2025 Kia Sorento vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Comparison

With more and more SUVs hitting the market, it’s getting more difficult to shop by segment. The question of what qualifies as a compact versus a midsize is getting more difficult to answer. Actually, for most buyers, it’s likely not an issue.

The 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Toyota RAV4 are prime examples of great SUVs that are versatile and capable. Reasonably priced, stylish, with loads of the latest technology, these are among the leaders in the space.

Let’s take a closer look at these two popular options.

2025 Kia Sorento

Because it’s somewhere between a compact and a midsize, the Sorento enjoys just enough space to fit a third row. It’s not something you necessarily need, but it’s handy to have for hauling smaller people for short drives.

While the base model comes powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder, you can get another 90 hp for a bit more money. Adding the turbocharger pushes the output to 281 hp, but the average combined fuel economy drops slightly from 26 to 25 mpg. It’s available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as well.

Kia Sorento Highlights

Easy access: All Sorento models with the EX trim and higher feature the Smart Power Tailgate, allowing hands-free opening and closing. This aperture adds a lot of convenience to loading and unloading the cargo area.

X-Line: The X-Line models in the Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.

Drive Wise: Standard on every Sorento, this safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention warning, and more.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.

2025 Toyota RAV4

Like the Sorento, the RAV4 comes in multiple trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited. However, if you were hoping to spend a little time off the beaten path in a 2025 RAV4, you should know Toyota dropped its Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims this year.

However, the compact SUV does enjoy a solid drivetrain, with a 203-hp 4-cylinder coupled to an 8-speed automatic standard across the range. Front- or all-wheel drive is available. It’s responsive and fuel-efficient.

Toyota RAV4 Highlights

Safety tech: The RAV4 has a long roster of driver aids. Every model comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Moving up to the XLE trim adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Cargo volume: Behind its 60/40-split folding rear seat, the RAV4 delivers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. This space is enormous for a compact SUV, and it’s even more than you’ll find in the back of the spacious Outback.

Good fuel economy: The RAV4 is not only affordable, but its 4-cylinder engine returns solid fuel economy, too. The EPA rates it at 30 mpg combined, which ticks down only slightly (to 29 or 28 mpg, depending on trim) when you add all-wheel drive.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RAV4 models for sale near you.

Similarities

The Sorento and RAV4 are relatively affordable, offer plenty of flexibility, and can be loaded with the latest in safety and convenience technology.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2025 Toyota RAV4 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

The Sorento and RAV4 are considered excellent choices in this segment. However, the RAV4 has been Toyota’s top-selling vehicle for years, which tells you about its capability. This is the last year for this generation of RAV4; a new hybrid-only model arrives for the 2026 model year.