra. The Tundra has a twin turbo v6 hybrid set up which doesn’t get a lot of MPGs but it has excellent torque.
Frankly, the Sportage is a great car if you want a more modern car that you’ll want to take care of. But if you want a great minimalist hybrid SUV that has proven reliability then I would recommend the RAV4 Hybrid. Both are great cars but honestly it comes down to driver preference.
What do you think? Which of the two do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun and on YouTube at Toyota Time for daily Toyota news.
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Comments
I traded a Prius 3rd gen for
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I traded a Prius 3rd gen for a Rav4 hybrid 2022. I may say the hybrid system in Toyotas are almost flawless. I know there are other compact SUVs that are more esthetically appealing and may have more modern interior, but I know my RAV4 will take me throughout the country doing my job trouble free, as it has done it for 42000 miles so far
Buying the hybrid RAV4 over
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Buying the hybrid RAV4 over the Kia because Toyota's proven hybrid/battery system has great reliability and cheaper parts. Really like the Kia interior with all the bells and whistles but it just seems like there is more there to breakdown, plus leery of maintenance on a turbo engine. Going for the XSE trim.